CEBC · California Existing Building Code
What must be included in the site safety plan for construction sites?
For homeowners: before construction begins, the building owner must file an approved written site safety plan listing who’s in charge, how emergencies are reported, where fire equipment and access routes are, training records, hot‑work controls, and how combustible materials and temporary heating are handled. The plan must be approved before the building permit is issued (CEBC **§ 1502.1** / CFC **§ 3303.1**).
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — 2-4 sentences
The owner (or owner’s authorized agent) must prepare, implement and maintain an approved, written site safety plan establishing a fire‑prevention program for the entire project and submit it for approval before a building permit is issued. The CEBC lists required components that the plan “shall include” as applicable (the named items below) in § 1502.1.1 and the California Fire Code has equivalent requirements in § 3303.1.1; the owner must also provide training and designate a site safety director to ensure compliance.
The owner must have an approved, written site safety plan on file before a permit is issued that names the site safety director, documents training, and shows how fire and emergency risks will be controlled.
Requirements in detail
Bolded on first mention: § 1502.1, § 1502.1.1, § 3303.1, § 3303.1.1, site safety plan, site safety director, fire watch, hot work, and 20 feet (6096 mm).
The CEBC (Chapter 15) lists specific plan components; the CFC (Chapter 33) provides consistent, correlating requirements. The CEBC text lists the following components that “shall be included … as applicable.” Each item below is taken directly from § 1502.1.1 and mirrored in § 3303.1.1.
Required components (CEBC / CFC)
- Name and contact information of the site safety director — who is designated by the owner and has authority to enforce the plan.
- Documentation of training for the site safety director and fire watch personnel; training records are part of the written plan.
- Procedures for reporting emergencies (how to notify the fire department and other responders).
- Fire department vehicle access routes (maps/diagrams showing access).
- Location of fire protection equipment — portable extinguishers, standpipes, fire department connections and fire hydrants.
- Smoking and cooking policies (designated areas, signage) in accordance with the Fire Code.
- Location and safety considerations for temporary heating equipment.
- Hot work permit plan (controls for welding, cutting, grinding and other hot work).
- Plans for control of combustible waste material.
- Locations and methods for storage and use of flammable and combustible liquids and other hazardous materials.
- Provisions for site security and, where required, for a fire watch.
- How changes that affect the plan will be handled (and that changes will be submitted for approval).
- Other site‑specific information required by the Fire Code or fire code official.
Decision‑relevant table
| Topic | Decision / value you must provide | Code reference |
|---|---|---|
| Who’s in charge | Name & contact of site safety director (designated by owner) | § 1502.1.1 (1) |
| Training | Written documentation of training for director and fire watch | § 1502.1.1 (2) |
| Emergency reporting | Written procedures for reporting emergencies (who, how, notification steps) | § 1502.1.1 (3) |
| Fire department access | Map/route showing vehicle access (keep access clear) | § 1502.1.1 (4); see related § 1502.3 for access width 20 ft (6096 mm) |
| Fire protection equipment | Locations of portable extinguishers, standpipes, FDCs, hydrants | § 1502.1.1 (5) |
| Smoking/cooking | Policy, approved designated areas, signage (CFC correlation) | § 1502.1.1 (6) / § 3303.1.1 (6) |
| Temporary heating | Locations + manufacturer instructions / clearances | § 1502.1.1 (7) / § 3303.1.1 (7) |
| Hot work | Hot work permit plan describing controls, approvals | § 1502.1.1 (8) / § 3303.1.1 (8) |
| Waste control | Schedule/method for removal of combustible debris | § 1502.1.1 (9) |
| Hazardous materials | Storage method, locations, approval conditions | § 1502.1.1 (10) |
| Site security / fire watch | Who provides security, when fire watch required, recordkeeping | § 1502.1.1 (11); CFC details in § 3303.5 |
| Changes | How plan amendments will be submitted and approved | § 1502.1.1 (12) / § 3303.1 |
| Other site info | Any additional site‑specific items the fire code official requires | § 1502.1.1 (13) / § 3303.1.1 (13) |
Notes: CEBC requires the plan be submitted and approved prior to permit issuance; the CFC repeats the owner’s responsibility and the components list.
Training, inspections and records
- The owner must designate the site safety director and the director must ensure compliance and training; records of training and daily inspections (where required) must be kept on site and made available to the fire code official. See § 1502.2 and daily inspection requirements in CEBC / CFC.
Exceptions & special cases
- The CEBC language for the component list is “[as applicable]”; not every item may apply to every job. The plan must still explain applicability and any items not used. § 1502.1.1 requires inclusion “as applicable.”
- The Fire Code can require additional site‑specific information and may impose training/qualification checks for the site safety director; be prepared to submit training documentation on request. § 3303.1 and § 3303.2.1 control this.
- If a local fire code official or AHJ requires extra controls (e.g., more frequent inspections, additional signage, or alternate access routes), those must be incorporated and approved as changes to the plan. § 3303.1 requires submission/approval of changes.
Common mistakes
- Treating the list as optional — many items must be included if applicable and the plan must state applicability; simply omitting an item without justification is a frequent deficiency (see § 1502.1.1).
- Not submitting the plan before permit issuance — the plan must be submitted and approved before a building permit is issued, per § 1502.1 / § 3303.1.
- Incomplete training records — the CEBC and CFC expect training documentation for the site safety director and fire watch personnel to be part of the plan.
- Poor maps/diagrams — fire department access routes, hydrants and fire protection equipment locations must be legible and current in the plan. § 1502.1.1 (4–5).
Worked example — applying the rule with numbers
Scenario: A 4‑story renovation of an occupied building in a city jurisdiction.
- Owner designates a site safety director and includes their name, mobile number and on‑site hours in the plan (required by § 1502.1.1 (1)).
- The plan documents training: the director completed a 16‑hour site‑safety/fire prevention course and supervisors assigned as fire watch completed a 4‑hour hot‑work and extinguisher use class; records are attached to the plan (§ 1502.1.1 (2)).
- The plan maps fire department vehicle access routes and documents that all fire apparatus access roads will remain clear and will not be reduced to less than 20 feet (6096 mm) of usable roadway during construction (CEBC daily inspection requirements reference maintaining access) — diagram included (§ 1502.1.1 (4); see related CEBC daily inspection items).
- The plan identifies locations of portable fire extinguishers (one per stair, plus one every 75 ft where practical), standpipe in service to the highest work floor, and the nearest fire hydrant and FDCs; those locations are shown on the site map (§ 1502.1.1 (5)).
- For daily hot work (welding on roof sections) the plan includes a written hot work permit program, specifies approved hot‑work areas, stand‑by fire watch staffing during and for 30 minutes after completion, and records retention procedures (§ 1502.1.1 (8); CFC hot work cross‑references).
Result: With the plan submitted showing the items above and training records attached, the permit authority (and the fire code official) can approve the permit consistent with § 1502.1 / § 3303.1.
Related provisions
- § 1502.2 — Site safety director (designation, authority and responsibilities).
- § 1502.3 — Daily fire safety inspection and documentation to be kept on site.
- § 1509 / 3307 — Standpipe requirements and continuity to highest work floor (referenced for in‑service standpipes).
- § 3303.2 / 3303.2.1 (CFC) — Site safety director qualifications and training submission.
- § 3303.3 (CFC) — Daily fire safety inspection procedures and violations.
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Existing Building Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CEBC § 3301.2 High relevance — show source text
3301.2 Purpose. This chapter prescribes minimum safeguards for construction, alteration and demolition operations to provide reasonable safety to life and property from fire during such operations.
SECTION 3302—DEFINITIONS
3302.1 Terms defined in Chapter 2. Words and terms used in this chapter and defined in Chapter 2 shall have the meanings ascribed to them as defined therein.
SECTION 3303—ADMINISTRATIVE SAFETY CONTROLS
3303.1 Program development and maintenance. The owner or owner’s authorized agent shall be responsible for the development, implementation and maintenance of an approved, written site safety plan establishing a fire prevention program at the project site applicable throughout all phases of the construction, repair, alteration or demolition work. The plan addresses the requirements of this chapter and other applicable portions of this code, the duties of staff and staff training requirements. The plan shall be submitted and approved before a building permit is issued. Any changes to the plan shall be submitted for approval.
3303.1.1 Components of site safety plans. Site safety plans shall include the following as applicable:
Name and contact information of site safety director.
Documentation of the training of the site safety director and fire watch personnel.
Procedures for reporting emergencies.
Fire department vehicle access routes.
Location of fire protection equipment, including portable fire extinguishers, standpipes, fire department connections and fire hydrants.
Smoking and cooking policies, designated areas to be used where approved, and signage locations in accordance with Section 3305.7.
Location and safety considerations for temporary heating equipment.
Hot work permit plan.
Plans for control of combustible waste material.
Locations and methods for storage and use of flammable and combustible liquids and other hazardous materials.
Provisions for site security and where required, for a fire watch.
Changes that affect this plan.
Other site-specific information required by the fire code official.
3303.2 Site safety director. The owner shall designate a person to be the site safety director. The site safety director shall be responsible for ensuring compliance with the site safety plan. The site safety director shall have the authority to enforce the provisions of this chapter and other provisions as necessary to secure the intent of this chapter. Where guard service is provided in accordance with NFPA 241, the site safety director shall be responsible for the guard service.
3303.2.1 Training. Training of fire watch and other responsible personnel in the use of fire protection equipment shall be the responsibility of the site safety director. Records of training shall be kept and made a part of the written plan for the site safety plan.
3303.3 Daily fire safety inspection. The site safety director shall be responsible for completion of a daily fire safety inspection at the project site. Each day, all building and outdoor areas shall be inspected to ensure compliance with the inspection list in this section.
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FIRE SAFETY DURING CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION
The results of each inspection shall be documented and maintained on-site until a certificate of occupancy has been issued. Documentation shall be immediately available on-site for presentation to the fire code official upon request.
- Any contractors entering the site to perform hot work each day have been instructed in the hot work safety requirements in Chapter 35, and hot work is performed only in areas approved by the site safety director.
- Temporary heating equipment is maintained away from combustible materials in accordance with the equipment manufacturer’s instructions.
CEBC § 1502.1.1 High relevance — show source text
[F] 1502.1.1 Components of site safety plans. Site safety plans shall include the following as applicable:
Name and contact information of site safety director.
Documentation of the training of the site safety director and fire watch personnel.
Procedures for reporting emergencies.
Fire department vehicle access routes.
Location of fire protection equipment, including portable fire extinguishers, standpipes, fire department connections and fire hydrants.
Smoking and cooking policies, designated areas to be used where approved and signage locations in accordance with the California Fire Code .
Location and safety considerations for temporary heating equipment.
Hot work permit plan.
Plans for control of combustible waste material.
Locations and methods for storage and use of flammable and combustible liquids and other hazardous materials.
Provisions for site security and, where required, for a fire watch.
Changes that affect this plan.
Other site-specific information required by the California Fire Code .
[F] 1502.2 Site safety director. The owner shall designate a person to be the site safety director. The site safety director shall be responsible for ensuring compliance with the site safety plan. The site safety director shall have the authority to enforce the provisions of this chapter and other provisions as necessary to secure the intent of this chapter. Where guard service is provided in accordance with the California Fire Code, the site safety director shall be responsible for the guard service.
[F] 1502.3 Daily fire safety inspection. The site safety director shall be responsible for completion of a daily fire safety inspection at the project site. Each day, all building and outdoor areas shall be inspected to ensure compliance with the inspection list in this
2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE 15-3
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CONSTRUCTION SAFEGUARDS
section. The results of each inspection shall be documented and maintained on-site until a certificate of occupancy has been issued. Documentation shall be immediately available on-site for inspection and review.
Any contractors entering the site to perform hot work each day have been instructed in the hot work safety requirements in the California Fire Code, and hot work is performed only in areas approved by the site safety director.
Temporary heating equipment is maintained away from combustible materials in accordance with the equipment manufacturer’s instructions.
Combustible debris, rubbish and waste material is removed from the building in areas where work is not being performed.
Temporary wiring does not have exposed conductors.
Flammable liquids and other hazardous materials are stored in locations that have been approved by the site safety director when not involved in work that is being performed.
Fire apparatus access roads required by the California Fire Code are maintained clear of obstructions that reduce the width of the usable roadway to less than 20 feet (6096 mm).
Fire hydrants are clearly visible from access roads and are not obstructed.
The location of fire department connections to standpipe and in-service sprinkler systems are clearly identifiable from the access road and such connections are not obstructed.
Standpipe systems are in service and continuous to the highest work floor, as specified in Section 1509.
Portable fire extinguishers are available in locations required by Section 1507 and for roofing operations in accordance with the California Fire Code .
Where a fire watch is required, fire watch records complying with the California Fire Code are up-to-date.
CEBC § 1501.1 High relevance — show source text
SECTION 1501—GENERAL
[BG] 1501.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall govern safety during construction and the protection of adjacent public and private properties. Fire safety during construction shall also comply with the applicable provisions of Chapter 33 of the California Fire Code.
[BG] 1501.2 Storage and placement of construction equipment and materials. Construction equipment and materials shall be stored and placed so as not to endanger the public, the workers or adjoining property for the duration of the construction project.
[BS] 1501.3 Roof loads. Structural roof components shall be capable of supporting the roof-covering system and the material and equipment loads that will be encountered during installation of the system.
[BG] 1501.4 Maintenance of exits, existing structural elements, fire protection devices and sanitary safeguards. Required exits, existing structural elements, fire protection devices and sanitary safeguards shall be maintained at all times during alterations, repairs or additions to any building or structure.
Exceptions:
- Where such required elements or devices are being altered or repaired, adequate substitute provisions shall be made.
- Maintenance of such elements and devices is not required where the existing building is not occupied.
[BG] 1501.5 Removal of waste materials. Waste materials shall be removed in a manner that prevents injury or damage to persons, adjoining properties and public rights-of-way.
SECTION 1502—OWNER’S RESPONSIBILITY FOR FIRE PROTECTION
[F] 1502.1 Site safety plan. The owner or owner’s authorized agent shall be responsible for the development, implementation and maintenance of an approved, written site safety plan establishing a fire prevention program at the project site applicable throughout all phases of the construction, repair, alteration or demolition work. The plan shall be submitted and approved before a building permit is issued, Any changes to the plan shall address the requirements of this chapter and other applicable portions of the California Fire Code, the duties of staff and staff training requirements. The plan shall be submitted for approval in accordance with the California Fire Code .
[F] 1502.1.1 Components of site safety plans. Site safety plans shall include the following as applicable:
Name and contact information of site safety director.
Documentation of the training of the site safety director and fire watch personnel.
Procedures for reporting emergencies.
Fire department vehicle access routes.
Location of fire protection equipment, including portable fire extinguishers, standpipes, fire department connections and fire hydrants.
Smoking and cooking policies, designated areas to be used where approved and signage locations in accordance with the California Fire Code .
Location and safety considerations for temporary heating equipment.
Hot work permit plan.
Plans for control of combustible waste material.
Locations and methods for storage and use of flammable and combustible liquids and other hazardous materials.
Provisions for site security and, where required, for a fire watch.
Changes that affect this plan.
Other site-specific information required by the California Fire Code .
[F] 1502.2 Site safety director. The owner shall designate a person to be the site safety director. The site safety director shall be responsible for ensuring compliance with the site safety plan. The site safety director shall have the authority to enforce the provisions of this chapter and other provisions as necessary to secure the intent of this chapter. Where guard service is provided in accordance with the California Fire Code, the site safety director shall be responsible for the guard service.
CEBC § 3302.1.1 High relevance — show source text
3302.1.1 Components of site safety plans. Site safety plans shall include the following, as applicable:
Name and contact information of site safety director.
Documentation of the training of the site safety director and fire watch personnel.
Procedures for reporting emergencies.
Fire department vehicle access routes.
Location of fire protection equipment, including portable fire extinguishers, standpipes, fire department connections and fire hydrants.
Smoking and cooking policies, designated areas to be used where approved, and signage locations in accordance with the California Fire Code.
Location and safety considerations for temporary heating equipment.
Hot-work permit plan.
Plans for control of combustible waste material.
Locations and methods for storage and use of flammable and combustible liquids and other hazardous materials.
Provisions for site security and, where required, for a fire watch.
Changes that affect this plan.
Other site-specific information required by the California Fire Code .
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SAFEGUARDS DURING CONSTRUCTION
3302.2 Site safety director. The owner shall designate a person to be the site safety director. The site safety director shall be responsible for ensuring compliance with the site safety plan. The site safety director shall have the authority to enforce the provisions of this chapter and other provisions as necessary to secure the intent of this chapter. Where guard service is provided in accordance with the California Fire Code, the site safety director shall be responsible for the guard service.
3302.3 Daily fire safety inspection. The site safety director shall be responsible for the completion of a daily fire safety inspection at the project site. Each day, all building and outdoor areas shall be inspected to ensure compliance with the inspection list in this section. The results of each inspection shall be documented and maintained on-site until a certificate of occupancy has been issued. Documentation shall be immediately available for on-site inspection and review.
Any contractors entering the site to perform hot work each day have been instructed in the hot work safety requirements in the California Fire Code, and hot work is performed only in areas approved by the site safety director.
Temporary heating equipment is maintained away from combustible materials in accordance with the equipment manufacturer’s instructions.
Combustible debris, rubbish and waste material is removed from the building in areas where work is not being performed.
Temporary wiring does not have exposed conductors.
Flammable liquids and other hazardous materials are stored in locations that have been approved by the site safety director when not involved in work that is being performed.
Fire apparatus access roads required by the California Fire Code are maintained clear of obstructions that reduce the width of the usable roadway to less than 20 feet (6096 mm).
Fire hydrants are clearly visible from access roads and are not obstructed.
The location of fire department connections to standpipe and in-service sprinkler systems are clearly identifiable from the access road and such connections are not obstructed.
Standpipe systems are in service and continuous to the highest work floor, as specified in Section 3311.
Portable fire extinguishers are available in locations required by Section 3309 and for roofing operations in accordance with the California Fire Code .
Where a fire watch is required, fire watch records complying with the California Fire Code are up-to-date.
CEBC § 1.11. High relevance — show source text
- The California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 19, Division 1 provisions that are found in the California Fire Code are a reprint from the current CCR, Title 19, Division 1 text for the code user’s convenience only. The scope, applicability and appeals procedures of CCR, Title 19, Division I remain the same. The state agency does not adopt sections identified by the following symbol: The Office of the State Fire Marshal’s adoption of this chapter or individual sections is applicable to structures regulated by other state agencies pursuant to Section 1.11.
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33-2 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE
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33 FIRE SAFETY DURING CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION
User notes:
About this chapter: Chapter 33 outlines general fire safety precautions for all structures and all occupancies during construction and demolition operations. In general, these requirements seek to maintain required levels of fire protection, limit fire spread, establish the appropriate operation of equipment and promote prompt response to fire emergencies. There is an emphasis on owner responsibility and the need to create and implement a site safety plan. Features regulated include fire protection systems, firefighter access to the site and building, water supply, means of egress, hazardous materials storage and use, and temporary heating equipment and other ignition sources. Fire watches are an important component of this chapter. This chapter correlates with Chapter 33 of the California Building Code .
SECTION 3301—GENERAL
3301.1 Scope. This chapter shall apply to structures in the course of construction, alteration or demolition, including those in underground locations. Compliance with NFPA 241 is required for items not specifically addressed herein.
3301.2 Purpose. This chapter prescribes minimum safeguards for construction, alteration and demolition operations to provide reasonable safety to life and property from fire during such operations.
SECTION 3302—DEFINITIONS
3302.1 Terms defined in Chapter 2. Words and terms used in this chapter and defined in Chapter 2 shall have the meanings ascribed to them as defined therein.
SECTION 3303—ADMINISTRATIVE SAFETY CONTROLS
3303.1 Program development and maintenance. The owner or owner’s authorized agent shall be responsible for the development, implementation and maintenance of an approved, written site safety plan establishing a fire prevention program at the project site applicable throughout all phases of the construction, repair, alteration or demolition work. The plan addresses the requirements of this chapter and other applicable portions of this code, the duties of staff and staff training requirements. The plan shall be submitted and approved before a building permit is issued. Any changes to the plan shall be submitted for approval.
3303.1.1 Components of site safety plans. Site safety plans shall include the following as applicable:
Name and contact information of site safety director.
Documentation of the training of the site safety director and fire watch personnel.
Procedures for reporting emergencies.
Fire department vehicle access routes.
Location of fire protection equipment, including portable fire extinguishers, standpipes, fire department connections and fire hydrants.
Smoking and cooking policies, designated areas to be used where approved, and signage locations in accordance with Section 3305.7.
Location and safety considerations for temporary heating equipment.
Hot work permit plan.
CEBC § 3301.1 High relevance — show source text
ICC code development note: Code change proposals to sections preceded by the designation [F] will be considered by a 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 3301—GENERAL
3301.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall govern safety during construction and the protection of adjacent public and private properties. Fire safety during construction shall also comply with the applicable provisions of Chapter 33 of the California Fire Code .
3301.2 Storage and placement of construction equipment and materials. Construction equipment and materials shall be stored and placed so as not to endanger the public, the workers or adjoining property for the duration of the construction project.
[BS] 3301.3 Roof loads. Structural roof components shall be capable of supporting the roof-covering system and the material and equipment loads that will be encountered during installation of the system.
3301.4 Maintenance of exits, existing structural elements, fire protection devices and sanitary safeguards. Required exits, existing structural elements, fire protection devices and sanitary safeguards shall be maintained at all times during alterations, repairs or additions to any building or structure.
Exceptions:
- Where such required elements or devices are being altered or repaired, adequate substitute provisions shall be made.
- Maintenance of such elements and devices is not required where the existing building is not occupied.
3301.5 Removal of waste materials Waste materials shall be removed in a manner that prevents injury or damage to persons, adjacent properties and public rights-of-way.
SECTION 3302—OWNER’S RESPONSIBILITY FOR FIRE PROTECTION
3302.1 Site safety plan. The owner or owner’s authorized agent shall be responsible for the development, implementation and maintenance of an approved, written site safety plan establishing a fire prevention program at the project site applicable throughout all phases of the construction, repair, alteration or demolition work. The plan shall be submitted and approved before a building permit is issued. Any changes to the plan shall address the requirements of this chapter and other applicable portions of the Califor- nia Fire Code, the duties of staff and staff training requirements. The plan shall be submitted for approval in accordance with the California Fire Code .
3302.1.1 Components of site safety plans. Site safety plans shall include the following, as applicable:
Name and contact information of site safety director.
Documentation of the training of the site safety director and fire watch personnel.
Procedures for reporting emergencies.
Fire department vehicle access routes.
Location of fire protection equipment, including portable fire extinguishers, standpipes, fire department connections and fire hydrants.
Smoking and cooking policies, designated areas to be used where approved, and signage locations in accordance with the California Fire Code.
Location and safety considerations for temporary heating equipment.
Hot-work permit plan.
Plans for control of combustible waste material.
Locations and methods for storage and use of flammable and combustible liquids and other hazardous materials.
Provisions for site security and, where required, for a fire watch.
Changes that affect this plan.
Other site-specific information required by the California Fire Code .
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SAFEGUARDS DURING CONSTRUCTION
CEBC § 0.5 High relevance — show source text
in.|≤ 100 sq. in. =
D-H-90
>100 sq. in.=
D-H-W-90|Not
Permitted|2|Not
Permitted|W-120| |Double fire walls
constructed in
accordance with
NFPA 221|2|1|1|100 sq. in.|≤ 100 sq. in. =
D-H-60
> 100 sq. in. =
D-H-W-60|Not
Permitted|1|Not
Permitted|W-60| |Enclosures for
shafts, interior exit
stairways and inte-
rior exit ramps.|2|2|11/ 2|100 sq. in.b|≤100 sq. in. =
D-H-90
> 100 sq. in.=
D-H-T-W-90|Not
Permitted|2|Not
Permitted|W-120| |Horizontal exits in
fire wallsg|4|4|3|100 sq. in.|≤100 sq. in. =
D-H-180
> 100 sq. in.=
D-H-W-240|Not
Permitted|4|Not
Permitted|W-240| |Horizontal exits in
fire wallsg|3|3|3d|100 sq. in.|≤100 sq. in. =
D-H-180
> 100 sq. in.=
D-H-W-180|Not
Permitted|3|Not
Permitted|W-180| |Fire barriers having
a required fire-
resistance rating of
1 hour: Enclosures
for shafts, exit
access stairways,
exit access ramps,
interior exit stair-
ways and interior
exit ramps; and exit
passageway walls|1|1|1|100 sq. in.|≤100 sq. in. =
D-H-60
>100 sq. in.=
D-H-T-W-60|Not
Permitted|1|Not
Permitted|W-60| |||||||Fire protection|Fire protection||| |Other fire barriers|1|1|3/ 4|Maximum
size tested|D-H-45|3/ 4
h|3/ 4
h|D-H-45h|D-H-45h| |Fire partitions:
Corridor walls|1|1|1/ 3
a|Maximum
size tested|D-20|3/ 4
a|3/ 4
a|D-H-OH-45|D-H-OH-45| |Fire partitions:
Corridor walls|0.5|0.5|1/ 3
a|Maximum
size tested|D-20|1/ 3|1/ 3|D-H-OH-20|D-H-OH-20|7-28 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE
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FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
|TABLE 716.1(2)—OPENING FIRE PROTECTION ASSEMBLIES,
CEBC § 901.4.2 High relevance — show source text
Noncompliant conditions Appendix I Nonrequired 901.4.2 Out of service 901.7 Owner’s responsibility during construction or demolition 3303
Permit 105.6.1, 105.6.20, 105.6.24, 105.6.5, 105.6.7, 105.6.8 Fire Pump Rooms 901.4.7, 913.2.1, 1008.3.3 Fire Pumps 105.6.8, 913 Fire Records 104.7.3
Fire Resistance
Defined 202 Fire Safety during Construction and Demolition Chapter 33 Access for firefighting 3307 Automatic sprinkler systems 3306.5 Cooking 3305.7 Daily fire safety inspections 3303.3 Explosive materials 3309.3 Fire reporting 3303.6 Fire watch 3303.5 Flammable gas 3309.2 Ignition source control 3305 Portable fire extinguishers 3305.10.2, 3306.6 Safeguarding roofing operations 3305.10 Site safety plan 3303 Standpipes 3307.5 Temporary heating 3305.1 Fire Safety Functions 907.3 Defined 202 Fire Safety Plans 404, 3404.5 Lithium-ion and lithium metal batteries
403.10.6 Fire Separation Distance 202 Fire Service Elevator Keys (see Keys, Fire Service Elevator) Fire Service Features Chapter 5 Fire Wall
Defined 202
Maintenance 701.2
Fire Watch (see Standby Personnel) 202 Construction/demolition sites 3303.5 During construction 3303.5.1 Fire protection impairments 901.7 Hot work 3504.2
Location and records 3303.5.3,
3303.5.4
Personnel 3303.5.2 Places of assembly 403.11.1 Fireblocking Defined 202
Maintenance 707.1 Fire-Extinguishing Systems, Alternative 904
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INDEX
Buildings under construction or demolition 3307
Defined 202
Nonodorized 2311.8.9 Prohibited for pipe cleaning 3309.2.1 Requirements 5803 Storage 3309.2, 5804 Use 3309.2, 5805 Flammable Liquids Chapter 57 Alcohol-based hand rub 202, 5705.5 Buildings under construction or demolition 3306
Classified locations 5703.1.1
Defined 202 Dispensing, use, mixing and handling 5705.3, 5705.3.8 In construction and demolition
operations 3306 Indoor storage 5704.3.3 Labeling and signage 5703.5 Motor fuel 2306 Outdoor storage 5704.4 Permit 105.5.18, 105.6.9 Portable fire extinguisher 5706.2.7 Special operations 5706 Tank storage 5704.2 Tents, air-supported, air-inflated and tensioned membrane structures
3108.13
CEBC § 1.1.11. Medium relevance — show source text
Chapter 10 Change of Occupancy.
The purpose of Chapter 10 is to address existing buildings that are subject to a change of occupancy. This chapter is an assembly of requirements to upgrade safety without having to comply fully as a new building. A change of occupancy classification is considered a change of occupancy, however, it will involve a higher level of regulation since the use of the building has made a more significant change.
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Chapter 11 Additions.
Chapter 11 provides the requirements for additions, which are considered new construction. The requirements focus on safely integrating the addition with the existing building. This includes issues such as limiting the overall height and area of the building where the addition is not separated by a fire wall.
Chapter 12 Historic Buildings —Reserved
Chapter 12 is not adopted by the State of California. Historic buildings and structures shall comply with Part 8, Title 24, California Code of Regulations.
Chapter 13 Performance Compliance Methods.
Chapter 13 allows for existing buildings to be evaluated to show that alterations or a change of occupancy, while not meeting new construction requirements, will provide a level of safety to demonstrate compliance. Provisions are based on a numerical scoring system involving 21 safety parameters where, when evaluated, such buildings must meet a minimum overall safety score.
Chapter 13 is not adopted by the State of California but may be available for adoption by local ordinance, see Section 1.1.11. See Section 104.11 for consideration of alternative means of compliance.
Chapter 14 Relocated or Moved Buildings.
Chapter 14 is applicable to any building that is moved or relocated. This chapter is independent of any of the three compliance methods and focuses on the structural loads where the building is being relocated.
Chapter 15 Construction Safeguards.
Chapter 15 establishes specific regulations in order to minimize the risk to the public and adjacent property during construction. Additionally, this chapter addresses fire and life safety and means of egress during the construction process. This includes requirements for a site safety plan. This chapter is also consistent with Chapter 33 of the CBC and Chapter 33 of the California Fire Code (CFC).
Chapter 16 Referenced Standards.
Chapter 16 lists all of the product and installation standards and codes that are referenced throughout Chapters 1 through 15 and includes identification of the promulgators and the section numbers in which the standards and codes are referenced. As stated in Section 102.4, these standards and codes become an enforceable part of the code (to the prescribed extent of the reference) as if printed in the body of the code.
Appendix A Guidelines for the Seismic Retrofit of Existing Buildings.
Appendix A provides guidelines for upgrading the seismic resistance capacity of different types of existing buildings. It is organized into separate chapters which deal with buildings of different types, including unreinforced masonry buildings, reinforced concrete and reinforced masonry wall buildings, and lightframe wood buildings. This appendix includes its own referenced standards.
Appendix B Supplementary Accessibility Requirements for Existing Buildings and Facilities.
Chapters 11A and 11B of the CBC contain provisions that set forth requirements for accessibility to buildings and their associated sites and facilities for people with physical disabilities. Appendix B was added to address accessibility in construction for items that are not typically enforceable through the traditional building code enforcement process.
Appendix C Guidelines for the Wind Retrofit of Existing Buildings.
CEBC § 3303.2 Medium relevance — show source text
3303.2 Site safety director. The owner shall designate a person to be the site safety director. The site safety director shall be responsible for ensuring compliance with the site safety plan. The site safety director shall have the authority to enforce the provisions of this chapter and other provisions as necessary to secure the intent of this chapter. Where guard service is provided in accordance with NFPA 241, the site safety director shall be responsible for the guard service.
3303.2.1 Training. Training of fire watch and other responsible personnel in the use of fire protection equipment shall be the responsibility of the site safety director. Records of training shall be kept and made a part of the written plan for the site safety plan.
3303.3 Daily fire safety inspection. The site safety director shall be responsible for completion of a daily fire safety inspection at the project site. Each day, all building and outdoor areas shall be inspected to ensure compliance with the inspection list in this section.
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FIRE SAFETY DURING CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION
The results of each inspection shall be documented and maintained on-site until a certificate of occupancy has been issued. Documentation shall be immediately available on-site for presentation to the fire code official upon request.
Any contractors entering the site to perform hot work each day have been instructed in the hot work safety requirements in Chapter 35, and hot work is performed only in areas approved by the site safety director.
Temporary heating equipment is maintained away from combustible materials in accordance with the equipment manufacturer’s instructions.
Combustible debris, rubbish and waste material is removed from the building in areas where work is not being performed.
Temporary wiring does not have exposed conductors.
Flammable liquids and other hazardous materials are stored in locations that have been approved by the site safety director when not involved in work that is being performed.
Fire apparatus access roads required by Section 3311 are maintained clear of obstructions that reduce the width of the usable roadway to less than 20 feet (6096 mm).
Fire hydrants are clearly visible from access roads and are not obstructed.
The location of fire department connections to standpipe and in-service automatic sprinkler systems are clearly identifiable from the access road and such connections are not obstructed.
Standpipe systems are in service and continuous to the highest work floor, as specified in Section 3307.2.
Portable fire extinguishers are available in locations required by Sections 3305.10.2 and 3306.6.
Where a fire watch is required in accordance with Section 3303.5, fire watch records required by that section are up-to-date.
3303.3.1 Violations. Failure to properly conduct, document and maintain documentation required by this section shall constitute an unlawful act in accordance with Section 113.1 and shall result in the issuance of a notice of violation to the site safety director in accordance with Section 113.3. Upon the third offense, the fire code official is authorized to issue a stop work order in accordance with Section 114, and work shall not resume until satisfactory assurances of future compliance have been presented to and approved by the fire code official.
3303.4 Qualifications. Site safety directors shall acquire training specific to their roles and responsibilities. Upon request, the training and qualifications of the site safety director shall be submitted to the fire code official for approval.
CEBC § 1.1.2 Medium relevance — show source text
1.1.2 Purpose. The purpose of this code is to establish the minimum requirements to safeguard the public health, safety and general welfare through structural strength, means of egress facilities, stability, access to persons with disabilities, sanitation, adequate lighting and ventilation and energy conservation; safety to life and property from fire and other hazards attributed to the built environment; and to provide safety to firefighters and emergency responders during emergency operations.
1.1.3 Scope. The provisions of this code shall apply to the construction, alteration, movement, enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, maintenance, removal and demolition of every building or structure or any appurtenances connected or attached to such buildings or structures throughout the State of California. [HCD 1 & 2] The provisions of this code shall apply to repair, alteration, change of occupancy, addition to and relocation of every existing building or structure or any appurtenances connected or attached to such buildings or structures throughout the State of California.
1.1.3.1 Nonstate-regulated buildings, structures and applications. Except as modified by local ordinance pursuant to Section 1.1.8, the following standards in the California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Parts 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10 and 11 shall apply to all occupancies and applications not regulated by a state agency.
1.1.3.2 State-regulated buildings, structures and applications. The model code, state amendments to the model code and/or state amendments where there are no relevant model code provisions shall apply to the following buildings, structures and applications regulated by state agencies as specified in Sections 1.2 through 1.14, except where modified by local ordinance pursuant to Section 1.1.8. When adopted by a state agency, the provisions of this code shall be enforced by the appropriate enforcing agency, but only to the extent of authority granted to such agency by the state legislature.
Note: See “How to Distinguish Between Model Code Language and California Amendments” in the front of the code. 1. State-owned buildings, including buildings constructed by the Trustees of the California State University, and to the extent permitted by California laws, buildings designed and constructed by the Regents of the University of California, and regulated by the Building Standards Commission. See Section 1.2 for additional scope provisions. 2. Section 1.3 is reserved for the Board of State Community Corrections. 3. Section 1.4 is reserved for the Department of Consumer Affairs. 4. Section 1.5 is reserved for the California Energy Commission. 5. Section 1.6 is reserved for the Department of Food and Agriculture. 6. Section 1.7 is reserved for the Department of Public Health. 7. Hotels, motels, lodging houses, apartments, dwellings, dormitories, condominiums, shelters for homeless persons, congregate residences, employee housing, factory-built housing and other types of dwellings containing sleeping _accommodations with or without common toilets or cooking facilities.
CEBC § 102.4 Medium relevance — show source text
Chapter 14 is applicable to any building that is moved or relocated. This chapter is independent of any of the three compliance methods and focuses on the structural loads where the building is being relocated.
Chapter 15 Construction Safeguards.
Chapter 15 establishes specific regulations in order to minimize the risk to the public and adjacent property during construction. Additionally, this chapter addresses fire and life safety and means of egress during the construction process. This includes requirements for a site safety plan. This chapter is also consistent with Chapter 33 of the CBC and Chapter 33 of the California Fire Code (CFC).
Chapter 16 Referenced Standards.
Chapter 16 lists all of the product and installation standards and codes that are referenced throughout Chapters 1 through 15 and includes identification of the promulgators and the section numbers in which the standards and codes are referenced. As stated in Section 102.4, these standards and codes become an enforceable part of the code (to the prescribed extent of the reference) as if printed in the body of the code.
Appendix A Guidelines for the Seismic Retrofit of Existing Buildings.
Appendix A provides guidelines for upgrading the seismic resistance capacity of different types of existing buildings. It is organized into separate chapters which deal with buildings of different types, including unreinforced masonry buildings, reinforced concrete and reinforced masonry wall buildings, and lightframe wood buildings. This appendix includes its own referenced standards.
Appendix B Supplementary Accessibility Requirements for Existing Buildings and Facilities.
Chapters 11A and 11B of the CBC contain provisions that set forth requirements for accessibility to buildings and their associated sites and facilities for people with physical disabilities. Appendix B was added to address accessibility in construction for items that are not typically enforceable through the traditional building code enforcement process.
Appendix C Guidelines for the Wind Retrofit of Existing Buildings.
The purpose of Appendix C is to provide voluntary prescriptive alternatives for addressing the retrofit of buildings in high-wind areas. Currently, there are two chapters which deal with the retrofit of gable ends and the fastening of roof decks, Appendix Chapters C1 and C2, respectively. This appendix includes its own referenced standards.
Appendix D Board of Appeals.
Appendix D contains the provisions for appeal and the establishment of a board of appeals. The provisions include the application for an appeal, the makeup of the board of appeals and the conduct of the appeal process.
Appendix E Temporary Emergency Uses.
Appendix E is intended to provide guidance for designers, engineers, architects and fire and building officials on allowing temporary emergency uses of existing buildings with respect to the minimum code requirements. This appendix is a template or checklist that references the relevant code requirement of concerns.
Resource A Guidelines on Fire Ratings of Archaic Materials and Assemblies.
In the process of repair and alteration of existing buildings, based on the nature and the extent of the work, the CEBC might require certain upgrades in the fire-resistance rating of building elements, at which time it becomes critical for the designers and the code
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officials to be able to determine the fire-resistance rating of the existing building elements as part of the overall evaluation for the assessment of the need for improvements. These guidelines are based upon the Guideline on Fire Ratings of Archaic Materials published by the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS).
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Frequently asked questions
Who must prepare the site safety plan?
The owner or the owner’s authorized agent is responsible for developing, implementing and maintaining the approved written site safety plan per § 1502.1.
When must the plan be submitted?
The plan must be submitted and approved before a building permit is issued per § 1502.1 and § 3303.1.
Do I need training records in the plan?
Yes — the plan must include documentation of training for the site safety director and fire watch personnel as part of the plan (see § 1502.1.1 (2)).
Is a hot work program mandatory?
If hot work will occur, the plan must include a hot work permit plan and controls consistent with § 1502.1.1 (8) and CFC hot‑work provisions.
What if site conditions change during construction?
Any changes that affect the plan must be submitted for approval as required by § 1502.1.1 (12) and § 3303.1.
More in California Existing Building Code
- Administration and Definitions (Scope, enforcement, code official duties, definitions)
- Provisions for All Compliance Methods (general requirements that apply to all compliance options; Chapter 3 / 3A)
- Seismic retrofit and evaluation (Appendix A and seismic provisions/sections for evaluation and retrofit)
- Referenced Standards and Appendices (Chapter 16 and Appendices A–E, Resource A)
- Repairs (Chapter 4 — repair-specific rules for materials, means of egress, structural, MEP, etc.)
- Alterations — Level 1, Level 2, Level 3 (technical requirements for each alteration level; Chapters 7–9)
- Change of Occupancy and Additions (requirements for occupancy changes and additions; Chapters 10–11)
- Compliance Methods — Prescriptive, Work Area, Performance (Chapters 5, 6–11, 13)
- Relocated Buildings (requirements for buildings moved or relocated; Chapter 14)
- Construction Safeguards (site safety, means of egress and life-safety during construction; Chapter 15)
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