CBC · California Building Code
Factory & industrial — when to use F‑1 versus F‑2
The CBC groups factory uses into F‑2 (low hazard: noncombustible materials and no significant fire hazard in finishing/packing) and F‑1 (moderate hazard: everything else). Use §306.3 to identify typical low‑hazard operations and §306.2 for the broader moderate‑hazard list and special items (for example, food processing over 2,500 sq ft and lithium‑ion battery systems are F‑1). When in doubt, analyze the materials and processes — if finishing, coatings, flammable solvents, hot work, dusts or high‑alcohol content are present, classify as F‑1.
Last reviewed: July 5, 2026
What the code requires
Group F covers buildings used for assembling, fabricating, finishing, manufacturing, packaging, repair or processing that are not Group H or Group S. Use Group F‑2 (Low Hazard) when the operations involve fabrication/manufacture of noncombustible materials and finishing/packing/processing do not create a significant fire hazard; otherwise classify as Group F‑1 (Moderate Hazard). See §306.1, §306.2 and §306.3 of the CBC for the definitions and illustrative lists.
Requirements in detail
1) Basic rule and where to look
- The Factory/Industrial group definition is in §306.1 (what Group F covers).
- F‑1 (Moderate‑hazard) is a catch‑all for factory uses not meeting the F‑2 (Low‑hazard) criteria; the code lists typical F‑1 uses in §306.2.
- F‑2 (Low‑hazard) specifically covers fabrication/manufacture of noncombustible materials where finishing/packing/processing do not involve a significant fire hazard; examples are in §306.3.
2) Decision dimensions (quick reference)
| Decision dimension | When it indicates F‑2 (Low hazard) | When it indicates F‑1 (Moderate hazard) | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material combustibility | Materials are noncombustible (metal, glass, brick, gypsum, etc.) and operations do not create fire risk | Combustible materials or processing/finishing that create fire risk | §306.3 (F‑2) and §306.2 (F‑1) |
| Processing/finishing hazard | Finishing/packing/processing do not involve a significant fire hazard | Finishing/packing/processing do involve a significant fire hazard (or are not otherwise F‑2) | §306.3 vs §306.2 |
| Listed occupancy type | Metal products (fabrication & assembly), brick, ceramic, glass, gypsum, ice — examples of F‑2 | Automobiles, electronics, food processing over size threshold, lithium battery equipment — examples of F‑1 | §306.3 (F‑2 list) and §306.2 (F‑1 list) |
| Alcohol content (beverages) | Up to and including 20% alcohol — F‑2 | Over 20% alcohol — F‑1 | §306.3 (≤20%) and §306.2 (>20%) |
| Food processing / commercial kitchens (not restaurant) | ≤ 2,500 sq ft may not be listed as F‑1 by that provision | > 2,500 sq ft are specifically listed as F‑1 | §306.2 (food processing & commercial kitchens >2,500 sq ft) |
(Notes: the CBC lists illustrative uses rather than an exhaustive rule — use the criteria above to decide when an operation “fits” an illustrative listing.)
3) How to apply the lists vs. the criteria
- The lists in §306.2 and §306.3 are illustrative — they help you map common operations to F‑1 or F‑2, but the controlling test is the hazard created by materials and processes. If an occupancy is not specifically listed under §306.3 (F‑2) and it does not clearly meet the low‑hazard test, classify it F‑1 per §306.2.
4) Exclusions and overlap with other occupancy groups
- Group F applies only to operations that are not classified as Group H (high hazard) or Group S (storage). If the processes, materials, or quantities create hazards that fall into Group H or S, those groups, not F, control the classification. See §306.1.
Exceptions & special cases
- Aircraft manufacturing: aircraft manufacturing facilities are addressed separately and must comply with §412.6 in addition to Group F provisions; see §306.2.1.
- Illustrative lists are not exhaustive — the code states the lists are “include, but not be limited to.” When an operation has mixed processes (some noncombustible, some combustible) analyze the specific process hazards; if in doubt, treat it as F‑1 (the broader, more conservative classification) because §306.2 covers all factory uses not classified F‑2.
Common mistakes
- Treating the illustrative lists as exclusive. The lists are examples; the hazard test (noncombustible + no significant fire hazard → F‑2) controls.
- Assuming all metal work is automatically F‑2. Metal product fabrication is listed in §306.3, but if the process (e.g., grinding producing combustible dust, hot work, coatings with flammable solvents) creates a significant fire hazard, reclassify as F‑1 or even Group H as appropriate.
- Missing the beverage alcohol threshold. Beverages up to 20% alcohol are in the F‑2 examples; over 20% is listed in F‑1. Don’t ignore that numeric threshold.
- Overlooking size thresholds: the CBC explicitly lists food processing/commercial kitchens greater than 2,500 sq ft as F‑1 — small food processing operations may not be listed in §306.2. Confirm by applying the hazard test.
- Forgetting exclusions: if material quantities or types trigger Group H (hazardous) thresholds or Group S storage provisions, the occupancy can move out of Group F entirely. §306.1 makes that distinction.
Worked example
Scenario: A 6,000 sq ft shop fabricates and assembles metal shelving (steel), performs drilling, light welding, and applies a solvent‑based industrial coating in a small spray booth. Determine F‑1 vs F‑2.
Step 1 — Materials: primary materials are noncombustible metal → would point toward F‑2 (see §306.3, metal products listed).
Step 2 — Processing hazards: the operation includes hot work (welding) and use of solvent‑based coatings (flammable liquids) → those processes create a significant fire hazard and are not consistent with the F‑2 “do not involve a significant fire hazard” criterion. This pulls the classification to F‑1 per §306.2.
Conclusion: Classify as Group F‑1 (Moderate Hazard) because finishing/coatings and hot work introduce significant fire hazards even though base material is noncombustible. Document the hazards and the basis for the F‑1 classification.
Another quick numeric example: a 3,000 sq ft commercial food‑processing plant (not a restaurant) is specifically listed as F‑1 when more than 2,500 sq ft in §306.2 — classify F‑1.
Related provisions
- §306.1 — Factory Industrial Group F definition and exclusion of Group H and Group S.
- §306.2 — Moderate‑hazard factory industrial, Group F‑1 (illustrative list and rule that uses not F‑2 are F‑1).
- §306.2.1 — Aircraft manufacturing facilities (special compliance with §412.6).
- §306.3 — Low‑hazard factory industrial, Group F‑2 (illustrative list and low‑hazard test).
- §307 — High‑hazard Group H (relevant when materials, processes or quantities trigger a different occupancy group). §306.1 refers to the exclusion of Group H.
Code references
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 § 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 § 305.3 High 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)
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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.
CBC § 301.1 Medium relevance — show source text
Voluntary Measures 301.1, 306 Voluntary Tiers 304, 305, 306, A4.601, A5.601
Water Resistance and Moisture Management 5.407, 5.505, A4.407, Appendix A6.1 (OSHPD) A5.407 Moisture control 4.505, 5.407.2, 5.505, Appendix A6.1 (OSHPD) A5.407.9, Appendix A6.1 (OSHPD) A5.505.2 Weather protection 5.407.1, A5.407.3
Water Reuse Systems A4.305 Graywater A4.305.1, A5.304.8 Recycled water for landscape irrigation A4.305.3 Recycled water piping A4.305.2 Water Use, Indoor 4.303, 5.303, A4.303, A5.203
Appliances A4.303.3, A5.303.3, Appendix A6.1 (OSHPD) A5.210 Dual plumbing A5.303.5 Fixture flow rates 4.303.1, Table A5.303.2.3.1, 5.303.2.3.1, A4.303 Kitchen faucets and dishwashers
A4.303.1
Meters 4.303.2, 5.303.1 Multiple showerheads serving one shower 4.303.1.3.2, 5.303.3.3.2 Nonwater urinals and waterless toilets
A4.303.4, A5.303.4.1 Plumbing fixtures and fittings 4.303.1, 4.303.2, 5.303.3, 5.303.6 Tier 1, 12% savings; Tier 2, 20% savings; and 25% savings A5.303.2.1, A5.303.2.3.1, A5.303.2.3.2,
A5.303.2.3.3
Wastewater reduction 5.303.4
Water Use Baseline Table A5.303.2.2
Water Use, Outdoor 4.304, 5.304, A4.304, A5.304
Graywater irrigation system A5.304.8 Low-water consumption irrigation system A4.304.1 Outdoor potable water meters A4.304.3, A5.304.2 Potable water elimination A4.304.2 Previously developed sites A5.304.7 Rainwater or stormwater collection systems A4.304.1 Restoration of areas disturbed by construction A5.304.6 Worksheet Baseline Water Use Chapter 8, (WS-1) 12%, 20% or 25% Reduction Water Use Calculation Table Chapter 8, (WS-2) Building Reuse Chapter 8, (WS-3) Whole Building Life Cycle Assessment 5.409.2, Chapter 8, (WS-4) Product GWP Compliance— Prescriptive Path 5.409.3, Chapter 8, (WS-5) Building Reuse Tier 1 and Tier 2 Chapter 8, (WS-6) Whole Building Life Cycle Assessment A5.409.2, Chapter 8, (WS-7) Product GWP Compliance— Prescriptive Path A5.409.3,
CBC § 25.4 Medium relevance — show source text
1|164| |25|1|38|51|64|76|89|102|114|127|140|152| |26|1|35|47|59|71|83|95|106|118|130|142| |27|1|33|44|55|66|77|88|99|110|121|132| |28|1|31|41|52|62|72|82|93|103|113|124| |29|1|29|39|48|58|68|77|87|97|106|116| |30|1|27|36|45|54|63|73|82|91|100|109| |31|1|26|34|43|51|60|68|77|85|94|102| |32|1|24|32|40|48|56|64|72|80|89|97| |33|1|23|30|38|46|53|61|68|76|84|91| |34|1|22|29|36|43|50|58|65|72|79|86| |35|1|20|27|34|41|48|55|61|68|75|82| |36|1|19|26|32|39|45|52|58|65|71|78| |37|1|18|25|31|37|43|49|55|62|68|74| |38|1|18|23|29|35|41|47|53|59|64|70| |39|1|17|22|28|33|39|45|50|56|61|67| |40|1|16|21|27|32|37|43|48|53|59|64| |For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 pound per square inch = 6.895 kPa, 1 gallon per minute = 0.963 L/s.
a. Flow rate from Section_R309.3.4.2_.|For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 pound per square inch = 6.895 kPa, 1 gallon per minute = 0.963 L/s.
a.CBC § 0001.001 Medium relevance — show source text
SUMMARY TABLE (ES-2)
COMPONENT DEFICIENCY REMEDIAL ACTION PRIORITIES (RAP)1|EXECUTIVE SUMMARY TABLE (ES-2)
COMPONENT DEFICIENCY REMEDIAL ACTION PRIORITIES (RAP)1|EXECUTIVE SUMMARY TABLE (ES-2)
COMPONENT DEFICIENCY REMEDIAL ACTION PRIORITIES (RAP)1|EXECUTIVE SUMMARY TABLE (ES-2)
COMPONENT DEFICIENCY REMEDIAL ACTION PRIORITIES (RAP)1|EXECUTIVE SUMMARY TABLE (ES-2)
COMPONENT DEFICIENCY REMEDIAL ACTION PRIORITIES (RAP)1|EXECUTIVE SUMMARY TABLE (ES-2)
COMPONENT DEFICIENCY REMEDIAL ACTION PRIORITIES (RAP)1|EXECUTIVE SUMMARY TABLE (ES-2)
COMPONENT DEFICIENCY REMEDIAL ACTION PRIORITIES (RAP)1|EXECUTIVE SUMMARY TABLE (ES-2)
COMPONENT DEFICIENCY REMEDIAL ACTION PRIORITIES (RAP)1|EXECUTIVE SUMMARY TABLE (ES-2)
COMPONENT DEFICIENCY REMEDIAL ACTION PRIORITIES (RAP)1|EXECUTIVE SUMMARY TABLE (ES-2)
COMPONENT DEFICIENCY REMEDIAL ACTION PRIORITIES (RAP)1|REV. #
MM/YYYY| |Berthing
system|Berth(s)|Structure(s)
or
location(s)|Deficiency
item label2|Component:
deficiency
description|Remedial
action
priority
(RAP)3_**|CBC section
reference|Audit
checklist
reference
(optional)|Description of
planned remedial
action|P.E.
review
required?
(Y/N)4|Repair/
replacement
due date
(MM/YYYY)|Completion
date
_ (MM/YYYY)_|Description
of completed
actions| |North
Wharf|Berth 1|Wharfhead|02.0001.001|Piles:10 piles
have severe
damage; 15 piles
have minor
damage.|P2|3102F.3.5.2||Replace 10
severe piles.
Monitor 15 minor
_piles.CBC § 903.2.1 Medium relevance — show source text
Group A 903.2.1, 1103.5.1 Group B 903.2.2.1 Group E 903.2.3 Group F-1 903.2.4 Group H 903.2.5 Group I 903.2.6, 1103.5.2, 1103.5.3 Group M 903.2.7 Group R 903.2.8 Group S-1 903.2.9 Group S-2 903.2.10 Hazardous exhaust ducts 903.2.11.4 High-piled storage 903.2.7.1 Hose threads 903.3.6
Installation requirements 903.3 Kitchen exhaust hood and ducts
systems 903.2.11.5 Limited area 903.3.8
Monitoring 903.4.1 NFPA 13 sprinkler systems 903.3.1.1 NFPA 13D sprinkler systems 903.3.1.3 NFPA 13R sprinkler systems 903.3.1.2 Open-ended corridors 903.3.1.2.2 Pyroxylin plastics 903.2.5.3, 1103.5.5 Repair garages 903.2.9.1 Retroactive requirements 1103.5, Appendix M Riser rooms 901.4.7
Rubbish and linen chutes 903.2.11.2 Secondary water supply 914.3.2 Spray rooms 2404.6 Vertical water supply zone 914.3.1.1.1, 914.3.1.1.2
Water supplies 903.3.5 Windowless stories 903.2.11.1 Woodworking operations 903.2.4.1 Zones 907.6.4 Automatic Sprinklers Defined 202 Early Suppression Fast Response (ESFR) 910.2, Table 3206.2, Table 3208.3, Table 5104.3.2.2, 5104.4.3 Obstructions to discharge 315.3.1, 903.3.3 Quick response (QR) 903.3.2, Table 5704.3.6.3(5) Residential 903.3.2 Automatic Water Mist System 202, 904.11 Automobile Undercoating (see Spray Finishing) Automotive Motor Fuel-Dispensing Facility 202, Chapter 23 Average Ambient Sound Level 907.5.2.1.1 Defined 202
Aviation Facilities (see Aircraft-Related Occupancies, Fire Protection for) Chapter 20 Cleaning parts 2004.3 Combustible storage 2003.6 Dispensing hoses and nozzles 2006.3.3 Dispensing of flammable and combustible liquids 2003.5 Fire protection 914.8 Fueling and defueling 2006 Portable fire extinguishers 2005 Radar equipment 2006.21
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INDEX
Defined 202
Cellulose Nitrate Motion Picture Film
105.5.6, 306 Cellulose Nitrate Plastics
CBC § 10-8 Medium relevance — show source text
000|10-8|12-6|9-8|10-0|9-0|8-2|7-7|6-4|6-2| |24|2-#4
1-#6|60,000|12-11|15-2|11-9|12-2|11-0|9-11|9-3|7-8|7-6| |24|2-#5|40,000|15-2|17-9|13-9|14-3|12-10|11-7|10-10|9-0|8-9| |24|2-#5|60,000|18-4|21-6|16-7|17-3|15-6|14-0|13-1|10-4|10-0| |24|2-#6|40,000|18-0|21-1|16-4|16-11|14-10|12-9|11-8|9-2|8-11| |24|2-#6|60,000|21-7|25-4|19-2|20-4|17-2|14-9|13-4|10-4|10-0| |24|Center distance_A_k, l|Center distance_A_k, l|4-6|6-2|3-8|4-0|3-3|2-8|2-3|1-7|1-6| |For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 pound per square inch = 6.895 kPa, 1 pound per square foot = 0.0479 kPa, Grade 40 = 280 MPa, Grade 60 = 420 MPa.
a. See Table R608.3 for tolerances permitted from nominal thickness.
b. Table values are based on concrete with a minimum specified compressive strength of 2,500 psi. See Note j.
c. Table values are based on uniform loading. See Section R608.8.2 for lintels supporting concentrated loads.
d. Deflection criterion is_L_/240, where_L_ is the clear span of the lintel in inches, or1/2 inch, whichever is less.
e. Linear interpolation is permitted between ground snow loads and between lintel depths.
f. DR indicates design required.
g. Lintel depth,D, is permitted to include the available height of wall located directly above the lintel, provided that the increased lintel depth spans the entire length of the
lintel.
h. Stirrups shall be fabricated from reinforcing bars with the same yield strength as that used for the main longitudinal reinforcement.
i. Allowable clear span without stirrups applicable to all lintels of the same depth,D. Top and bottom reinforcement for lintels without stirrups shall be not less than the least
amount of reinforcement required for a lintel of the same depth and loading condition with stirrups. All other spans require stirrups spaced at not more than_d_/2.
j. Where concrete with a minimum specified compressive strength of 3,000 psi is used, clear spans for lintels without stirrups shall be permitted to be multiplied by 1.05.CBC § 2.1 Medium relevance — show source text
- 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.
2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 3-3
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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 § 16-1 Medium relevance — show source text
****D_f
(inches)|NUMBER OF
BARS AND
BAR SIZE|STEEL YIELD
STRENGTH,****fy
(psi)|Maximum clear span of lintel
(feet-inches)|Maximum clear span of lintel
(feet-inches)|Maximum clear span of lintel
(feet-inches)|Maximum clear span of lintel
(feet-inches)|Maximum clear span of lintel
(feet-inches)|Maximum clear span of lintel
(feet-inches)|Maximum clear span of lintel
(feet-inches)|Maximum clear span of lintel
(feet-inches)**| |24|1-#4|40,000|16-1|17-1|13-11|15-10|12-7|14-9|11-8|13-10| |24|1-#4|60,000|16-11|18-5|16-1|19-3|14-6|18-0|13-5|17-0| |24|1-#5|40,000|16-11|18-5|16-3|19-8|14-9|18-5|13-8|17-4| |24|1-#5|60,000|16-11|18-5|17-4|—|17-0|—|15-8|—| |24|2-#4
1-#6|40,000|16-11|18-5|17-4|—|16-1|—|14-10|—| |24|2-#4
1-#6|60,000|16-11|18-5|17-4|—|17-6|—|17-1|—| |24|2-#5|40,000|16-11|18-5|17-4|—|17-6|—|17-4|—| |24|2-#5|60,000|16-11|18-5|17-4|—|17-6|—|17-8|—| |For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 pound per square inch = 6.895 kPa, Grade 40 = 280 MPa, Grade 60 = 420 MPa.
DR = Design Required.
a. See Table R608.3 for tolerances permitted from nominal thickness.
b. Table values are based on concrete with a minimum specified compressive strength of 2,500 psi. See Note e.
c. Deflection criterion is_L/240, where_L_ is the clear span of the lintel in inches, or1/2 inch, whichever is less.
d. Linear interpolation between lintels depths,D, is permitted provided the two cells being used to interpolate are shaded.
e. Where concrete with a minimum specified compressive strength of 3,000 psi is used, spans in cells that are shaded shall be permitted to be multiplied by 1.05.
f. Lintel depth,D, is permitted to include the available height of wall located directly above the lintel, provided that the increased lintel depth spans the entire length of the lintel.
g.CBC § 25.4 Medium relevance — show source text
@48|4@48| |140|119|110|8|4@43|4@34|4@48|4@48|4@48|4@48|4@48|4@48| |140|119|110|9|4@34|4@34|4@48|4@48|4@48|4@48|4@48|4@48| |140|119|110|10|4@34|4@31|4@48|4@48|4@48|4@48|4@48|4@48| |150|127|117|8|4@37|4@34|4@48|4@48|4@48|4@48|4@48|4@48| |150|127|117|9|4@34|4@33|4@48|4@48|4@48|4@48|4@48|4@48| |150|127|117|10|4@31|4@27|4@48|4@48|4@48|4@48|4@48|4@48| |160|136|125|8|4@34|4@34|4@48|4@48|4@48|4@48|4@48|4@48| |160|136|125|9|4@34|4@29|4@48|4@48|4@48|4@48|4@48|4@48| |160|136|125|10|4@27|4@24|4@48|4@48|4@48|4@48|4@48|4@48| |For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 mile per hour = 0.447 m/s, 1 pound per square inch = 1.895 kPa, 1 square foot = 0.0929 m2.
a. Table is based on ASCE 7 components and cladding wind pressures for an enclosed building using a mean roof height of 35 feet, interior wall area 4, an effective wind area of
10 square feet, topographic factor,Kzt, equal to 1.0, and Risk Category II.
b. Table is based on concrete with a minimum specified compressive strength of 2,500 psi.
c. See Section R608.6.5 for location of reinforcement in wall.
d. Deflection criterion is_L_/240, where_L_ is the unsupported height of the wall in inches.
e. Interpolation is not permitted.
f. Where No. 4 reinforcing bars at a spacing of 48 inches are specified in the table as indicated by shaded cells, use of bars with a minimum yield strength of 40,000 psi or 60,000
psi is permitted.
g. Other than for No.CBC § 3-6 Medium 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)
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. 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 .
2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 3-7
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION AND USE
[F] TABLE 307.1(1)—MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE QUANTITY PER
CONTROL AREA OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS POSING A PHYSICAL HAZARDa, i, l, mCol2 Col3 Col4 Col5 Col6 Col7 Col8 Col9 Col10 Col11 MATERIAL CLASS GROUP WHEN
THE
MAXIMUM
ALLOWABLE
QUANTITY IS
EXCEEDEDSTORAGEb STORAGEb STORAGEb **USE-CLOSED
Frequently asked questions
When is a factory ALWAYS F‑2?
Never “always.” The CBC lists common F‑2 uses (metal fabrication, brick, glass, gypsum, etc.), but the controlling test is whether the materials are noncombustible and finishing/packing/processing do not involve a significant fire hazard; otherwise the use is F‑1. See §306.3 and §306.2.
Are lithium‑ion battery operations F‑1 or F‑2?
Lithium‑ion batteries and ESS (energy storage systems) are listed under F‑1 in the CBC, so battery operations are treated as F‑1 (moderate hazard) in the illustrative list. See §306.2.
What if part of my building is low hazard and part is moderate hazard?
You may need to separate the uses into different occupancies or apply fire‑separation/compartmentalization per other CBC provisions. At a minimum, classify each portion based on its actual use and hazards — the CBC lists examples but requires the hazard analysis described in §306.2/§306.3.
Does a small commercial kitchen count as F‑1?
A commercial kitchen or food‑processing establishment not associated with a restaurant and over 2,500 sq ft is specifically listed as F‑1. For smaller kitchens, evaluate hazards against the F‑2 test. See §306.2.
If I store some hazardous materials, does that make the whole building Group H instead of F?
If the type or quantity of hazardous materials meet the thresholds for Group H (or Group S for storage), the occupancy may be Group H or S rather than F. §306.1 explicitly excludes Group H and Group S uses from Group F — consult the sections that set those thresholds.
More in California Building Code
- Administration & Permits
- Energy Efficiency
- Existing Buildings
- Occupancy Classification & Use
- Hazardous Materials & Occupancies
- Types of Construction
- Fire-Resistance & Fire Safety
- Interior Finishes
- Means of Egress
- Accessibility
- Exterior Walls
- Roofing & Roof Assemblies
- Structural Design
- Special Inspections & Tests
- Foundations & Soils
- Concrete
- Masonry
- Steel
- Wood
- Elevators & Conveying Systems
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