CFC · California Fire Code
Occupancy classification and occupancy-specific definitions
The California Fire Code requires assigning each space an occupancy group (A, B, E, F, H, I, M, R, S, U) based on primary use and hazard; small assembly, child‑care and institutional thresholds in Section 203 determine classification and trigger specific protections.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — plain English
The California Fire Code requires that every building, structure or portion thereof be assigned an occupancy classification that reflects its primary use and associated hazards. The classification must follow the occupancy groups listed in § 203.1 and the specific group definitions and thresholds in Section § 203 (Assembly A, Business B, Educational E, Factory F, High Hazard H, Institutional I, Mercantile M, Residential R, Storage S and Utility U). See § 203.1 for the general rule.
The single most important rule: classify the space to the occupancy group it most nearly resembles based on fire safety and relative hazard, and apply the specific occupancy thresholds in Section 203.
Requirements in detail
Core concept — what “occupancy classification” means
- Occupancy classification: the formal designation of the primary purpose of a building, structure or portion thereof; used to determine applicable fire protections and other requirements (§ 203.1) .
- If a space is intended for different uses at different times, it must meet all applicable requirements for each potential use (§ 203.1) .
- When a use is not listed, classify it as the occupancy it most closely resembles in hazard and fire safety (§ 203.1) .
Quick decision table — occupancy groups and the decision dimensions you actually need
| Occupancy group | Decision-relevant thresholds / examples | Typical code reference |
|---|---|---|
| Assembly (Group A) | Fixed- or unfixed-seat gathering; note small assembly exceptions: occupant load less than 50 or area < 750 sq ft (accessory) may be Group B (§ 203.2.1, § 203.2.2). | § 203.2, § 203.2.1, § 203.2.2 |
| Business (Group B) | Offices, professional services, training spaces; small assembly tenant spaces may be Group B if occupant load < 50 or accessory and < 750 sq ft. | § 203.1, § 203.2.1 |
| Educational (Group E) | Spaces used for educational purposes for more than six persons through 12th grade; child-care rules (see below) apply. | § 203.4 |
| Factory / Industrial (Group F) | Manufacturing, processing; separated into F-1 / F-2 by hazard level. | § 203.1 |
| High Hazard (Group H) | Hazardous materials processes; H-1 through H-5 by hazard. | § 203.1 |
| Institutional (Group I) | Care or supervision of persons who are unable to self-preserve: I-2 (medical care), I-3 (persons under restraint), I-4 (day care > 6 clients). See multiple occupancy conditions in § 203.7.x. | § 203.7, § 203.7.2, § 203.7.3, § 203.7.4 |
| Mercantile (Group M) | Retail, markets, motor-fuel-dispensing retail. | § 203.8 |
| Residential (Group R) | R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4 (supervised residential care for more than five but not more than six ambulatory clients); see occupancy conditions for R-4. | § 203.9, § 203.9.4 |
| Storage (Group S) | Storage not classified as hazardous; S-1 (moderate hazard) vs S-2 (low hazard); accessory storage is classified with the primary occupancy (§ 203.10, § 203.10.1). | § 203.10 |
| Utility & Misc (Group U) | Low-hazard utility structures. | § 203.1 |
(Each row above is grounded in the CFC Section 203 group headings and specific subsections.)
Important occupancy-specific definitions and thresholds (selected)
- “More than six”: used repeatedly as a threshold for classification into Group E child care or certain institutional groups (e.g., § 203.4, § 203.7.4) .
- Small assembly exceptions: an assembly room with occupant load < 50 or area < 750 sq ft and accessory to another occupancy is not Group A (see § 203.2.1 and § 203.2.2) .
- Group I occupancy conditions: Institutional groups (I‑2, I‑3, I‑4) have occupancy conditions (Condition 1, 2, etc.) that further refine protective requirements — see § 203.7.2.1, § 203.7.3.1–.8, § 203.7.4.
How to treat mixed or accessory spaces
- Accessory storage is treated as part of the primary occupancy for classification (§ 203.10.1) .
- Buildings with multiple occupancy groups must comply with the California Building Code’s rules for mixed occupancies (see cross-reference in § 203.1 and CBC Section 508). The CFC explicitly points users to the CBC for separated mixed‑occupancy rules (§ 203.1) .
Exceptions & special cases
- Small assembly spaces: rooms used for assembly with occupant load < 50 or area < 750 sq ft that are accessory to another occupancy are not classified as Group A (see § 203.2.1 and § 203.2.2) .
- Child-care locations inside places of worship: rooms providing day care during religious functions are generally classified as part of the primary occupancy unless licensed as child care by the Department of Social Services (see § 203.4.2.1) .
- Small residential-care and medical facilities with five or fewer clients: may be classified as Group R-3 or comply with the Residential Code instead of institutional groups; automatic sprinkler requirements can affect where they are classified (§ 203.7.2.2, § 203.7.4.3–.4) .
- Where the code refers to the California Building Code: the CFC uses the CBC for many mixed‑occupancy, height/area, and other detailed determinations — follow the cross‑references in § 203.1 to CBC requirements.
If a special situation or exception you are considering is not explicitly covered in the snippets retrieved from the uploaded CFC, say so and consult the full CFC/CBC text or the code official for a ruling.
Common mistakes
- Miscounting the threshold that moves a space from one group to another — e.g., assuming any daycare is Group I‑4 when a child care operation with more than six children may be Group E, depending on ages and room exit configuration (§ 203.4, § 203.4.2, § 203.7.4.1).
- Treating every accessory assembly room as Group A instead of checking the < 50 occupants or < 750 sq ft accessory exceptions (§ 203.2.1, § 203.2.2) .
- Forgetting to classify accessory storage as part of the primary occupancy (leads to incorrect fire‑protection triggers) — see § 203.10.1.
- Ignoring occupancy conditions inside Institutional groups — e.g., I‑3 has multiple Conditions (1–8) that change allowable construction and egress expectations (§ 203.7.3.1–.8) .
Worked example — concrete scenario
Scenario 1 — small assembly tenant:
- A coffee shop tenant space has movable seating with an occupant load of 40. Under § 203.2.1, a building or tenant space used for assembly with occupant load less than 50 shall be classified as Group B, not Group A. Therefore, classify as Group B and apply the fire‑protection and egress rules for Group B. Code basis: § 203.2.1.
Scenario 2 — child care upstairs in a church:
- A church operates a child care room for 12 children under 36 months on a level that has exit doors directly to the exterior and is a level of exit discharge. Under § 203.7.4.1 (classification as Group E for certain child‑care rooms under 36 months) and § 203.4.2, this room can be classified as Group E provided the criteria in the code are met. Confirm licensing and the CBC special provisions referenced by the CFC. Code basis: § 203.4.2, § 203.7.4.1.
Related provisions (CFC/CBC cross‑references)
- § 203.1 — definition and general rule for occupancy classification.
- § 203.2 — Assembly Group A and small‑assembly exceptions (§ 203.2.1, § 203.2.2).
- § 203.4 — Educational Group E and child‑care thresholds.
- § 203.7 — Institutional Group I (I‑2, I‑3, I‑4) and occupancy conditions.
- § 203.9 — Residential Group R, including R‑4 thresholds and conditions.
- § 203.10 — Storage Group S and accessory storage rule (§ 203.10.1).
- Cross references to the California Building Code for mixed occupancies and separations (see § 203.1 pointing to CBC Section 508).
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Fire Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CFC § 203.1 High relevance — show source text
[BG] YARD. An open space, other than a court, unobstructed from the ground to the sky, except where specifically provided by the California Building Code, on the lot on which a building is situated.
ZONE. A defined area within the protected premises. A zone can define an area from which a signal can be received, an area to which a signal can be sent or an area in which a form of control can be executed.
ZONE, NOTIFICATION. An area within a building or facility covered by notification appliances which are activated simultaneously.
SECTION 203—OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION AND USE
[BG] 203.1 Occupancy classification. Occupancy classification is the formal designation of the primary purpose of the building, structure or portion thereof. Structures shall be classified into one or more of the occupancy groups specified in this section based on the nature of the hazards and risks to building occupants generally associated with the intended purpose of the building or structure. An area, room or space that is intended to be occupied at different times for different purposes shall comply with all applicable requirements associated with such potential multipurpose. Structures containing multiple occupancy groups shall comply with Section 508 of the California Building Code . Where a structure is proposed for a purpose that is not specified in this section, such structure shall be classified in the occupancy it most nearly resembles based on the fire safety and relative hazard. Occupiable roofs shall be classified in the group that the occupancy most nearly resembles, according to the fire safety and relative hazard, and shall comply with Section 503.1.4 of the California Building Code .
Assembly: Groups A-1, A-2, A-3, A-4 and A-5.
Business: Group B.
Educational: Group E.
Factory and Industrial: Groups F-1 and F-2.
High Hazard: Groups H-1, H-2, H-3, H-4 and H-5.
Institutional: Groups I-1, I-2, I-3 and I-4.
Mercantile: Group M.
Residential: Groups R-1, R-2, R-3 and R-4.
Storage: Groups S-1 and S-2.
Utility and Miscellaneous: Group U.
[BG] 203.1.1 Use designation. Occupancy groups contain subordinate uses having similar hazards and risks to building occupants. Uses include, but are not limited to, those functional designations specified within the occupancy group descriptions in Section 203.1. Certain uses require specific limitations and controls in accordance with the provisions of this code and Chapter 4 of the California Building Code .
[BG] 203.2 Assembly Group A. Assembly Group A occupancy includes, among others, the use of a building or structure, or a portion thereof, for the gathering of persons for purposes such as civic, social or religious functions; recreation, food or drink consumption or awaiting transportation or Motion Picture and Television Production Studio Sound Stages, Approved Production Facilities and produc- tion locations. Any building or structure or portion thereof used or intended to be used for the showing of motion pictures when an admission fee is charged and when such building or structure is open to the public and has a capacity of 10 or more persons.
[BG] 203.2.1 Small buildings and tenant spaces. A building or tenant space used for assembly purposes with an occupant load of less than 50 persons shall be classified as a Group B occupancy.
CFC § 203.9.4.1 High relevance — show source text
Buildings of Group R-4 shall be classified as one of the occupancy conditions specified in Section 203.9.4.1 or 203.9.4.2. Group R-4 occupancies shall meet the requirements for construction as defined for Group R-3, except as otherwise provided for in the California Building Code . The persons receiving care are capable of self-preservation. Group R-4 occu- pancies shall meet the requirements for construction as defined for Group R-3, except as otherwise provided for in the California Building Code. This occupancy classification may include a maximum six nonambulatory or bedridden clients (see Appendix Chapter 4, Section 435, Special Provisions For Licensed 24-Hour Care Facilities in a Group R-2.1, R-3.1 or R-4 occupancy). This group shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
Alcohol and drug centers
Assisted living facilities such as:
Residential care facilities Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFEs) Adult Residential Facilities Congregate Living Health facilities Group homes
Congregate care facilities
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DEFINITIONS
Group homes
Halfway houses
Residential board and care facilities
Social rehabilitation facilities such as:
Halfway houses Community Treatment Programs Work Furlough Programs Alcoholism or drug abuse recovery or treatment facilities
[BG] 203.9.4.1 Condition 1. This occupancy condition shall include buildings in which all persons receiving custodial care, without any assistance, are capable of responding to an emergency situation to complete building evacuation.
[BG] 203.9.4.2 Condition 2. This occupancy condition shall include buildings in which there are any persons receiving custodial care who require limited verbal or physical assistance while responding to an emergency situation to complete building evacuation.
[BG] 203.10 Storage Group S. Storage Group S occupancy includes, among others, the use of a building or structure, or a portion thereof, for storage that is not classified as a hazardous occupancy.
[BG] 203.10.1 Accessory storage spaces. A room or space used for storage purposes that is accessory to another occupancy shall be classified as part of that occupancy.
[BG] 203.10.2 Combustible storage. High-piled stock or rack storage, or attic, under-floor and concealed spaces used for storage of combustible materials, shall be in accordance with Section 413 of the California Building Code .
[BG] 203.10.3 Moderate-hazard storage, Group S-1. Storage Group S-1 occupancies are buildings occupied for storage uses that are not classified as Group S-2, including, but not limited to, storage of the following:
Aerosols, Levels 2 and 3, aerosol cooking spray, plastic aerosol 3 (PA3)
Aircraft hangar (storage and repair)
Bags: cloth, burlap and paper
Bamboos and rattan
Baskets
Belting: canvas and leather
Beverages over 20-percent alcohol content
Books and paper in rolls or packs
Boots and shoes
Buttons, including cloth covered, pearl or bone
Cardboard and cardboard boxes
Clothing, woolen wearing apparel
Cordage
Dry boat storage (indoor)
Furniture
Furs
Glues, mucilage, pastes and size
CFC § 203.7.3.7 High 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
CFC § 2-5 High relevance — show source text
CHAPTER 2 DEFINITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5
201 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-5
202 General Definitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-5
203 Occupancy Classification and Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-40
CHAPTER 3 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
301 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-3
302 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4
303 Asphalt Kettles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4 304 Combustible Waste Material . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4
305 Ignition Sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-6 306 Motion Picture Projection Rooms and Film . . . . . . . . .3-7 307 Open Burning, Recreational Fires and Portable Outdoor Fireplaces. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-7 308 Open Flames . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-7 309 Powered Industrial Trucks and Equipment . . . . . . . . .3-9 310 Smoking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10 311 Vacant Premises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10
312 Vehicle Impact Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12 313 Fueled Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12 314 Indoor Displays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12 315 General Storage .
CFC § 203.7.1 High relevance — show source text
[BG] 203.7.1 Institutional Group I-1. Not used. (See Group R-2.1 or Section 310.1 of the California Building Code)
[BG] 203.7.2 Institutional Group I-2. Institutional Group I-2 occupancy shall include buildings and structures used for medical care on a 24-hour basis for more than five persons who are incapable of self-preservation or classified as nonambulatory or bedrid- den . This group shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
Foster care facilities
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DEFINITIONS
Detoxification facilities
Hospitals
Nursing homes
Psychiatric hospitals
[BG] 203.7.2.1 Occupancy conditions. Buildings of Group I-2 shall be classified as one of the occupancy conditions specified in Sections 203.7.2.1.1 and 203.7.2.1.2 and shall comply with Section 407 of the California Building Code .
[BG] 203.7.2.1.1 Condition 1. This occupancy condition shall include facilities that provide nursing and medical care but do not provide emergency care, surgery, obstetrics or in-patient stabilization units for psychiatric or detoxification, including but not limited to nursing homes and foster care facilities.
[BG] 203.7.2.1.2 Condition 2. This occupancy condition shall include facilities that provide nursing and medical care and could provide emergency care, surgery, obstetrics or in-patient stabilization units for psychiatric or detoxification, including but not limited to hospitals.
[BG] 203.7.2.2 Five or fewer persons receiving medical care. A facility with five or fewer persons receiving medical care shall be classified as Group R-3 .1 or shall comply with the California Residential Code provided an automatic sprinkler system is installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.3 of this code or Section R313 of the California Residential Code .
[BG] 203.7.3 Institutional Group I-3. Institutional Group I-3 occupancy shall include buildings or portions of buildings and structures that are inhabited by one or more persons who are under restraint or security. A Group I-3 facility is occupied by persons who are generally incapable of self-preservation due to security measures not under the occupants’ control which includes persons restrained . This group shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
Correctional centers
Courthouse holding facilities
Detention centers
Detention treatment rooms
Jails
Juvenile halls
Prerelease centers
Prisons
Reformatories
Secure interview rooms
Temporary holding facilities
Buildings of Group I-3 shall be classified as one of the occupancy conditions specified in Sections 203.7.3.1 through 203.7.3.5 and shall comply with Section 408 of the California Building Code .
[BG] 203.7.3.1 Condition 1. This occupancy condition shall include buildings in which free movement is allowed from sleeping areas and other spaces where access or occupancy is permitted to the exterior via means of egress without restraint. A Condition 1 facility is permitted to be constructed as Group R.
CFC § 203.7.2.2 High relevance — show source text
[BG] 203.7.2.2 Five or fewer persons receiving medical care. A facility with five or fewer persons receiving medical care shall be classified as Group R-3 .1 or shall comply with the California Residential Code provided an automatic sprinkler system is installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.3 of this code or Section R313 of the California Residential Code .
[BG] 203.7.3 Institutional Group I-3. Institutional Group I-3 occupancy shall include buildings or portions of buildings and structures that are inhabited by one or more persons who are under restraint or security. A Group I-3 facility is occupied by persons who are generally incapable of self-preservation due to security measures not under the occupants’ control which includes persons restrained . This group shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
Correctional centers
Courthouse holding facilities
Detention centers
Detention treatment rooms
Jails
Juvenile halls
Prerelease centers
Prisons
Reformatories
Secure interview rooms
Temporary holding facilities
Buildings of Group I-3 shall be classified as one of the occupancy conditions specified in Sections 203.7.3.1 through 203.7.3.5 and shall comply with Section 408 of the California Building Code .
[BG] 203.7.3.1 Condition 1. This occupancy condition shall include buildings in which free movement is allowed from sleeping areas and other spaces where access or occupancy is permitted to the exterior via means of egress without restraint. A Condition 1 facility is permitted to be constructed as Group R.
[BG] 203.7.3.2 Condition 2. This occupancy condition shall include buildings in which free movement is allowed from sleeping areas and any other occupied smoke compartment to one or more other smoke compartments. Egress to the exterior is impeded by locked exits.
[BG] 203.7.3.3 Condition 3. This occupancy condition shall include buildings in which free movement is allowed within individual smoke compartments, such as within a residential unit comprised of individual sleeping units and group activity spaces, where egress is impeded by remote-controlled release of means of egress from such smoke compartment to another smoke compartment.
[BG] 203.7.3.4 Condition 4. This occupancy condition shall include buildings in which free movement is restricted from an occupied space. Remote-controlled release is provided to permit movement from sleeping units, activity spaces and other occupied areas within the smoke compartment to other smoke compartments.
[BG] 203.7.3.5 Condition 5. This occupancy condition shall include buildings in which free movement is restricted from an occupied space. Staff-controlled manual release is provided to permit movement from sleeping units, activity spaces and other occupied areas within the smoke compartment to other smoke compartments.
203.7.3.6 Condition 6. This occupancy condition shall include buildings containing only one temporary holding facility with five or less persons under restraint or security where the building is protected throughout with a monitored automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 and where the temporary holding facility is protected throughout with an automatic fire alarm system with notification appliances. A Condition 6 building shall be permitted to be classified as a Group B occupancy.
CFC § 203.9.4 High relevance — show source text
Adult Residential Facilities
Congregate Living Health Facilities
Intermediate Care Facilities for the Developmentally Disabled Habilitative
Intermediate Care Facilities for the Developmentally Disabled Nursing
Nurseries for the full-time care of children under the age of six, but not including “infants” as defined in Chapter 2
Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFEs)
Small Family Homes and Residential Care Facilities for the Chronically Ill
Exception: Group Homes licensed by the Department of Social Services which provide nonmedical board, room and care for six or fewer ambulatory children or children two years of age or younger, and which do not have any nonambulatory clients shall not be subject to regulations found in Appendix Chapter 4, Section 435.
Pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 13143 with respect to these exempted facilities, no city, county or public district shall adopt or enforce any requirement for the prevention of fire or for the protection of life and property against fire and panic unless the requirement would be applicable to a structure regardless of the special occupancy. Nothing shall restrict the appli- cation of state or local housing standards to such facilities if the standards are applicable to residential occupancies and are not based on the use of the structure as a facility for ambulatory children. For the purpose of this exception, ambulatory chil- dren do not include relatives of the licensee or the licensee’s spouse.
[BG] 203.9.4 Residential Group R-4. Residential Group R-4 shall include buildings, structures or portions thereof for more than five but not more than six ambulatory clients, excluding staff, who reside on a 24-hour basis in a supervised residential environment and receive custodial care. Buildings of Group R-4 shall be classified as one of the occupancy conditions specified in Section 203.9.4.1 or 203.9.4.2. Group R-4 occupancies shall meet the requirements for construction as defined for Group R-3, except as otherwise provided for in the California Building Code . The persons receiving care are capable of self-preservation. Group R-4 occu- pancies shall meet the requirements for construction as defined for Group R-3, except as otherwise provided for in the California Building Code. This occupancy classification may include a maximum six nonambulatory or bedridden clients (see Appendix Chapter 4, Section 435, Special Provisions For Licensed 24-Hour Care Facilities in a Group R-2.1, R-3.1 or R-4 occupancy). This group shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
Alcohol and drug centers
Assisted living facilities such as:
Residential care facilities Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFEs) Adult Residential Facilities Congregate Living Health facilities Group homes
Congregate care facilities
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DEFINITIONS
Group homes
Halfway houses
Residential board and care facilities
Social rehabilitation facilities such as:
Halfway houses Community Treatment Programs Work Furlough Programs Alcoholism or drug abuse recovery or treatment facilities
[BG] 203.9.4.1 Condition 1. This occupancy condition shall include buildings in which all persons receiving custodial care, without any assistance, are capable of responding to an emergency situation to complete building evacuation.
CFC § 2.1 High relevance — show source text
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Chapter 3 Occupancy Classification and Use.
Chapter 3 provides for the classification of buildings, structures and parts thereof based on the purpose for which they are used. Section 302 identifies the groups into which all buildings, structures and parts thereof must be classified. Sections 303 through 312 identify the occupancy characteristics of each group classification. In some sections, specific group classifications having requirements in common are collectively organized such that one term applies to all. For example, Groups A-1, A-2, A-3, A-4 and A-5 are individual groups for assembly-type buildings. The general term “Group A,” however, includes each of these individual groups. Other groups include Business (B), Organized Camps (C), Educational (E), Factory (F-1, F-2), High Hazard (H-1, H-2, H-3, H-4, H-5), Institutional (I-2, I-3, I-4), Laboratories (L), Mercantile (M), Residential (R-1, R-2, R-2.1, R-2.2, R-3, R-3.1, R-4), Storage (S-1, S-2) and Utility (U). In some occupancies, the smaller number means a higher hazard, but that is not always the case.
Defining the use of the buildings is very important as it sets the tone for the remaining chapters of the code. Occupancy works with the height, area and construction type requirements in Chapters 5 and 6, to determine "equivalent risk." The determination of equivalent risk involves three interdependent considerations: (1) the level of fire hazard associated with the specific occupancy of the facility; (2) the reduction of fire hazard based on the fuel load by limiting the floor area and the height of the building; and (3) the level of overall fire resistance provided by the type of construction. The greater the potential fire hazards indicated as a function of the group, the lesser the height and area allowances for a particular construction type.
Occupancy classification also plays a key part in the appropriate protection measures. As such, threshold requirements for fire protection and means of egress systems are based on occupancy classification (see Chapters 9 and 10). Other sections of the code also contain requirements respective to the classification of building groups. For example, Section 706 specifies requirements for fire wall fire-resistance ratings that are tied to the occupancy classification of a building and Section 803.11 contains interior finish requirements that are dependent upon the occupancy classification. The use of the space, rather than the occupancy of the building, is utilized for determining occupant loading (Section 1004) and live loading (Section 1607).
Chapter 4 Special Detailed Requirements Based on Occupancy and Use.
Chapter 4 contains the requirements for protecting special uses and occupancies which are supplemental to the remainder of the code. For example, the height and area limitations established in Chapter 5 apply to all special occupancies unless Chapter 4 contains height and area limitations. In this case, the limitations in Chapter 4 supersede those in other sections. An example of this is the height and area limitations for open parking garages given in Section 406.5.4, which supersede the limitations given in Sections 504 and 506.
CFC § 2-39 High relevance — show source text
WET FUELING. See “Mobile fueling.”
WET HOSING. See “Mobile fueling.”
WET-CHEMICAL EXTINGUISHING AGENT. A solution of water and potassium-carbonate-based chemical, potassium-acetate-based chemical or a combination thereof, forming an extinguishing agent.
WHARF. A structure or bulkhead constructed of wood, stone, concrete or similar material built at the shore of a harbor, lake or river for vessels to lie alongside of, and to anchor piers or floats.
WILDFIRE RISK AREA. Land that is covered with grass, grain, brush or forest, whether privately or publicly owned, which is so situated or is of such inaccessible location that a fire originating upon it would present an abnormally difficult job of suppression or would result in great or unusual damage through fire or such areas designated by the fire code official.
WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE AREA (WUI). [SFM] (See California Building Code Chapter 7A, Section 702A for defined term.)
[BE] WINDER. A tread with nonparallel edges.
WINERY CAVES. A subterranean space for winery facilities in natural or manmade caves shall be in accordance with Section 446 of the California Building Code.
WIRELESS PROTECTION SYSTEM. A system or a part of a system that can transmit and receive signals without the aid of wire.
2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE 2-39
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
DEFINITIONS
WORKSTATION. A defined space or an independent principal piece of equipment using HPM within a fabrication area where a specific function, laboratory procedure or research activity occurs. Approved or listed hazardous materials storage cabinets, flammable liquid storage cabinets or gas cabinets serving a workstation are included as part of the workstation. A workstation is allowed to contain ventilation equipment, fire protection devices, detection devices, electrical devices and other processing and scientific equipment.
[BG] YARD. An open space, other than a court, unobstructed from the ground to the sky, except where specifically provided by the California Building Code, on the lot on which a building is situated.
ZONE. A defined area within the protected premises. A zone can define an area from which a signal can be received, an area to which a signal can be sent or an area in which a form of control can be executed.
ZONE, NOTIFICATION. An area within a building or facility covered by notification appliances which are activated simultaneously.
SECTION 203—OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION AND USE
[BG] 203.1 Occupancy classification. Occupancy classification is the formal designation of the primary purpose of the building, structure or portion thereof. Structures shall be classified into one or more of the occupancy groups specified in this section based on the nature of the hazards and risks to building occupants generally associated with the intended purpose of the building or structure. An area, room or space that is intended to be occupied at different times for different purposes shall comply with all applicable requirements associated with such potential multipurpose. Structures containing multiple occupancy groups shall comply with Section 508 of the California Building Code . Where a structure is proposed for a purpose that is not specified in this section, such structure shall be classified in the occupancy it most nearly resembles based on the fire safety and relative hazard.
CFC § 203.1.1 High relevance — show source text
- Business: Group B.
- Educational: Group E.
- Factory and Industrial: Groups F-1 and F-2.
- High Hazard: Groups H-1, H-2, H-3, H-4 and H-5.
- Institutional: Groups I-1, I-2, I-3 and I-4.
- Mercantile: Group M.
- Residential: Groups R-1, R-2, R-3 and R-4.
- Storage: Groups S-1 and S-2.
- Utility and Miscellaneous: Group U.
[BG] 203.1.1 Use designation. Occupancy groups contain subordinate uses having similar hazards and risks to building occupants. Uses include, but are not limited to, those functional designations specified within the occupancy group descriptions in Section 203.1. Certain uses require specific limitations and controls in accordance with the provisions of this code and Chapter 4 of the California Building Code .
[BG] 203.2 Assembly Group A. Assembly Group A occupancy includes, among others, the use of a building or structure, or a portion thereof, for the gathering of persons for purposes such as civic, social or religious functions; recreation, food or drink consumption or awaiting transportation or Motion Picture and Television Production Studio Sound Stages, Approved Production Facilities and produc- tion locations. Any building or structure or portion thereof used or intended to be used for the showing of motion pictures when an admission fee is charged and when such building or structure is open to the public and has a capacity of 10 or more persons.
[BG] 203.2.1 Small buildings and tenant spaces. A building or tenant space used for assembly purposes with an occupant load of less than 50 persons shall be classified as a Group B occupancy.
[BG] 203.2.2 Small assembly spaces. The following rooms and spaces shall not be classified as Assembly occupancies:
- A room or space used for assembly purposes with an occupant load of less than 50 persons and accessory to another occupancy shall be classified as a Group B occupancy or as part of that occupancy.
- A room or space used for assembly purposes that is less than 750 square feet (70 m [2] ) in area and accessory to another occupancy shall be classified as a Group B occupancy or as part of that occupancy.
[BG] 203.2.3 Associated with Group E occupancies. A room or space used for assembly purposes that is associated with a Group E occupancy is not considered a separate occupancy.
[BG] 203.2.4 Accessory to places of religious worship. Accessory religious educational rooms and religious auditoriums with occupant loads of less than 100 per room or space are not considered separate occupancies.
[BG] 203.2.5 Special amusement areas. Special amusement areas shall comply with Section 411 of the California Building Code
[BG] 203.2.6 Assembly Group A-1. Group A-1 occupancy includes assembly uses, usually with fixed seating, intended for the production and viewing of the performing arts or motion pictures, including but not limited to:
Motion picture and television production studio Sound Stages, Approved Production Facilities and production locations. (With live audiences.)
Motion picture theaters
Symphony and concert halls
2-40 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
DEFINITIONS
Television and radio studios admitting an audience
Theaters
CFC § 301.1 High relevance — show source text
ICC code development note: Code change proposals to sections preceded by the designation [F] will be considered by the IFC code development committee meeting during the 2024 (Group A) Code Development Cycle. All other code change proposals will be considered by a code development committee meeting during the 2025 (Group B) Code Development Cycle.
SECTION 301—SCOPE
301.1 General. The provisions of this chapter shall control the classification of all buildings and structures as to occupancy and use. Different classifications of occupancy and use represent varying levels of hazard and risk to building occupants and adjacent properties.
SECTION 302—OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION AND USE DESIGNATION
302.1 Occupancy classification. Occupancy classification is the formal designation of the primary purpose of the building, structure or portion thereof. Structures shall be classified into one or more of the occupancy groups specified in this section based on the nature of the hazards and risks to building occupants generally associated with the intended purpose of the building or structure. An area, room or space that is intended to be occupied at different times for different purposes shall comply with all applicable requirements associated with such potential multipurpose. Structures containing multiple occupancy groups shall comply with Section 508. Where a structure is proposed for a purpose that is not specified in this section, such structure shall be classified in the occupancy it most nearly resembles based on the fire safety and relative hazard. Occupiable roofs shall be classified in the group that the occupancy most nearly resembles, according to the fire safety and relative hazard, and shall comply with Section 503.1.4.
- Assembly (see Section 303): Groups A-1, A-2, A-3, A-4 and A-5.
- 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.
CFC § 1-26 Medium relevance — show source text
108 Fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-26
109 Inspections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-27
110 Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-27
111 Service Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-28
112 Means of Appeals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-28 113 Violations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-28
114 Stop Work Order . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-29 115 Unsafe Structures or Equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-29
CHAPTER 2 DEFINITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5
201 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-5
202 General Definitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-5
203 Occupancy Classification and Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-40
CHAPTER 3 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
301 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-3
302 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4
303 Asphalt Kettles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4 304 Combustible Waste Material . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4
Frequently asked questions
How do I decide between Group A and Group B for a multipurpose room?
If the space is used for assembly but the occupant load is less than 50 or it is accessory and under 750 sq ft, classify as Group B per § 203.2.1 and § 203.2.2.
A home business has clients visiting occasionally — is that Group B or R?
Classify by primary use: if the space functions as an office or professional service it is typically Group B; a dwelling unit used as a residence remains Group R. The CFC directs you to classify by the primary purpose under § 203.1.
When is a child‑care facility Group E vs Group I‑4?
A child‑care facility for more than six children (age thresholds and exit arrangement matter) is generally Group E, but if occupants are not capable of self‑preservation or other I‑4 criteria apply, classify as Group I‑4; see § 203.4, § 203.4.2, and § 203.7.4.
Does storage above a retail floor count as separate occupancy?
If the storage is accessory to the retail use, it is classified as part of the primary occupancy (retail Group M) under § 203.10.1. For high‑piled or combustible storage see the CBC provisions referenced in the CFC.
Where do I look for mixed‑occupancy area and separation rules?
The CFC requires use of the California Building Code (CBC) for separated‑occupancy rules; see § 203.1 for the cross‑reference to CBC Section 508 and related tables.
More in California Fire Code
- Administration and Definitions
- General Requirements and Emergency Planning
- Fire Service Features and Fire Department Access
- Referenced Standards and Adoptable Appendices (Chapter 80; Appendices A–Q)
- Fire and Smoke Protection Features (fire‑resistance, barriers)
- Interior Finish, Decorative Materials and Furnishings
- Fire Protection and Life‑Safety Systems (sprinklers, alarms, smoke control)
- Means of Egress (exit design and maintenance)
- Construction Requirements for Existing Buildings (retrofit rules)
- Energy Systems and Stationary Energy Storage (ESS)
- Special Occupancies and Operations (chapters 20–41, 48–49)
- Hazardous Materials — Storage, Use and Handling (Chapters 50–67)
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