CBC · California Building Code

Mercantile (Group M) and Storage (Group S) — typical uses and limits

For homeowners: "Group M" is the code label for stores where the public shops; their backrooms are usually treated as part of the store unless they are a separate warehouse. Separate storage buildings are Group S (S‑1 if combustible or mixed, S‑2 if noncombustible). If a store displays or stores certain hazardous materials or uses fuel‑dispensing, specific table limits and other sections apply — see CBC §309.1 and §311 for the rules .

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Last reviewed: July 5, 2026

What the code requires

Mercantile occupancies (Group M) are spaces used for the display and sale of merchandise where the public has access; typical examples include department stores, drug stores and retail salesrooms (see CBC §309.1) . The Code limits the quantity of certain hazardous materials in Group M control areas to the amounts shown in the hazardous‑materials tables (see CBC §309.2 and Table 414.2.5.1) . Storage occupancies (Group S) cover buildings used primarily for storage that are not otherwise hazardous and are subdivided into S‑1 (moderate‑hazard) and S‑2 (low‑hazard) classes with examples and special rules for combustible/high‑piled stock (see CBC §311.1–§311.3) .

Requirements in detail

Mercantile (Group M) — scope and key controls

What it is: any building or portion used for display and sale of merchandise where the public has access; stocks incidental to those purposes are included (CBC §309.1) .
Hazardous materials: the aggregate quantity of nonflammable solid and nonflammable/noncombustible liquid hazardous materials in a single control area of Group M is limited by the Code tables referenced in §309.2 (Table 414.2.5.1) — designers must consult that table and related sprinkler/alarm requirements when hazardous quantities approach the table thresholds (CBC §309.2) .
Fuel dispensing: mercantile spaces that include motor fuel dispensing must comply with the separate motor‑fuel requirements in §406.7 (CBC §309.3) .

Storage (Group S) — classification and triggers

Scope: occupancies used primarily for storage that are not classified as a hazardous occupancy (CBC §311.1) .
Accessory storage: a storage room that is accessory to another primary occupancy is classified as part of that primary occupancy (CBC §311.1.1) — e.g., a stockroom inside a retail store is part of Group M, not automatically Group S .
Combustible / high‑piled stock: high‑piled, rack, attic, under‑floor and concealed storage of combustible materials is addressed by the high‑pile storage provisions (see CBC §311.1.2 and Section 413) and triggers the requirements in that section (CBC §311.1.2) .
S‑1 vs S‑2 examples: S‑1 (moderate hazard) lists many combustible commodity examples (furniture, lumber, tires bulk, lithium battery storage, etc.); S‑2 (low hazard) covers storage of noncombustible products (paper on pallets with negligible plastic trim is allowed in S‑2) (CBC §311.2–§311.3) .

Decision‑relevant summary table

Decision item	Typical value / rule	Code reference
Definition: Mercantile (when space is Group M)	Display and sale of merchandise; public access; stocks incidental to sale included	CBC §309.1
Hazardous materials in Group M	Aggregate quantities in a single control area must not exceed Table 414.2.5.1 limits (consult table)	CBC §309.2 / Table 414.2.5.1
Motor fuel‑dispensing in Group M	Must comply with §406.7 (special fuel‑dispensing provisions)	CBC §309.3 / §406.7
When storage is accessory	Accessory storage is classified as the primary occupancy (not automatically Group S)	CBC §311.1.1
High‑piled / combustible storage	High‑piled/rack/attic/under‑floor combustible storage follows Section 413 rules	CBC §311.1.2 / §413
S‑1 (moderate) vs S‑2 (low)	S‑1: combustible and mixed commodity storage (furniture, lumber, lithium batteries, etc.); S‑2: noncombustible storage	CBC §311.2 / §311.3

Code notes on application

The Code often links occupancy classification decisions to quantities, commodity types and control‑area sizing; for Group M hazardous‑material limits you must consult Table 414.2.5.1 and other Chapter 4 provisions cited in §309.2 (CBC §309.2) .
When storage becomes high‑piled (or is stored in attics/under‑floor/ concealed spaces) the Chapter 4 storage rules (Section 413) apply in addition to the occupancy classification (CBC §311.1.2) .

Exceptions & special cases

Accessory storage inside another occupancy is treated as part of the primary occupancy, not as a separate Group S area (CBC §311.1.1) — e.g., backroom stock in a store remains Group M unless physically separated or used independently from the retail operation .
Quantities of hazardous materials displayed in Group M are limited by the referenced table; if a mercantile operation stores larger controlled quantities, the project may trigger control‑area separation, sprinkler or fire‑protection requirements per the hazardous materials chapters (CBC §309.2) .
Storage of certain commodities (e.g., lithium‑ion batteries) is explicitly listed as S‑1 examples; therefore battery warehouses are likely S‑1 and may require additional controls (CBC §311.2) .
Motor‑fuel sales within a mercantile campus are not treated simply as “retail” — they must comply with the separate §406.7 requirements (CBC §309.3) .

Common mistakes

Treating every stockroom as Group S: an accessory stockroom within a retail space is part of the retail (Group M) occupancy unless it is a separate, independent storage occupancy (CBC §311.1.1) .
Forgetting hazardous‑material table limits for displays/dry goods in stores: §309.2 directs designers to Table 414.2.5.1 for permitted quantities — omission leads to under‑protected control areas (CBC §309.2) .
Misclassifying commodity types: the S‑1/S‑2 distinction is commodity‑driven (combustibility and packaging). Lithium battery storage and bulk combustible goods are S‑1 examples listed in §311.2 (CBC §311.2) .
Overlooking high‑pile triggers: storing in attics, under‑floor or as rack/high‑pile stock invokes Section 413 even where occupancy would otherwise be S or M (CBC §311.1.2) .

Worked example

Scenario: A 10,000 ft² retail store sells furniture and also maintains a 1,200 ft² enclosed stockroom directly behind the sales floor for additional inventory.

Classification: The main building is Mercantile (Group M) because it is used for display and sale with public access (CBC §309.1) .
Stockroom: Because the stockroom is accessory to the retail use and located within the same building, it is part of the Group M occupancy (CBC §311.1.1) — it is not automatically a separate Group S space (CBC §311.1.1) .
If that same inventory were moved to a separate, standalone warehouse used only for storage of combustible furniture, the warehouse would likely be Group S‑1 (moderate‑hazard storage) because furniture and lumber are listed S‑1 commodities (CBC §311.2) .
Note: If the store or the warehouse stores hazardous liquids or quantities of hazardous material near the table limits, consult Table 414.2.5.1 and the related sprinkler/alarm requirements referenced by §309.2 (CBC §309.2) . (The Table 414.2.5.1 numeric values are not reproduced here; see the Code table for the exact limits.)

Related provisions

CBC §309.1 — Mercantile Group M definition and examples
CBC §309.2 — Quantity limits for hazardous materials in Group M control areas (see Table 414.2.5.1)
CBC §309.3 — Motor fuel‑dispensing facilities in mercantile occupancies (see §406.7)
CBC §311.1–§311.3 — Storage Group S general provisions, S‑1 and S‑2 classification lists and accessory storage rule (§311.1.1)
CBC §413 — High‑piled stock and special combustible storage requirements referenced by §311.1.2
CBC Table 414.2.5.1 — Hazardous‑material quantity table referenced by §309.2 (consult code text for table values)
CBC §406.7 — Specific requirements for motor fuel‑dispensing facilities (referenced by §309.3)
Mixed occupancies and accessory rules: see provisions on mixed occupancies (e.g., §508) and other Chapter 4 controls referenced throughout Chapter 3 and the index for related egress/sprinkler requirements

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 § 308.5.1.1 High relevance — show source text
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

309.2 Quantity of hazardous materials. The aggregate quantity of nonflammable solid and nonflammable or noncombustible liquid hazardous materials stored or displayed in a single control area of a Group M occupancy shall not exceed the quantities in Table 414.2.5.1.

309.3 Motor fuel-dispensing facilities. Motor fuel-dispensing facilities shall comply with Section 406.7.

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OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION AND USE

SECTION 310—RESIDENTIAL GROUP R

310.1 Residential Group R. Residential Group R includes, among others, the use of a building or structure, or a portion thereof, for sleeping purposes when not classified as an Institutional Group I or when not regulated by the California Residential Code . Group R occupancies not constructed in accordance with the California Residential Code as permitted by Sections 310.4.1 and 310.4.2 shall comply with Section 420.

310.2 Residential Group R-1. Residential Group R-1 occupancies containing sleeping units or more than two dwelling units where the occupants are primarily transient in nature, including:

Boarding houses (transient) with more than 10 occupants

Congregate residences (transient) with more than 10 occupants

Hotels (transient)

Motels (transient)

[HCD 1] Efficiency dwelling units (transient)

310.3 Residential Group R-2. Residential Group R-2 occupancies containing sleeping units or more than two dwelling units where the occupants are primarily permanent in nature, including:

Apartment houses

Large family child care

Small family child care
CBC § 1-33 Medium 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 § 1224.19.3.2.3.7 Medium relevance — show source text
If ceilings_ consist of inlaid panels, the panels must be caulked around each panel to seal them to the support frame. Junctures of ceil- ings to walls shall be coved or caulked to avoid cracks and crevices where dirt can accumulate. Sprinkler systems shall be recessed, covered, easily cleanable and of a type suitable for a cleanroom environment. Wall finishes shall be 2-coat epoxy- covered gypsum board, seamless vinyl or other impervious covering. Work surfaces, shelving and cabinets shall be constructed of smooth, impervious materials, such as stainless steel or molded plastic so that they are easily cleaned and disinfected. Plastic laminate finish over a pervious substrate is not permitted.

1224.19.3.2.3.7 Sealed tight room. Room perimeter walls, ceiling, floors, doors and penetrations shall be sealed tightly to minimize air infiltration from the outside or from other rooms. Buffer room doors shall be glass, metal or other phenolic material, self-closing and with hands-free door operation.

1224.19.3.2.4 Segregated Compounding Area (SCA). When provided in lieu of a buffer/clean room and anteroom, a segre- gated compounding area, with a limitation on permitted compounded sterile preparations and allowable time of use, shall comply with the requirements of Title 16, Section 1735 and USP Chapter 797. The SCA shall include the PEC and extend to a line of demarcation between the PEC and other surrounding areas with a minimum clearance of 3.281 feet (1 meter) between the PEC and the line of demarcation.

1224.19.3.2.4.1 Air quality. Nonhazardous Segregated Compounding Areas shall provide airflow from clean to less clean areas. Refer to California Mechanical Code Table 4A, Title 16 Section 1735 and USP Chapter 797 for additional requirements.

1224.19.3.2.4.2 Handwashing station. A handwashing station, with hands-free controls and nonrefillable closed soap dispensing system, providing support for scrubbing up to the elbows, shall be located in or adjacent to the SCA with a mini- mum clearance of 3.281 feet (1 meter) between the rim of the sink and the PEC.

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INTERIOR ENVIRONMENT

1224.19.3.2.4.3 Finishes. The segregated compounding area is considered a semi-restricted area with nonporous and cleanable surfaces, ceilings, walls and floors subject to wet cleaning. The surfaces of ceilings, walls, floors, fixtures, shelving, work surfaces, counters and cabinets shall be smooth, seamless, impervious, free from cracks and crevices and be non- shedding. Ceilings shall be monolithic or utilize cleanroom style scrubbable panels, able to withstand cleaning with chemi- cals. If ceilings consist of inlaid panels, the panels must be caulked around each panel to seal them to the support frame. _Junctures of ceilings to walls shall be coved or caulked to avoid cracks and crevices where dirt can accumulate.
CBC § 704.7 Medium relevance — show source text
Ducts 704.7, 705.11, 706.11, 707.10, 708.9, 709.8, 710.8, 712.1.10.3, 712.1.6, 713.10, 714.1.1, 717 Encroachment, public right-of-way 3202.3.2 Equipment on roof 1511 Equipment platforms 505.3 Fireplaces 2111 Incidental use room Table 509.1

Motion picture projection room 409.3 Permit required 105.1, 105.2 Roof access 1011.12 Seismic inspection and testing 1704.3.2, 1705.13.7 Smoke control system 909 Systems Chapter 28 Mechanically Laminated Decking 2304.9.3 Medical Care (see Institutional I-2) 407.1 Medical Gas Systems 427 Membrane Roof Coverings 1507.11, 1507.12, 1507.13 Membrane Structures 2702.2, 3102 Mercantile Occupancy (Group M) 309 Accessible Chapter 11B Alarm and detection 907.2.6.3.4

Area 503, 505, 506, 507, 508 Covered and open mall buildings 402 Hazardous material display and storage 414.2.5 Height 503, 504, 505, 508 Incidental uses 509

Interior finishes Table 803.13, 804 Live load Table 1607.1 Means of egress Aisles 1018.3, 1018.4 Stairway, exit access 1019 Travel distance 402.8, 1006.3, 1017.2, 1006.2.1 Mixed occupancies 508.3, 508.4 Accessory 508.2 Live/work units 508.5 Mall buildings 402 Parking below/above 510.2, 510.7, 510.8, 510.9 Special mixed 510.2 Occupancy exceptions 307.1.1 Plumbing fixtures Chapter 29 Sprinkler protection 903.2.7 Standpipes 905.3.3 Unlimited area 507.4, 507.5, 507.13 Merchandise Pad 1018.4

Metal

Aluminum Chapter 20 Roof coverings 1504.4.2, 1507.4, 1507.5

Steel Chapter 22

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INDEX

Pedestrian

Protection at construction site

3303.2, 3306 Walkways and tunnels 3104, 3202.3.4 Penalties 114.4 Penetration-Firestop System Fire-rated horizontal assemblies

714.5.2

Fire-rated walls 714.4.2 Penetrations 714, 717 Fire-resistant assemblies

Exterior wall 705.11

Fire barrier 707.7, 707.10 Fire partition 708.7, 708.9 Fire wall 706.9, 706.11 Horizontal assemblies 714.5

Installation 714.2
CBC § 452.1.4 Medium relevance — show source text
Special provisions. See Section 452.1.4 of the California Building Code for child-care locations above or below the first story.

[BG] 203.7.4.2 Within a place of religious worship. Rooms and spaces within places of religious worship providing such care during religious functions shall be classified as part of the primary occupancy.

[BG] 203.7.4.3 Five or fewer persons receiving care. A facility having five or fewer persons receiving custodial care shall be classified as part of the primary occupancy.

[BG] 203.7.4.4 Five or fewer persons receiving care in a dwelling unit. A facility such as the above within a dwelling unit and having five or fewer persons receiving custodial care shall be classified as a Group R-3 occupancy or shall comply with the Cali- fornia Residential Code .

[BG] 203.8 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 with public access that maintain plants for display and sale

Markets

Motor fuel-dispensing facilities

Retail or wholesale stores

Sales rooms

[BG] 203.8.1 Quantity of hazardous materials. The aggregate quantity of nonflammable solid and nonflammable or noncombustible liquid hazardous materials stored or displayed in a single control area of a Group M occupancy shall not exceed the quantities in Table 5704.3.4.1.

[BG] 203.8.2 Motor fuel-dispensing facilities. Motor fuel-dispensing facilities shall comply with Section 406.7 of the California Building Code .

[BG] 203.9 Residential Group R. Residential Group R includes, among others, the use of a building or structure, or a portion thereof, for sleeping purposes when not classified as an Institutional Group I or when not regulated by the California Residential Code in accordance with Section 101.2 of the California Building Code . Group R occupancies not constructed in accordance with the Califor- nia Residential Code as permitted by Sections 310.4.1 and 310.4.2 of the California Building Code shall comply with Section 420 of the California Building Code .

[BG] 203.9.1 Residential Group R-1. Residential Group R-1 occupancies containing sleeping units or more than two dwelling units where the occupants are primarily transient in nature, including:

Boarding houses (transient) with more than 10 occupants

Congregate residences (transient) with more than 10 occupants

Hotels (transient)

Motels (transient)

Lodging houses with more than five guestrooms

[BG] 203.9.2 Residential Group R-2. Residential Group R-2 occupancies containing sleeping units or more than two dwelling units where the occupants are primarily permanent in nature, including:

Apartment houses

Large family child care Small family child care

2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE 2-47

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DEFINITIONS

Congregate residences (nontransient) with more than 16 occupants
CBC § 0.70 Medium relevance — show source text
Use 30 psf ground snow load for cases in which ground snow load is less than 30 psf and the roof live load is equal to or less than 20 psf.
f. Spans are calculated assuming the top of the header or girder is laterally braced by perpendicular framing. Where the top of the header or girder is not laterally braced (for
example, cripple studs bearing on the header), tabulated spans for headers consisting of 2 × 8, 2 × 10, or 2 × 12 sizes shall be multiplied by 0.70 or the header or girder shall be
designed.|For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 pound per square foot = 0.0479 kPa.
a. Spans are given in feet and inches.
b. Spans are based on minimum design properties for No. 2 grade lumber of Douglas fir-larch, hem-fir, Southern pine, and spruce-pine-fir.
c. Building width is measured perpendicular to the ridge. For widths between those shown, spans are permitted to be interpolated.
d. NJ = Number of jack studs required to support each end. Where the number of required jack studs equals one, the header is permitted to be supported by an approved fram-
ing anchor attached to the full-height wall stud and to the header.
e. Use 30 psf ground snow load for cases in which ground snow load is less than 30 psf and the roof live load is equal to or less than 20 psf.
f. Spans are calculated assuming the top of the header or girder is laterally braced by perpendicular framing. Where the top of the header or girder is not laterally braced (for
example, cripple studs bearing on the header), tabulated spans for headers consisting of 2 × 8, 2 × 10, or 2 × 12 sizes shall be multiplied by 0.70 or the header or girder shall be
designed.|For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 pound per square foot = 0.0479 kPa.
a. Spans are given in feet and inches.
b. Spans are based on minimum design properties for No. 2 grade lumber of Douglas fir-larch, hem-fir, Southern pine, and spruce-pine-fir.
c. Building width is measured perpendicular to the ridge. For widths between those shown, spans are permitted to be interpolated.
d. NJ = Number of jack studs required to support each end. Where the number of required jack studs equals one, the header is permitted to be supported by an approved fram-
ing anchor attached to the full-height wall stud and to the header.
e. Use 30 psf ground snow load for cases in which ground snow load is less than 30 psf and the roof live load is equal to or less than 20 psf.
f. Spans are calculated assuming the top of the header or girder is laterally braced by perpendicular framing. Where the top of the header or girder is not laterally braced (for
example, cripple studs bearing on the header), tabulated spans for headers consisting of 2 × 8, 2 × 10, or 2 × 12 sizes shall be multiplied by 0.70 or the header or girder shall be
designed.|

|TABLE R602.
CBC § 308.4.7 Medium 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 § 2.1 Medium relevance — show source text
1. 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 § 1009.1 Medium relevance — show source text
1009.1 Moving walk 1003.7 Number 1001.2, 1006 Occupant load 1004 Parking 406.5.7 Protruding objects 1003.3, 1005.7 Ramps 1012, 1019, 1027 Scoping 101.3, 108.2, 1001.1 Seating, fixed 1009.1, 1030 Special amusement areas 411.4 Stages 410.2.3, 410.5 Stairways 403.5, 404.6, 1005.3.1, 1011, 1019, 1023, 1027 Temporary structures 3103.4 Travel distance (see Travel Distance) 1006.2.1,

1017

Turnstile 1010.5

Underground buildings 405.5.1, 405.7 Width 1005.1, 1005.2, 1005.4, 1011.2, 1012.5.1, 1020.3, 1030.6, 1030.8 Mechanical (see Air Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration and Ventilation) 101.4.2 Access 1011.12, 1208.4 Air transfer openings 705.11, 706.11, 707.10, 708.9, 709.8, 712.1.6, 713.10, 714.1.1, 717 Chimneys (see Chimneys) Code Chapter 28 Disconnected 3303.6

Ducts 704.7, 705.11, 706.11, 707.10, 708.9, 709.8, 710.8, 712.1.10.3, 712.1.6, 713.10, 714.1.1, 717 Encroachment, public right-of-way 3202.3.2 Equipment on roof 1511 Equipment platforms 505.3 Fireplaces 2111 Incidental use room Table 509.1

Motion picture projection room 409.3 Permit required 105.1, 105.2 Roof access 1011.12 Seismic inspection and testing 1704.3.2, 1705.13.7 Smoke control system 909 Systems Chapter 28 Mechanically Laminated Decking 2304.9.3 Medical Care (see Institutional I-2) 407.1 Medical Gas Systems 427 Membrane Roof Coverings 1507.11, 1507.12, 1507.13 Membrane Structures 2702.2, 3102 Mercantile Occupancy (Group M) 309 Accessible Chapter 11B Alarm and detection 907.2.6.3.4

Area 503, 505, 506, 507, 508 Covered and open mall buildings 402 Hazardous material display and storage 414.2.5 Height 503, 504, 505, 508 Incidental uses 509
CBC § 315.3.4 Medium relevance — show source text
315.3.4 Attic, under-floor and concealed spaces. Attic, under-floor and concealed spaces used for storage of combustible materials shall be protected on the storage side as required for 1-hour fire-resistance-rated construction. Openings shall be protected by assemblies that are self-closing and are of noncombustible construction or solid wood core not less than 1 [3] / 4 inches (44.5 mm) in thickness. Storage shall not be placed on exposed joists.

Exceptions:
1. Areas protected by approved automatic sprinkler systems.
2. Group R-3 and Group U occupancies.
315.4 Outside storage. Outside storage of combustible materials shall not be located within 10 feet (3048 mm) of a lot line.

Exceptions:
1. The separation distance is allowed to be reduced to 3 feet (914 mm) for storage not exceeding 6 feet (1829 mm) in height.
2. The separation distance is allowed to be reduced where the fire code official determines that hazard to the adjoining property does not exist.
315.4.1 Storage beneath overhead projections from buildings. Where buildings are protected by an automatic sprinkler system, the outdoor storage, display and handling of combustible materials under eaves, canopies or other projections or overhangs are prohibited except where automatic sprinklers are installed under such eaves, canopies or other projections or overhangs.

315.4.2 Height. Storage in the open shall not exceed 20 feet (6096 mm) in height.

315.5 Storage underneath high-voltage transmission lines. Storage located underneath high-voltage transmission lines shall be in accordance with Section 316.6.2.

315.6 Storage in plenums. Storage is prohibited in plenums. Abandoned material in plenums shall be deemed to be storage and shall be removed. Where located in plenums, the portion of abandoned cables that are able to be accessed without causing damage, or requiring demolition to the building shall be identified for future use with a tag or shall be deemed storage and shall be removed.

315.7 Outdoor pallet storage. Pallets stored outdoors shall comply with Sections 315.7 through 315.7.7. Pallets stored within a building shall be protected in accordance with Chapter 32.

315.7.1 Storage beneath overhead projections from buildings. Where buildings are equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system, the outdoor storage of pallets under eaves, canopies or other projections or overhangs are prohibited except where automatic sprinklers are installed under such eaves, canopies or other projections or overhangs.

315.7.2 Distance to lot line. Pallet storage shall not be located within 10 feet (3048 mm) of a lot line.

315.7.3 Storage height. Pallet storage shall not exceed 20 feet (6096 mm) in height.

315.7.4 Pallet pile stability and size. Pallet stacks shall be arranged to form stable piles. Individual pallet piles shall cover an area not greater than 400 square feet (37 m [2] ).

315.7.5 Pallet types. Pallets shall be all wood, with slatted or solid top or bottom, with metal fasteners, or shall be plastic or composite pallets, listed and labeled in accordance with UL 2335 or FM 4996. Plastic pallets shall be both solid and gridded deck, independent of the pallet manufacturing process, type of resin used in fabrication or geometry of the pallet.
CBC § 203.7.3.7 Medium relevance — show source text
203.7.3.7 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 of the California Building Code. A Condition 7 building shall be permitted to be classified as a Group B occupancy.

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DEFINITIONS

203.7.3.8 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 permitted to be classified as a Group B occupancy, provided the requirements in Section 408.1.2.7 of the Califor- nia Building Code are met.

[BG] 203.7.4 Institutional Group I-4, day care facilities. Institutional Group I-4 shall include buildings and structures occupied by more than six clients of any age who receive custodial care for fewer than 24 hours 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 a Group E)

[BG] 203.7.4.1 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 have an exit door directly to the exterior, shall be classified as Group E.

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

[BG] 203.7.4.2 Within a place of religious worship. Rooms and spaces within places of religious worship providing such care during religious functions shall be classified as part of the primary occupancy.

[BG] 203.7.4.3 Five or fewer persons receiving care. A facility having five or fewer persons receiving custodial care shall be classified as part of the primary occupancy.

[BG] 203.7.4.4 Five or fewer persons receiving care in a dwelling unit. A facility such as the above within a dwelling unit and having five or fewer persons receiving custodial care shall be classified as a Group R-3 occupancy or shall comply with the Cali- fornia Residential Code .

[BG] 203.8 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 with public access that maintain plants for display and sale

Markets

Motor fuel-dispensing facilities

Retail or wholesale stores

Sales rooms

Frequently asked questions

When is a stockroom inside a store classified as Group S instead of Group M?

If the storage room is accessory to the retail sales operation and is inside the same building, it is classified as part of the primary mercantile occupancy (Group M) per CBC §311.1.1. A separate building or a space used independently and primarily for storage may be Group S (CBC §311.1.1) .

Do mercantile stores need sprinklers because of inventory?

The presence of inventory can trigger sprinkler and other protections when hazardous‑material quantities or commodity types exceed thresholds in the Code (see CBC §309.2 and Table 414.2.5.1). Consult those tables and the sprinkler chapters for the exact triggers (CBC §309.2) .

Where do I find the numeric hazardous‑material limits for a store?

Numeric limits for nonflammable solids and noncombustible liquids in Group M control areas are in Table 414.2.5.1 referenced by CBC §309.2. The table itself must be consulted in the Code text (CBC §309.2) .

Are lithium‑battery warehouses Group M or Group S?

Battery warehouses are listed among S‑1 examples (Group S moderate‑hazard) in CBC §311.2; therefore independent battery storage facilities are typically Group S‑1 and subject to the S‑1 rules (CBC §311.2) .

What triggers the Section 413 high‑pile storage rules?

High‑piled stock, rack storage and attic/under‑floor/ concealed storage of combustible materials are governed by Section 413 per CBC §311.1.2; when these storage configurations exist, you must apply the Section 413 requirements in addition to occupancy classification (CBC §311.1.2) .

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Related in the CBC

Educational Group E — schools and child‑care classification rules

High‑hazard Group H — classification criteria and tables

Factory & industrial — when to use F‑1 versus F‑2

High‑hazard, Educational, Factory, Mercantile & Storage

California Building Code