CBC · California Building Code

Institutional Group I — classifications and I‑4 (day care) rules

If a non‑residential day‑care has more than six clients it is normally Group I‑4 under § 308.5; however, child‑care spaces with more than six (and up to 100) children under 36 months may be classified as Group E instead when the child‑care rooms are on the level of exit discharge and each room has a direct‑to‑exterior door (§ 308.5.1). Check the small‑facility and dwelling exceptions (§ 308.5.3–.4) and the egress and sprinkler cross references before final design.

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Last reviewed: July 5, 2026

What the code requires

Institutional Group I is the CBC occupancy category for buildings where care or supervision is provided to people who may be incapable of self‑preservation; Group I occupancies are subdivided into I‑2, I‑3 and I‑4 (see § 308.1). For day‑care uses, Group I‑4 covers facilities occupied by more than six clients of any age who receive custodial care for fewer than 24 hours by persons other than parents/guardians, relatives, and outside the clients’ homes (§ 308.5). A limited exception in § 308.5.1 reclassifies certain small‑children child‑care rooms as Group E when stringent location/egress conditions are met.

Requirements in detail

Scope and basic trigger for Group I

Institutional Group I covers occupancies where occupants may be incapable of self‑preservation without physical assistance; the general Group I provision is § 308.1. Where both ambulatory and nonambulatory occupants are present, the more restrictive requirements apply. Restraint is limited to I‑2 and I‑3 when those occupancies are constructed for such use.

I‑4: day‑care (custodial care fewer than 24 hours)

Group I‑4 is explicitly the CBC designation for adult day care and child day care that are not classified as Group E, when the facility is occupied by more than six clients of any age who receive custodial care for fewer than 24 hours by non‑family caregivers and not in the clients’ home (§ 308.5).

When a child day‑care becomes Group E instead of I‑4

A child day‑care facility that provides care for more than six but not more than 100 children under 36 months of age will be classified as Group E rather than I‑4 if:
- the rooms in which the children are cared for are located on a level of exit discharge that serves those rooms, and
- each of those child‑care rooms has an exit door directly to the exterior (§ 308.5.1).
The code also references special provisions for child care located above or below the first story (see § 308.5.1.1 referencing § 452.1.4).

Dwelling and very‑small facility rules

Rooms/spaces within religious worship providing child care during religious functions are treated separately (see § 308.5.2 and § 305.2.1). A facility having five or fewer persons receiving custodial care is handled as part of the primary occupancy (§ 308.5.3). A facility in a dwelling unit with six or fewer persons receiving custodial care is classified as Group R‑3; however, if the occupants are not capable of responding to emergencies without physical assistance from staff, it shall be classified as Group I‑4 (§ 308.5.4).

Means‑of‑egress and related operational thresholds

The CBC and related means‑of‑egress provisions apply to I‑4 occupancies (see cross references in the code excerpts). In particular, there is a specific egress requirement that Group I‑4 spaces where care is provided for more than 10 children aged 36 months or less have access to not less than two exits or exit access doorways (see § 1006.2.2.8). Plan egress sizing and exit count using the appropriate occupant load tables and means‑of‑egress chapters referenced by the I‑4 provisions.

Fire protection and separations referenced for I‑4

Group I‑4 has code cross references to sprinkler requirements and separations (sprinkler protection and related chapter references appear in the Group I listings). Where separations between E and I‑4 are relevant, CBC commentary and tables indicate sprinkler installations can affect required separations (see code cross references to § 903.2.6 and § 903.3.1.1 as they appear alongside Group I summaries). Always consult the Chapter 9/Chapter 4 cross references when designing protection/separation.

Decision table (quick reference)

Decision dimension	Values/thresholds that matter	Classification / outcome	Code Reference
Number of clients/children	More than 6 clients of any age	Group I‑4 (day care)	§ 308.5
Children’s age	More than 6 but not more than 100 children under 36 months	May be Group E instead of I‑4 if location/egress conditions met	§ 308.5.1
Room location	Rooms on a level of exit discharge serving them	Required condition for § 308.5.1 reclassification	§ 308.5.1
Room egress	Each child‑care room has door directly to exterior	Required condition for § 308.5.1 reclassification	§ 308.5.1
Very small facilities	Five or fewer persons receiving care	Classified as part of primary occupancy (see code for specifics)	§ 308.5.3
Dwelling unit, six or fewer	Six or fewer persons in a dwelling unit	Normally Group R‑3; if occupants cannot self‑preserve, classify as I‑4	§ 308.5.4
Egress for infants/toddlers	More than 10 children 36 months or less	At least two exits or exit access doorways required	§ 1006.2.2.8

Exceptions & special cases

Group E reclassification for infants/toddlers is limited: it only applies when there are more than six and up to 100 children under 36 months and the rooms meet the level‑of‑exit‑discharge and direct exterior door requirements in § 308.5.1. If those conditions are not met, the facility remains Group I‑4.
Child‑care spaces within places of religious worship that operate only during religious functions may be classified with the primary occupancy (see § 308.5.2 and § 305.2.1). Licensing by State agencies may also affect classification and required approvals.
Very small care operations (five or fewer) and many dwelling‑based operations have separate provisions and are often treated as part of the primary occupancy or as Group R‑3 unless the occupants require staff assistance in emergencies—then the CBC treats them as I‑4 (§ 308.5.3, § 308.5.4).

If you need the exact text of any ancillary cross‑references (for example, the detailed requirements in § 452.1.4 for non‑first‑story child care, or the sprinkler chapter text) I can pull and quote those sections; they are not fully reproduced here.

Common mistakes

Treating “more than six” as “six or more.” The CBC threshold for I‑4 and Group E triggers uses “more than six” in these sections—pay attention to inclusive/exclusive wording in § 308.5 and § 308.5.1.
Assuming all child care is Group E. Infants and toddlers can be in Group E only when the specific location/egress conditions of § 308.5.1 are met; otherwise child day care is I‑4.
Forgetting dwelling‑unit exceptions: a small group in a dwelling (six or fewer) is typically Group R‑3 unless occupants require physical assistance to evacuate, in which case the facility is I‑4 (§ 308.5.4).
Overlooking egress increases for very young children: special egress counts (e.g., two exits when >10 children 36 months or less are present) are in the means‑of‑egress provisions and must be checked in tandem with occupancy classification (§ 1006.2.2.8).
Neglecting to consult sprinkler/separation tables: automatic sprinklers and Chapter 9 requirements can change allowable separations and some exceptions—coordinate with §§ in Chapter 9 and related tables when planning mixed occupancies.

Worked example

Scenario: A licensed child‑care provider operates a non‑residential facility with three child‑care rooms on the ground floor. The provider cares for 24 children total: 18 children are 20–36 months old and 6 children are over 36 months. Each of the three child‑care rooms opens directly to the exterior and the rooms are on the same level that serves as the level of exit discharge.

Application:

Because more than six children under 36 months are being cared for (18 children) and the rooms meet the § 308.5.1 location/egress conditions (rooms located on a level of exit discharge and each room has an exit door directly to exterior), the facility qualifies to be classified as Group E rather than Group I‑4 per § 308.5.1. That reclassification is limited to facilities with “more than six but not more than 100” children under 36 months that meet the stated egress/location conditions.
Check means‑of‑egress requirements: because more than 10 children 36 months or less are present, verify compliance with the egress rule that such I‑4 spaces would need two exits; if classified as Group E, apply the Group E egress tables and occupant load rules referenced by Chapter 10. In short: the reclassification to Group E may change what specific egress and other construction requirements apply, so reconcile Chapter 3, Chapter 10 and any Chapter 4 special‑occupancy rules.

Related provisions

§ 308.1 — Institutional Group I general scope and restraints (see Group I classification rules).
§ 308.5 — Institutional Group I‑4, day care facilities (primary I‑4 rule).
§ 308.5.1 — Classification as Group E for certain child‑care rooms under 36 months.
§ 308.5.1.1 — Special provisions reference (child care above/below first story; see § 452.1.4).
§ 308.5.2 — Rooms within places of religious worship and related classification considerations.
§ 308.5.3 — Five or fewer persons receiving care — classification as part of primary occupancy.
§ 308.5.4 — Six or fewer persons in a dwelling unit; Group R‑3 vs I‑4 distinction.
§ 305.2 — Group E (child‑care) definition and cross references about infants/toddlers in E.
§ 1006.2.2.8 — Means‑of‑egress: two exits required for certain I‑4 rooms with more than 10 children 36 months or less.
§ 903.2.6 / § 903.3.1.1 (Chapter 9 sprinkler cross references) — sprinkler protection references that interact with separations and exceptions for Group I/E uses.

Code references

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

CBC § 308.4.7 High relevance — show source text
308.4.7 Condition 7. This occupancy condition shall include buildings containing only one temporary holding facility with nine or less persons under restraint or security where limited to the first or second story, provided the building complies with Section 408.1.2.6. A Condition 7 building shall be permitted to be classified as a Group B occupancy.

308.4.8 Condition 8. This occupancy condition shall include buildings containing not more than four secure interview rooms located within the same fire area where not more than six occupants under restraint are located in the same fire area. A Condition 8 building shall be is permitted to be classified as a Group B occupancy, provided the requirements in Section 408.1.2.7 are met.

308.4.9 Condition 9. This occupancy condition shall include buildings where the use of the building is for correctional medical care or correctional mental health care.

308.5 Institutional Group I-4, day care facilities. Institutional Group I-4 occupancy shall include buildings and structures occupied by more than six clients of any age who receive custodial care for fewer than 24 hours per day by persons other than parents or guardians; relatives by blood, marriage or adoption; and in a place other than the home of the clients cared for. This group shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

Adult day care

Child day care (not classified as Group E)

308.5.1 Classification as Group E. A child day care facility that provides care for more than six but not more than 100 children under 36 months of age, where the rooms in which the children are cared for are located on a level of exit discharge serving such rooms and each of these child care rooms has an exit door directly to the exterior, shall be classified as Group E.

308.5.1.1 Special provisions. See Section 452.1.4 of the California Building Code for child care locations above or below the first story.

308.5.2 Within a place of religious worship. Rooms and spaces within places of religious worship providing such care during religious functions shall be licensed by the California State Department Health Services as required by Health and Safety Code Divi- sion 2 Chapter 3.5.

308.5.3 Five or fewer persons receiving care. A facility having five or fewer persons receiving custodial care shall be licensed pursuant to Health and Safety Code Division 2 Chapter 3.5 or 3.6.

308.5.4 Six or fewer persons receiving care in a dwelling unit. A facility such as the above within a dwelling unit and having six or fewer persons receiving custodial care shall be classified as a Group R-3 occupancy , where occupants are not capable of responding to an emergency situation without physical assistance from the staff shall be classified as a Group I-4.

SECTION 309—MERCANTILE GROUP M

309.1 Mercantile Group M. Mercantile Group M occupancy includes, among others, the use of a building or structure or a portion thereof for the display and sale of merchandise, and involves stocks of goods, wares or merchandise incidental to such purposes and where the public has access. Mercantile occupancies shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

Department stores

Drug stores

Greenhouses for display and sale of plants that provide public access

Markets

Motor fuel-dispensing facilities

Retail or wholesale stores

Sales rooms
CBC § 1.4 High relevance — show source text
Consumer fireworks, 1.4G (Class C, Common)

Cryogenic fluids, oxidizing

Category 1B flammable gases having a burning velocity of 3.9 inches per second (10 cm/s) or less.

Flammable solids

Organic peroxides, Class II and III

Oxidizers, Class 2

Oxidizers, Class 3, that are used or stored in normally closed containers or systems pressurized at 15 pounds per square inch gauge (103 kPa) or less

Oxidizing gases

Unstable (reactive) materials, Class 2

Water-reactive materials, Class 2

[F] 307.6 High-hazard Group H-4. Buildings and structures containing materials that are health hazards shall be classified as Group H-4. Such materials shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

Corrosives

Highly toxic materials

Toxic materials

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[F] 307.7 High-hazard Group H-5. Semiconductor fabrication facilities and comparable research and development areas in which hazardous production materials (HPM) are used and the aggregate quantity of materials is in excess of those specified in Tables 307.1(1) and 307.1(2) shall be classified as Group H-5. Such facilities and areas shall be designed and constructed in accordance with Section 415.11.

[F] 307.8 Multiple hazards. Buildings and structures containing a material or materials representing hazards that are classified in one or more of Groups H-1, H-2, H-3 and H-4 shall conform to the code requirements for each of the occupancies so classified.

SECTION 308—INSTITUTIONAL GROUP I

308.1 Institutional Group I. Institutional Group I occupancy includes, among others, the use of a building or structure, or a portion thereof, in which care or supervision is provided to persons who are or are incapable of self-preservation without physical assistance or in which persons are detained for penal or correctional purposes or in which the liberty of the occupants is restricted. Institutional occupancies shall be classified as Group I-2, I-3 or I-4. Restraint shall not be permitted in any building except in Group I-2 occupancies constructed for such use in accordance with Section 407.1.1 and Group I-3 occupancies constructed for such use in accordance with Section 408.1.2.

Where occupancies house both ambulatory and nonambulatory persons, the more restrictive requirements shall apply.

308.2 Institutional Group I-1. Not used. (See Group R-2.1 Section 310.1.)

308.3 Institutional Group I-2. Institutional Group I-2 occupancy shall include buildings and structures used for medical care on a 24hour basis for more than five persons who are incapable of self-preservation or classified as nonambulatory or bedridden. This group shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

Foster care facilities

Detoxification facilities

Hospitals

Nursing homes

Psychiatric hospitals
CBC § 1006.3 High relevance — show source text
Stairway, exit access 1019 Travel distance 1006.3, 1017.2 Separation 420.2, 420.3, 420.6 Sprinkler protection 420.4, 903.2.8 Institutional I-2 [see Institutional Occupancy (see Group I)] 308.3, 407 Accessibility Chapter 11B Assisted toileting and bathing Chapter 11B Alarms and detection 407.8, 407.9 Care suites 407.4.4

Combustible decorations 806.1 Cooking 407.2.6, 407.2.7 Electrical systems 407.11, 2702.2 Hyperbaric facilities 425 Means of egress 407.4

Aisles 1018.5

Corridors 407.2, 407.3, 407.4, 1020.3, 407.4.3 Doors 407.3.1, 407.2.6, 1010.2.13, 1010.2.11, 407.4.4.3, 407.4.4.5,

407.6

Hardware 1010.2.9, 1010.2.13,

407.4.1.1 Lighting 1008.2, 1008.2.4 Stairway, exit access 1019.4 Stairways, exterior exit 1027.2 Travel distance 407.4.2 Medical gas systems 427 Occupancy condition 308.3.1 Smoke barriers 407.5 Smoke compartment 407.2.1, 407.2.3, 407.5

Smoke partitions 407.3 Sprinkler protection 407.7, 903.2.6, 903.3.2

Yards 407.10

Institutional I-3 [see Institutional Occupancy (see Group I)] 308.4, 408 Accessibility Chapter 11B Alarm and detection 408.10, 907.2.6.3 Combustible decorations 806.1 Means of egress 408.2, 408.3, 408.4 Occupancy condition 308.4 Security glazing 408.7 Separation 408.5, 408.6 Smoke barrier 408.6

Smoke compartment 408.4.1, 408.6, 408.9 Sprinkler protection 408.11, 903.2.6 Standby/emergency power 2702.2 Institutional I-4 [see Institutional Occupancy (Group I)] 308.5 Accessibility Chapter 11B Adult care 308.5

Alarms and detection 907.2.6

Child care 308.5

Educational 308.5.1 Means of egress Table 1006.2.1, Table 1017.2

Corridor 1020.2

Hardware 1010.2.7, 1010.2.12.1 Sprinkler protection 903.2.6 Institutional Occupancy (Group I) 308 Accessory 508.2 Adult care 308.5
CBC § 307.8 High relevance — show source text
[F] 307.8 Multiple hazards. Buildings and structures containing a material or materials representing hazards that are classified in one or more of Groups H-1, H-2, H-3 and H-4 shall conform to the code requirements for each of the occupancies so classified.

SECTION 308—INSTITUTIONAL GROUP I

308.1 Institutional Group I. Institutional Group I occupancy includes, among others, the use of a building or structure, or a portion thereof, in which care or supervision is provided to persons who are or are incapable of self-preservation without physical assistance or in which persons are detained for penal or correctional purposes or in which the liberty of the occupants is restricted. Institutional occupancies shall be classified as Group I-2, I-3 or I-4. Restraint shall not be permitted in any building except in Group I-2 occupancies constructed for such use in accordance with Section 407.1.1 and Group I-3 occupancies constructed for such use in accordance with Section 408.1.2.

Where occupancies house both ambulatory and nonambulatory persons, the more restrictive requirements shall apply.

308.2 Institutional Group I-1. Not used. (See Group R-2.1 Section 310.1.)

308.3 Institutional Group I-2. Institutional Group I-2 occupancy shall include buildings and structures used for medical care on a 24hour basis for more than five persons who are incapable of self-preservation or classified as nonambulatory or bedridden. This group shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

Foster care facilities

Detoxification facilities

Hospitals

Nursing homes

Psychiatric hospitals

308.3. 1 Five or fewer persons receiving medical care . A facility with five or fewer persons receiving medical care shall be classified as Group R-3 .1 or shall comply with the California Residential Code provided an automatic sprinkler system is installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.3 of this code or Section R309 of the California Residential Code .

308.3.2 Reserved.

308.4 Institutional Group I-3. Institutional Group I-3 occupancy shall include buildings or portions of buildings and structures that are inhabited by more than five persons who are under restraint or security. A Group I-3 facility is occupied by persons who are generally incapable of self-preservation due to security measures not under the occupants’ control which includes persons restrained. This group shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

Correctional centers Correctional hospitals Correctional nursing facilities Correctional mental health facilities

Correctional treatment centers Courthouse holding facility Detention centers

Detention treatment room

Jails

Juvenile halls

Prerelease centers

Prisons

Reformatories

Secure interview rooms Temporary holding facility

Buildings of Group I-3 shall be classified as one of the occupancy conditions specified in Sections 308.4.1 through 308.5.8 and shall comply with Section 408.

308.4.1 Condition 1. This occupancy condition shall include buildings in which free movement is allowed from sleeping areas, and other spaces where access or occupancy is permitted, to the exterior via means of egress without restraint. A Condition 1 facility is permitted to be constructed as Group R.
CBC § 407.3 High relevance — show source text
Smoke partitions 407.3 Sprinkler protection 407.7, 903.2.6, 903.3.2

Yards 407.10

Institutional I-3 [see Institutional Occupancy (see Group I)] 308.4, 408 Accessibility Chapter 11B Alarm and detection 408.10, 907.2.6.3 Combustible decorations 806.1 Means of egress 408.2, 408.3, 408.4 Occupancy condition 308.4 Security glazing 408.7 Separation 408.5, 408.6 Smoke barrier 408.6

Smoke compartment 408.4.1, 408.6, 408.9 Sprinkler protection 408.11, 903.2.6 Standby/emergency power 2702.2 Institutional I-4 [see Institutional Occupancy (Group I)] 308.5 Accessibility Chapter 11B Adult care 308.5

Alarms and detection 907.2.6

Child care 308.5

Educational 308.5.1 Means of egress Table 1006.2.1, Table 1017.2

Corridor 1020.2

Hardware 1010.2.7, 1010.2.12.1 Sprinkler protection 903.2.6 Institutional Occupancy (Group I) 308 Accessory 508.2 Adult care 308.5

Area 503, 505, 506, 507, 508 Child care 303.1.3, 308.5, 310.4 Group specific provisions Group I-1 (see Institutional I-1) 308.2 Group I-2 (see Institutional I-2) 407, 308.3 Group I-3 (see Institutional I-3) 408, 308.4 Group I-4 (see Institutional I-4) 308.1, 308.5 Height 503, 504, 505, 508 Incidental uses 509

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
CBC § 308.4.2 High relevance — show source text
308.4.2 Condition 2. This occupancy condition shall include buildings in which free movement is allowed from sleeping areas and any other occupied smoke compartment to one or more other smoke compartments. Egress to the exterior is impeded by locked exits.

308.4.3 Condition 3. This occupancy condition shall include buildings in which free movement is allowed within individual smoke compartments, such as within a residential unit composed of individual sleeping units and group activity spaces, where

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egress is impeded by remote-controlled release of means of egress from such a smoke compartment to another smoke compartment.

308.4.4 Condition 4. This occupancy condition shall include buildings in which free movement is restricted from an occupied space. Remote-controlled release is provided to permit movement from sleeping units, activity spaces and other occupied areas within the smoke compartment to other smoke compartments.

308.4.5 Condition 5. This occupancy condition shall include buildings in which free movement is restricted from an occupied space. Staff-controlled manual release is provided to permit movement from sleeping units, activity spaces and other occupied areas within the smoke compartment to other smoke compartments.

308.4.6 Condition 6. This occupancy condition shall include buildings containing only one temporary holding facility with six or fewer persons under restraint or security where the building is protected throughout with a monitored automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 and where the temporary holding facility is protected throughout with an automatic fire alarm system with notification appliances. A Condition 6 building shall be permitted to be classified as a Group B occupancy.

308.4.7 Condition 7. This occupancy condition shall include buildings containing only one temporary holding facility with nine or less persons under restraint or security where limited to the first or second story, provided the building complies with Section 408.1.2.6. A Condition 7 building shall be permitted to be classified as a Group B occupancy.

308.4.8 Condition 8. This occupancy condition shall include buildings containing not more than four secure interview rooms located within the same fire area where not more than six occupants under restraint are located in the same fire area. A Condition 8 building shall be is permitted to be classified as a Group B occupancy, provided the requirements in Section 408.1.2.7 are met.

308.4.9 Condition 9. This occupancy condition shall include buildings where the use of the building is for correctional medical care or correctional mental health care.

308.5 Institutional Group I-4, day care facilities. Institutional Group I-4 occupancy shall include buildings and structures occupied by more than six clients of any age who receive custodial care for fewer than 24 hours per day by persons other than parents or guardians; relatives by blood, marriage or adoption; and in a place other than the home of the clients cared for. This group shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

Adult day care

Child day care (not classified as Group E)
CBC § 5.1.4 Medium relevance — show source text
Activity programming space 1225.5.1.4 General construction 1225.5.1.1

Nursing service space 1225.5.1.2 Pharmaceutical service

space 1225.5.1.3 Skylights and Sloped Glazing 2405, 3106.3 Light, required 1204.2 Loads 2404

Plastic 2610 Protection from adjacent construction 3307.1 Vertical opening protective 712.1.15 Slab On Ground, Concrete 1907, 2304.12.1.4 Slate Shingles 1504.4.4, 1507.7, 1513 Sleeping Lofts 202 Sleeping Units 202

Accessibility Chapters 11A and 11B Cooking appliances 420.11, 420.11.2 Group I 308 Group R 310 Scoping 101.2 Separation 420.2, 420.3 Smoke Alarms 202

Bathrooms 907.2.11.4 Cooking appliances 907.2.11.3 Live/work unit 508.5.7, 907.2.11.2 Multiple-station 907.2.11 Residential aircraft hangars 412.4.3, 412.4.4, 907.2.22 Residential occupancies 420.6, 907.2.11 Single-station 907.2.11 Smoke Barriers 202

Construction 407.5, 709.4, 909.5 Doors 709.5, 716.2.2.1, 909.5.3 Fire-resistance rating 703, 709.3 Glazing, rated 716.3.4 Inspection 110.3.8 Joints 709.7, 715 Marking 703.4, 703.5 Materials 709.2

Opening protection 709.5, 714.4, 714.5.4, 716, 717.5.5, 909.5.3 Penetrations 709.6, 714 Smoke control 909.5

Special provisions Ambulatory care facilities 422.2, 422.3, 709.5.1 Group I-1 420.6, 709.5.1 Group I-2 407.5 Group I-3 408.6, 408.7 Underground 405.4.2, 405.4.3 Smoke Compartment 407, 408, 422 Refuge area (see Refuge Area) Smoke Control 909 Amusement areas, special 411.1 Atrium buildings 404.5 Covered and open mall building 402.7.2
CBC § 305.1.1 Medium relevance — show source text
305.1.1 Accessory to places of religious worship. Religious educational rooms and religious auditoriums, which are accessory to places of religious worship in accordance with Section 303.1.4 and have occupant loads of less than 100 per room or space, shall be classified as Group A-3 occupancies.

305.2 Group E, child- care facilities. This group includes buildings and structures or portions thereof occupied by more than six children 36 months of age and older who receive educational, supervision or personal care services for fewer than 24 hours per day.

Exception: [SFM] A child-care facility not otherwise classified a Group R-3 occupancy, where occupants are not capable of respond- ing to an emergency situation without physical assistance from the staff shall be classified as Group I-4. Infants and toddlers are allowed in a Group E child care when the facility complies with California Building Code Section 305.2.1, 305.2.2, 305.2.3 or 308.5.1.

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305.2.1 Within places of religious worship. Rooms and spaces within places of religious worship providing such child care during religious functions shall be classified as part of the primary occupancy where not licensed for child-care purposes by the Department of Social Services.

305.2.2 Five or fewer children. A facility having five or fewer children receiving such day care shall be classified as part of the primary occupancy.

305.2.3 Five or fewer children in a dwelling unit. A facility such as the above within a dwelling unit and having five or fewer children receiving such day care shall be classified as a Group R-3 occupancy or shall comply with the California Residential Code .

305.3 Storm shelters in Group E occupancies. Storm shelters shall be provided for Group E occupancies where required by Section 423.5.

SECTION 306—FACTORY GROUP F

306.1 Factory Industrial Group F. Factory Industrial Group F occupancy includes, among others, the use of a building or structure, or a portion thereof, for assembling, disassembling, fabricating, finishing, manufacturing, packaging, repair or processing operations that are not classified as a Group H hazardous or Group S storage occupancy.

306.2 Moderate-hazard factory industrial, Group F-1. Factory industrial uses that are not classified as Factory Industrial F-2 Low Hazard shall be classified as F-1 Moderate Hazard and shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

Aircraft (manufacturing, not to include repair)

Appliances

Athletic equipment

Automobiles and other motor vehicles

Bakeries

Beverages: over 20-percent alcohol content

Bicycles

Boats

Brooms or brushes

Business machines

Cameras and photo equipment

Canvas or similar fabric

Carpets and rugs (includes cleaning)

Clothing

Construction and agricultural machinery

Disinfectants

Dry cleaning and dyeing

Electric generation plants

Electronics

Energy storage systems (ESS) in dedicated use buildings

Energy storage systems (ESS) and equipment containing lithium-ion or lithium metal batteries

Engines (including rebuilding)

Food processing establishments and commercial kitchens not associated with restaurants, cafeterias and similar dining facilities more than 2,500 square feet (232 m [2] ) in area

Furniture

Hemp products

Jute products
CBC § 3-5 Medium relevance — show source text
304 Business Group B. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5

305 Educational Group E . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5

306 Factory Group F . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6

307 High-Hazard Group H . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7

308 Institutional Group I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-13

309 Mercantile Group M. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-14

310 Residential Group R. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-15

311 Storage Group S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-17

312 Utility and Miscellaneous Group U . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-18

313 Laboratories Group L [SFM]. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-19

314 Organized Camps Group C [SFM]. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-19

CHAPTER 4 SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

408 Group I-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-24
CBC § 415.11.5 Medium relevance — show source text
37_ Skilled nursing service space 1224.40 Social service space 1224.41 Supplemental surgery and special procedure services 1224.28 Hotel (or Motel) (definition) 202

HPM Room 415.11.5 Hurricane Shelter (see Storm Shelter) Hurricane Shutters 1609.2 Hurricane-Prone Regions 1609.3 Hydrogen Fuel Gas Rooms 421, Table 509.1 Hyperbaric Facilities 425

Ice-Sensitive Structure 202

Atmospheric ice loads 1614 Identification, Requirements For Fire barriers 703.4

Fire partitions 703.4 Fire wall 703.4 Glazing 2403.1, 2406.3 Inspection certificate 202 Labeling 1703.5 Preservative-treated wood 2303.1.9.1

Smoke barrier 703.4

Smoke partition 703.4 Steel 2202.1

Impact Load 1603.1.1, 1607.12, 1607.8.4.1,

2406.1 Incapable Of Self-preservation 308 Incidental Uses

Area 509.3 Occupancy classification 509.2 Separation and protection 509.4 Incinerator Rooms Table 509.1, 713.13,

1006.2.2.1 Industrial [see Factory Occupancy (see Group F)] Inflatable Amusement Device

Definition 202 Inspections 110, 1704, 1705 Alternative methods and materials

1705.1.1

Sprinkler protection 415.11.10.1, 415.11.11, 415.11.6.4, 415.11.9, 415.4, 705.9.1, 903.2.5 Standby, emergency power 2702.2 Storage 413, 414.1, 414.2.5, 414.5, 414.6, 415.6, Table 415.6.5, 415.7.1, 415.9.1, 426.1 Unlimited area 507.10, 507.8, 507.9 Headroom 406.2.2, 505.2, 1003.2, 1003.3, 1010.1.1, 1010.1.1.1, 1011.3, 1012.5.2,

1208.2 Health Care (see Institutional I-1 and Institutional I-2) Ambulatory care facilities 422 Clinic, outpatient 304.1 Hospitals 308.3 Health-hazard Materials 307.2, Table 414.2.5.1, 415.2
CBC § 903.3.1.1. Medium relevance — show source text
1 shall have a 2-hour separation and shall be protected by an_
automatic sprinkler system.
i._ [SFM]__ Group E child-care separation with I-4 child care can be reduced to 1 hour with the installation of automatic fire sprinklers in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
j. When not considered an accessory use in accordance with Section 508.2.4, the required separation between Group I-2 and required covers for accessible entrances and emergency_
vehicle entrances, when in accordance with Section 406.5.2 and protected by an automatic sprinkler system, shall be reduced by 1 hour but not to less than 1 hour. See Section
903.2.21.|S = Buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
NS = Buildings not equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
N = No separation requirement.
NP = Not Permitted.
a. See Section 420.
b. The required separation from areas used only for private or pleasure vehicles shall be reduced by 1 hour but not to less than 1 hour.
c. See Sections 406.3.2 and 406.6.4.
d. Separation is not required between occupancies of the same classification.
e. See Section 422.2 for ambulatory care facilities.
f. Occupancy separations that serve to define fire area limits established in Chapter 9 for requiring fire protection systems shall also comply with Section 707.3.10 and Table
707.3.10 in accordance with Section 901.7.
g._ [SFM]_Group I and F1 occupancies and Group R-2.1 and F-1 occupancies shall have a 3 hour separation.
h._ [SFM]_Commercial kitchens not associated with cafeterias and similar dining facilities in Group I-2 and Group R-2.1 shall have a 2-hour separation and shall be protected by an
automatic sprinkler system.
i._ [SFM]__ Group E child-care separation with I-4 child care can be reduced to 1 hour with the installation of automatic fire sprinklers in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
j. When not considered an accessory use in accordance with Section 508.2.4, the required separation between Group I-2 and required covers for accessible entrances and emergency_
vehicle entrances, when in accordance with Section 406.5.2 and protected by an automatic sprinkler system, shall be reduced by 1 hour but not to less than 1 hour. See Section
903.2.21.|S = Buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
NS = Buildings not equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
N = No separation requirement.
NP = Not Permitted.
a. See Section 420.
b. The required separation from areas used only for private or pleasure vehicles shall be reduced by 1 hour but not to less than 1 hour.
c. See Sections 406.3.2 and 406.6.4.
d. Separation is not required between occupancies of the same classification.
e. See Section 422.2 for ambulatory care facilities.
f.
CBC § 304.2 Medium relevance — show source text
Airport traffic control towers

Ambulatory care facilities

Animal hospitals, kennels and pounds

Banks

Barber and beauty shops

Car wash

Civic administration

Clinic, outpatient

Dry cleaning and laundries: pick-up and delivery stations and self-service

Educational occupancies for students above the 12th grade including higher education laboratories

Electronic data entry

Food processing establishments and commercial kitchens not associated with restaurants, cafeterias and similar dining facilities not more than 2,500 square feet (232 m [2] ) in area

Laboratories: testing and research and [SFM] instruction

Lithium-ion or lithium metal battery testing, research and development

Motor vehicle showrooms

Post offices

Print shops

Professional services (architects, attorneys, dentists, physicians, engineers, etc.)

Radio and television stations

Telephone exchanges

Training and skill development not in a school or academic program (this shall include, but not be limited to, tutoring centers, martial arts studios, gymnastics and similar uses regardless of the ages served, and where not classified as a Group A occupancy)

304.2 Airport traffic control towers. Airport traffic control towers shall comply with Section 412.2.

304.3 Ambulatory care facilities. Ambulatory care facilities shall comply with Section 422.

SECTION 305—EDUCATIONAL GROUP E

305.1 Educational Group E. Educational Group E occupancy includes, among others, the use of a building or structure, or a portion thereof, more than six persons at any one time for educational purposes through the 12th grade.

Exception: [SFM] A residence used as a home school for the children who normally reside at the residence. Such residences shall remain classified as Group R-2, or Group R-3 occupancies.

305.1.1 Accessory to places of religious worship. Religious educational rooms and religious auditoriums, which are accessory to places of religious worship in accordance with Section 303.1.4 and have occupant loads of less than 100 per room or space, shall be classified as Group A-3 occupancies.

305.2 Group E, child- care facilities. This group includes buildings and structures or portions thereof occupied by more than six children 36 months of age and older who receive educational, supervision or personal care services for fewer than 24 hours per day.

Exception: [SFM] A child-care facility not otherwise classified a Group R-3 occupancy, where occupants are not capable of respond- ing to an emergency situation without physical assistance from the staff shall be classified as Group I-4. Infants and toddlers are allowed in a Group E child care when the facility complies with California Building Code Section 305.2.1, 305.2.2, 305.2.3 or 308.5.1.

2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 3-5

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

OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION AND USE

305.2.1 Within places of religious worship. Rooms and spaces within places of religious worship providing such child care during religious functions shall be classified as part of the primary occupancy where not licensed for child-care purposes by the Department of Social Services.

305.2.2 Five or fewer children. A facility having five or fewer children receiving such day care shall be classified as part of the primary occupancy.

Frequently asked questions

Who decides whether a child‑care room qualifies to be Group E instead of I‑4?

The enforcing building official reviews the facts against the CBC criteria in § 308.5.1 (number of children under 36 months, room location on level of exit discharge, and direct exterior doors) and will classify the space accordingly.

If I have exactly six children, is my facility I‑4?

No — the CBC language uses “more than six” as the threshold. Facilities with six or fewer persons may be classified differently (see § 308.5.3 and § 308.5.4 for dwelling or small‑facility rules).

Do infants/toddlers automatically require two exits?

Not always; the egress rule that requires two exits applies where Group I‑4 care is provided for more than 10 children 36 months of age or less (see § 1006.2.2.8). Classification as Group E can change which egress provisions apply, so confirm after classification.

Can a care room above the first story be treated as Group E per § 308.5.1?

§ 308.5.1.1 points to special provisions (see § 452.1.4) for child care above or below the first story. Those special provisions must be reviewed; the basic § 308.5.1 conditions focus on rooms on a level of exit discharge.

Does licensing (State Dept. of Social Services / Health) affect classification?

Licensing is a separate requirement; the CBC classification relies on occupancy/use facts, but licensing and health‑dept rules often influence design and approvals and are referenced in the code (e.g., religious worship exceptions and licensing citations). Coordinate with the enforcing agency and licensing authority.

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Related in the CBC

Assembly Group A — classification, small-assembly exceptions

Residential Group R — R‑1, R‑2, R‑3, R‑4 distinctions

Assembly, Residential & Institutional occupancies

California Building Code