High‑hazard, Educational, Factory, Mercantile & Storage

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

• CBC § 3-5 High 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 § 3-6 High relevance — show source text

  Furniture

  Hemp products

  Jute products

  Laundries

  Leather products

  Lithium-ion batteries

  Machinery

  Metals

  Millwork (sash and door)

  [SFM] Motion picture and television production studio Sound Stages, Approved Production Facilities and production locations (with- out live audiences)

  Motion pictures and television filming (without spectators)

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  OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION AND USE

  Musical instruments

  Optical goods

  Paper mills or products

  Photographic film

  Plastic products

  Printing or publishing

  Recreational vehicles

  Refuse incineration

  Shoes

  Soaps and detergents

  Textiles

  Tobacco

  Trailers

  Upholstering

  Vehicles powered by lithium-ion or lithium metal batteries

  Water/sewer treatment facilities

  Wood; distillation

  Woodworking (cabinet)

  306.2.1 Aircraft manufacturing facilities. Aircraft manufacturing facilities shall comply with Section 412.6.

  306.3 Low-hazard factory industrial, Group F-2. Factory industrial uses that involve the fabrication or manufacturing of noncombustible materials that during finishing, packing or processing do not involve a significant fire hazard shall be classified as Group F-2 occupancies and shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

  Beverages: up to and including 20-percent alcohol content

  Brick and masonry

  Ceramic products

  Foundries

  Glass products

  Gypsum

  Ice

  Metal products (fabrication and assembly)

  SECTION 307—HIGH-HAZARD GROUP H

  [F] 307.1 High-hazard Group H. High-hazard Group H occupancy includes, among others, the use of a building or structure, or a portion thereof, that involves the manufacturing, processing, generation or storage of materials that constitute a physical or health hazard in quantities in excess of those allowed in control areas complying with Section 414, based on the maximum allowable quantity limits for control areas set forth in Tables 307.1(1) and 307.1(2). Hazardous occupancies are classified in Groups H-1, H-2, H-3, H-4 and H-5 and shall be in accordance with this section, the requirements of Section 415 and the California Fire Code . Hazardous materials stored or used on top of roofs or canopies shall be classified as rooftop storage or use and shall comply with the California Fire Code .

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  OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION AND USE

  [F] TABLE 307.1(1)—MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE QUANTITY PER CONTROL AREA OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS POSING A PHYSICAL HAZARDa, i, l, m	Col2	Col3	Col4	Col5	Col6	Col7	Col8	Col9	Col10	Col11
  MATERIAL	CLASS	GROUP WHEN THE MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE QUANTITY IS EXCEEDED	STORAGEb	STORAGEb	STORAGEb	**USE-CLOSED

• CBC § 1-33 High relevance — show source text

  112 Service Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-33

  113 Means of Appeals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-33

  114 Violations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-34

  115 Stop Work Order . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-34

  CHAPTER 2 DEFINITIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1

  201 General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11

  202 Definitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11

  CHAPTER 3 OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION AND USE . . . . .3-1

  301 Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3

  302 Occupancy Classification and Use Designation . . . . 3-3

  303 Assembly Group A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3

  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

• CBC § 2.1 High relevance — show source text

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  Chapter 3 Occupancy Classification and Use.

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

  Defining the use of the buildings is very important as it sets the tone for the remaining chapters of the code. Occupancy works with the height, area and construction type requirements in Chapters 5 and 6, to determine "equivalent risk." The determination of equivalent risk involves three interdependent considerations: (1) the level of fire hazard associated with the specific occupancy of the facility; (2) the reduction of fire hazard based on the fuel load by limiting the floor area and the height of the building; and (3) the level of overall fire resistance provided by the type of construction. The greater the potential fire hazards indicated as a function of the group, the lesser the height and area allowances for a particular construction type.

  Occupancy classification also plays a key part in the appropriate protection measures. As such, threshold requirements for fire protection and means of egress systems are based on occupancy classification (see Chapters 9 and 10). Other sections of the code also contain requirements respective to the classification of building groups. For example, Section 706 specifies requirements for fire wall fire-resistance ratings that are tied to the occupancy classification of a building and Section 803.11 contains interior finish requirements that are dependent upon the occupancy classification. The use of the space, rather than the occupancy of the building, is utilized for determining occupant loading (Section 1004) and live loading (Section 1607).

  Chapter 4 Special Detailed Requirements Based on Occupancy and Use.

  Chapter 4 contains the requirements for protecting special uses and occupancies which are supplemental to the remainder of the code. For example, the height and area limitations established in Chapter 5 apply to all special occupancies unless Chapter 4 contains height and area limitations. In this case, the limitations in Chapter 4 supersede those in other sections. An example of this is the height and area limitations for open parking garages given in Section 406.5.4, which supersede the limitations given in Sections 504 and 506.

• CBC § 301.1 High relevance — show source text

  ICC code development note: Code change proposals to sections preceded by the designation [F] will be considered by the IFC code development committee meeting during the 2024 (Group A) Code Development Cycle. All other code change proposals will be considered by a code development committee meeting during the 2025 (Group B) Code Development Cycle.

  SECTION 301—SCOPE

  301.1 General. The provisions of this chapter shall control the classification of all buildings and structures as to occupancy and use. Different classifications of occupancy and use represent varying levels of hazard and risk to building occupants and adjacent properties.

  SECTION 302—OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION AND USE DESIGNATION

  302.1 Occupancy classification. Occupancy classification is the formal designation of the primary purpose of the building, structure or portion thereof. Structures shall be classified into one or more of the occupancy groups specified in this section based on the nature of the hazards and risks to building occupants generally associated with the intended purpose of the building or structure. An area, room or space that is intended to be occupied at different times for different purposes shall comply with all applicable requirements associated with such potential multipurpose. Structures containing multiple occupancy groups shall comply with Section 508. Where a structure is proposed for a purpose that is not specified in this section, such structure shall be classified in the occupancy it most nearly resembles based on the fire safety and relative hazard. Occupiable roofs shall be classified in the group that the occupancy most nearly resembles, according to the fire safety and relative hazard, and shall comply with Section 503.1.4.

  1. Assembly (see Section 303): Groups A-1, A-2, A-3, A-4 and A-5.
  2. Business (see Section 304): Group B. 3. [SFM] Organized Camps (see Section 450): Group C. 4. Educational (see Section 305): Group E. 5. Factory and Industrial (see Section 306): Groups F-1 and F-2. 6. High Hazard (see Section 307): Groups H-1, H-2, H-3, H-4 and H-5. 7. Institutional (see Section 308): Groups I-2, I-3 and I-4. 8. [SFM] Laboratory (see Section 202): Group B, unless classified as Group L (see Section 453) or Group H (see Section 307). 9. [SFM] Laboratory Suites (see Section 453): Group L. 10. Mercantile (see Section 309): Group M. 11 . Residential (see Section 310): Groups R-1, R-2, R-2.1, R-3, R-3.1 and R-4. 12 . Storage (see Section 311): Groups S-1 and S-2. 13 . Utility and Miscellaneous (see Section 312): Group U. 14. [SFM] Existing buildings housing existing protective social care homes or facilities established prior to 1972 (see California Fire Code Chapter 11 and California Existing Building Code).

  302.1.1 Reserved

  302.1.2 Reserved

  302.1.3 Pharmacies; veterinary facilities; barbering, cosmetology or electrolysis establishments; and acupuncture offices. See Chapter 12.

• CBC § 2.1 High relevance — show source text

  2. Business (see Section 304): Group B. 3. [SFM] Organized Camps (see Section 450): Group C. 4. Educational (see Section 305): Group E. 5. Factory and Industrial (see Section 306): Groups F-1 and F-2. 6. High Hazard (see Section 307): Groups H-1, H-2, H-3, H-4 and H-5. 7. Institutional (see Section 308): Groups I-2, I-3 and I-4. 8. [SFM] Laboratory (see Section 202): Group B, unless classified as Group L (see Section 453) or Group H (see Section 307). 9. [SFM] Laboratory Suites (see Section 453): Group L. 10. Mercantile (see Section 309): Group M. 11 . Residential (see Section 310): Groups R-1, R-2, R-2.1, R-3, R-3.1 and R-4. 12 . Storage (see Section 311): Groups S-1 and S-2. 13 . Utility and Miscellaneous (see Section 312): Group U. 14. [SFM] Existing buildings housing existing protective social care homes or facilities established prior to 1972 (see California Fire Code Chapter 11 and California Existing Building Code).

  302.1.1 Reserved

  302.1.2 Reserved

  302.1.3 Pharmacies; veterinary facilities; barbering, cosmetology or electrolysis establishments; and acupuncture offices. See Chapter 12.

  302.2 Use designation. Occupancy groups contain subordinate uses having similar hazards and risks to building occupants. Uses include, but are not limited to, those functional designations specified within the occupancy group descriptions in Section 302.1. Certain uses require specific limitations and controls in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 4 and elsewhere in this code.

  SECTION 303—ASSEMBLY GROUP A

  303.1 Assembly Group A. Assembly Group A occupancy includes, among others, the use of a building or structure, or a portion thereof, for the gathering of persons for purposes such as civic, social or religious functions; recreation, food or drink consumption or awaiting transportation ; motion picture and television production studio sound stages, approved production facilities and production locations; or for the showing of motion pictures when an admission fee is charged and when such building or structure is open to the public and has a capacity of 10 or more persons.

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  OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION AND USE

  303.1.1 Small buildings and tenant spaces. A building or tenant space used for assembly purposes with an occupant load of less than 50 persons shall be classified as a Group B occupancy.

• CBC § 203.1.1 High relevance — show source text

  2. Business: Group B.
  3. Educational: Group E.
  4. Factory and Industrial: Groups F-1 and F-2.
  5. High Hazard: Groups H-1, H-2, H-3, H-4 and H-5.
  6. Institutional: Groups I-1, I-2, I-3 and I-4.
  7. Mercantile: Group M.
  8. Residential: Groups R-1, R-2, R-3 and R-4.
  9. Storage: Groups S-1 and S-2.
  10. Utility and Miscellaneous: Group U.

  [BG] 203.1.1 Use designation. Occupancy groups contain subordinate uses having similar hazards and risks to building occupants. Uses include, but are not limited to, those functional designations specified within the occupancy group descriptions in Section 203.1. Certain uses require specific limitations and controls in accordance with the provisions of this code and Chapter 4 of the California Building Code .

  [BG] 203.2 Assembly Group A. Assembly Group A occupancy includes, among others, the use of a building or structure, or a portion thereof, for the gathering of persons for purposes such as civic, social or religious functions; recreation, food or drink consumption or awaiting transportation or Motion Picture and Television Production Studio Sound Stages, Approved Production Facilities and produc- tion locations. Any building or structure or portion thereof used or intended to be used for the showing of motion pictures when an admission fee is charged and when such building or structure is open to the public and has a capacity of 10 or more persons.

  [BG] 203.2.1 Small buildings and tenant spaces. A building or tenant space used for assembly purposes with an occupant load of less than 50 persons shall be classified as a Group B occupancy.

  [BG] 203.2.2 Small assembly spaces. The following rooms and spaces shall not be classified as Assembly occupancies:

  1. A room or space used for assembly purposes with an occupant load of less than 50 persons and accessory to another occupancy shall be classified as a Group B occupancy or as part of that occupancy.
  2. A room or space used for assembly purposes that is less than 750 square feet (70 m [2] ) in area and accessory to another occupancy shall be classified as a Group B occupancy or as part of that occupancy.

  [BG] 203.2.3 Associated with Group E occupancies. A room or space used for assembly purposes that is associated with a Group E occupancy is not considered a separate occupancy.

  [BG] 203.2.4 Accessory to places of religious worship. Accessory religious educational rooms and religious auditoriums with occupant loads of less than 100 per room or space are not considered separate occupancies.

  [BG] 203.2.5 Special amusement areas. Special amusement areas shall comply with Section 411 of the California Building Code

  [BG] 203.2.6 Assembly Group A-1. Group A-1 occupancy includes assembly uses, usually with fixed seating, intended for the production and viewing of the performing arts or motion pictures, including but not limited to:

  Motion picture and television production studio Sound Stages, Approved Production Facilities and production locations. (With live audiences.)

  Motion picture theaters

  Symphony and concert halls

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  DEFINITIONS

  Television and radio studios admitting an audience

  Theaters

• CBC § 203.4.3 High relevance — show source text

  [BG] 203.4.3 Storm shelters in Group E occupancies. Storm shelters shall be provided for Group E occupancies where required by Section 423.4 of the California Building Code .

  [BG] 203.5 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.

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  DEFINITIONS

  [BG] 203.5.1 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

  Laundries

  Leather products

  Lithium-ion batteries

  Machinery

  Metals

  Millwork (sash and door)

  Motion picture and television production studio Sound Stages, Approved Production Facilities and production locations (without live audiences)

  Motion pictures and television filming (without spectators)

  Musical instruments

  Optical goods

  Paper mills or products

  Photographic film

  Plastic products

  Printing or publishing

  Recreational vehicles

  Refuse incineration

  Shoes

  Soaps and detergents

  Textiles

  Tobacco

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  DEFINITIONS

  Trailers

  Upholstering

  Vehicles powered by lithium-ion or lithium metal batteries

  Water/sewer treatment facilities

  Wood; distillation

  Woodworking (cabinet)

  [BG] 203.5.1.1 Aircraft manufacturing facilities. Aircraft manufacturing facilities shall comply with Section 412.6 of the Cali- fornia Building Code .

  [BG] 203.5.2 Low-hazard factory industrial, Group F-2. Factory industrial uses that involve the fabrication or manufacturing of noncombustible materials that during finishing, packing or processing does not involve a significant fire hazard shall be classified as Group F-2 occupancies and shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

  Beverages: up to and including 20-percent alcohol content

  Brick and masonry

  Ceramic products

  Foundries

  Glass products

  Gypsum

  Ice

  Metal products (fabrication and assembly)

  **203.6 High-hazard Group H.

• CBC § 2.1 Medium relevance — show source text

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

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

  Chapter 1 Scope and Administration.

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

  Chapter 2 Definitions.

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

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  Chapter 3 Occupancy Classification and Use.

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

• CBC § 302.1 Medium relevance — show source text

  J101.3 Construction type (top wing). The construction types shall be designated by assigning the appropriate Roman numeral, and letter, placed inside the top wing of the Maltese cross. The hourly rating provided is for the structural framing in accordance with Table 601 of the California Building Code .

  CONSTRUCTION TYPE FIRE-RESISTANCE RATING

  IA—Noncombustible 3 hours

  IB—Noncombustible 2 hours

  IIA—Noncombustible 1 hour

  IIB—Noncombustible 0 hours

  IIIA—Noncombustible/combustible 1 hour

  IIIB—Noncombustible/combustible 0 hours

  IV—Heavy timber (HT) HT

  VA—Combustible 1 hour

  VB—Combustible 0 hours

  J101.4 Fire protection systems (right wing). The fire protection system shall be designated by determining its level of protection and assigning the appropriate designation to the right wing of the Maltese cross. Where multiple systems are provided, all shall be listed:

  AS Automatic sprinkler system installed throughout

  CES Chemical extinguishing system and designated area

  CS Combination sprinkler and standpipe system

  DS Dry sprinkler system and designated areas

  FA Fire alarm system

  FP Fire pump

  FW Fire wall and designated areas

  PAS Pre-action sprinkler system and designated floor

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  APPENDIX J—BUILDING INFORMATION SIGN

  PS Partial automatic sprinkler system, and designated floor

  S Standpipe system

  NS No system installed

  J101.5 Occupancy type (bottom wing). The occupancy of a building or structure shall be designated in accordance with the occupancy classification found in Section 302.1 of the California Building Code and the corresponding designation shall be placed in the bottom wing of the Maltese cross. Where a building or structure contains a mixture of uses and occupancies, all uses and occupancies shall be identified.

  A Assembly

  B Business

  E Educational

  F Factory or Industrial

  H High Hazard

  I Institutional

  M Mercantile

  R Residential

  J101.6 Hazards of content (left wing). The hazards of building contents shall be designated by one of the following classifications as defined in NFPA 13 and the appropriate designation shall be placed inside the left wing of the Maltese cross:

  LH Light hazard

  MH Moderate hazard

  HH High hazard

  J101.7 Tactical considerations (center circle). The center circle shall include the name of the local fire service and, where required, the letters “TC” for “tactical considerations.” Where firefighters conduct preplan operations, a unique situation(s) for tactical considerations shall be identified and the information provided to the fire dispatch communications center to further assist firefighters in identifying that there is special consideration(s) for this occupancy. Special consideration designations include, but are not limited

  to:

• CBC § 305.3 Medium relevance — show source text

  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

  Laundries

  Leather products

  Lithium-ion batteries

  Machinery

  Metals

  Millwork (sash and door)

  [SFM] Motion picture and television production studio Sound Stages, Approved Production Facilities and production locations (with- out live audiences)

  Motion pictures and television filming (without spectators)

  3-6 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE

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

  OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION AND USE

  Musical instruments

  Optical goods

  Paper mills or products

  Photographic film

  Plastic products

  Printing or publishing

  Recreational vehicles

  Refuse incineration

  Shoes

  Soaps and detergents

  Textiles

  Tobacco

  Trailers

  Upholstering

  Vehicles powered by lithium-ion or lithium metal batteries

  Water/sewer treatment facilities

  Wood; distillation

  Woodworking (cabinet)

  306.2.1 Aircraft manufacturing facilities. Aircraft manufacturing facilities shall comply with Section 412.6.

  306.3 Low-hazard factory industrial, Group F-2. Factory industrial uses that involve the fabrication or manufacturing of noncombustible materials that during finishing, packing or processing do not involve a significant fire hazard shall be classified as Group F-2 occupancies and shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

  Beverages: up to and including 20-percent alcohol content

  Brick and masonry

  Ceramic products

  Foundries

  Glass products

  Gypsum

  Ice

  Metal products (fabrication and assembly)

  SECTION 307—HIGH-HAZARD GROUP H

  **[F] 307.1 High-hazard Group H.

• CBC § 203.1 Medium relevance — show source text

  [BG] YARD. An open space, other than a court, unobstructed from the ground to the sky, except where specifically provided by the California Building Code, on the lot on which a building is situated.

  ZONE. A defined area within the protected premises. A zone can define an area from which a signal can be received, an area to which a signal can be sent or an area in which a form of control can be executed.

  ZONE, NOTIFICATION. An area within a building or facility covered by notification appliances which are activated simultaneously.

  SECTION 203—OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION AND USE

  [BG] 203.1 Occupancy classification. Occupancy classification is the formal designation of the primary purpose of the building, structure or portion thereof. Structures shall be classified into one or more of the occupancy groups specified in this section based on the nature of the hazards and risks to building occupants generally associated with the intended purpose of the building or structure. An area, room or space that is intended to be occupied at different times for different purposes shall comply with all applicable requirements associated with such potential multipurpose. Structures containing multiple occupancy groups shall comply with Section 508 of the California Building Code . Where a structure is proposed for a purpose that is not specified in this section, such structure shall be classified in the occupancy it most nearly resembles based on the fire safety and relative hazard. Occupiable roofs shall be classified in the group that the occupancy most nearly resembles, according to the fire safety and relative hazard, and shall comply with Section 503.1.4 of the California Building Code .

  1. Assembly: Groups A-1, A-2, A-3, A-4 and A-5.

  2. Business: Group B.

  3. Educational: Group E.

  4. Factory and Industrial: Groups F-1 and F-2.

  5. High Hazard: Groups H-1, H-2, H-3, H-4 and H-5.

  6. Institutional: Groups I-1, I-2, I-3 and I-4.

  7. Mercantile: Group M.

  8. Residential: Groups R-1, R-2, R-3 and R-4.

  9. Storage: Groups S-1 and S-2.

  10. Utility and Miscellaneous: Group U.

  [BG] 203.1.1 Use designation. Occupancy groups contain subordinate uses having similar hazards and risks to building occupants. Uses include, but are not limited to, those functional designations specified within the occupancy group descriptions in Section 203.1. Certain uses require specific limitations and controls in accordance with the provisions of this code and Chapter 4 of the California Building Code .

  [BG] 203.2 Assembly Group A. Assembly Group A occupancy includes, among others, the use of a building or structure, or a portion thereof, for the gathering of persons for purposes such as civic, social or religious functions; recreation, food or drink consumption or awaiting transportation or Motion Picture and Television Production Studio Sound Stages, Approved Production Facilities and produc- tion locations. Any building or structure or portion thereof used or intended to be used for the showing of motion pictures when an admission fee is charged and when such building or structure is open to the public and has a capacity of 10 or more persons.

  [BG] 203.2.1 Small buildings and tenant spaces. A building or tenant space used for assembly purposes with an occupant load of less than 50 persons shall be classified as a Group B occupancy.