CFC · California Fire Code

Construction documents and submittal requirements for fire-related permits

If your project needs a fire permit, submit clear construction documents (two or more sets or approved digital files) prepared by a registered design professional when required, include required fire‑system shop drawings and get those shop drawings approved before installation — the fire code official will review documents under CFC §106.

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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

What the code requires — 2-4 sentences

The California Fire Code requires that construction documents and supporting data be submitted in two or more sets (or approved digital format) with each application for a permit, and that those documents be prepared by a registered design professional where required by statute. This baseline is established in § 106.1.

The single most important rule: if your work needs a fire permit, provide clear, legible construction documents (two or more sets or approved digital files) showing the scope, location and compliance details — shop drawings for fire protection systems must be submitted and approved before installation. § 106.1 and § 106.2.2.

Requirements in detail

Who must prepare the documents

  • The construction documents must be prepared by a registered design professional where required by the statutes of the jurisdiction. § 106.1.
  • The fire code official can waive submission of documents that are not required to be prepared by a registered design professional if the nature of the work makes review unnecessary (Exception to § 106.1).

What to submit (content and format)

  • Submit construction documents and supporting data in two or more sets, or in an approved digital format. § 106.1.
  • Documents must be drawn to scale on suitable material (or approved digital equivalent) and be of sufficient clarity to indicate location, nature and extent of proposed work and to show compliance. § 106.2.1.
  • For fire protection systems, submit shop drawings that include all information required by the referenced installation standards in Chapter 9; these must be approved prior to the start of installation. § 106.2.2.
  • The applicant is responsible to ensure the construction documents include all fire protection requirements and that shop drawings are complete and code-compliant. § 106.2.3.

Review, approval and limits of review

  • The fire code official shall examine the submitted documents to determine code compliance. § 106.2.
  • Documents that are stamped/approved are approved with the intent that they comply with the code; however, approval does not relieve the applicant of ultimate responsibility for compliance. § 106.2.4.
  • Phased approval: the fire code official may issue a permit for part of a structure or system before the entire set of construction documents is submitted, provided adequate information for the partial permit is filed; proceeding under a phased permit is at the permit-holder’s risk. § 106.2.4.1.

Changes during construction

  • Any changes made during construction that differ from the approved documents must be resubmitted as amended construction documents for approval. § 106.3.

Decision-relevant dimensions: quick table

Decision / item Required value / trigger Notes Code Reference
Number of sets / format Two or more sets, or approved digital files Fire official may approve digital submission. Bold this on first mention. § 106.1
Who prepares docs Registered design professional where required by statute Jurisdictional statute controls when RDP stamp is required. § 106.1
Shop drawings for fire systems Required; must be approved prior to start of installation Must include all info required by Chapter 9 referenced installation standards. § 106.2.2
Clarity & scale Drawn to scale and of sufficient clarity to show location, nature and extent Digital submissions allowed where approved. § 106.2.1
Applicant responsibility Applicant ensures completeness & code compliance Fire official’s approval does not shift responsibility away. § 106.2.3, § 106.2.4
Phased approvals Allowed for part of structure/system with adequate info Proceed at permit-holder’s risk; does not guarantee full approval later. § 106.2.4.1
Amendments during construction Must be resubmitted as amended construction documents Work must follow approved documents until amendments are approved. § 106.3

Exceptions & special cases

  • Waiver of detailed construction documents: the fire code official may waive submission of documents that are not required to be prepared by a registered design professional when the nature of the work makes review unnecessary (Exception to § 106.1).
  • Phased approval: permits for portions of work (e.g., foundation only or a specific system) can be issued before the full set of documents is submitted — but the permit holder proceeds at their own risk if the remaining documents are not later approved. § 106.2.4.1.
  • Shop drawings for fire systems are treated as a required submittal separate from general construction plans — they must be approved before starting installation. § 106.2.2.

If you are operating in a particular specialty or overlay code (for example, high‑piled storage or wildland‑urban interface projects), additional submittal items and site/vegetation plans may be required by other sections or related codes — consult the applicable sections cited below. (See Related provisions.)

Common mistakes

  • Submitting only a single set of paper plans or unapproved file formats — the CFC requires two or more sets or an approved digital format. § 106.1.
  • Treating an approval stamp as a substitution for the applicant’s responsibility; approvals do not relieve the applicant of compliance obligations. § 106.2.4.
  • Installing fire protection systems before shop drawings are approved (shop drawings must be approved prior to installation). § 106.2.2.
  • Omitting required signatures, seals or RDP preparation where statute requires a registered design professional. § 106.1.
  • Failing to resubmit amended construction documents when field changes deviate from approved plans. § 106.3.

Worked example — sprinkler retrofit in an existing office building

Scenario: Owner plans to install a new automatic sprinkler system in a 4,500 ft² office area inside an existing building.

  1. Submittal sets and preparer:
    • Provide two or more sets of construction documents (or approved digital files) with the permit application. § 106.1.
    • If local statute requires an engineer or architect for fire‑protection system design, have the plans prepared/stamped by that registered design professional. § 106.1.
  2. Shop drawings:
    • Prepare fire protection system shop drawings that include pipe layout, hydraulic calculations, sprinkler head types, hanger details, and compliance with Chapter 9 installation standards. Submit these shop drawings as part of the submittal; they must be approved prior to the start of installation. § 106.2.2.
  3. Applicant responsibility and review:
    • Ensure the documents clearly show the location, nature and extent of the sprinkler work and how it meets code requirements. The fire code official will review the documents for compliance. § 106.2.1, § 106.2.
  4. If during installation the contractor changes head spacing or a material, those changes must be submitted as amended construction documents and reapproved before proceeding. § 106.3.

Related provisions

  • § 901.2 — Authority to require construction documents and permits for fire protection and life‑safety systems (Chapter 9).
  • § 105.6 — Lists construction permits required (types of systems and situations that trigger a permit).
  • § 109 / Inspections — Inspection authority and requirements that follow permit issuance (see local CFC inspection sections).
  • For special circumstances (wildland interface, high‑piled storage, etc.) see the relevant chapters and the CWUIC provisions that expand submittal detail, e.g., site plans, vegetation compliance and retention rules (see IWUIC § 106.* entries).

Code references

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

  • CFC § 105.6.25 High relevance — show source text

    [A] 105.6.25 Temporary membrane structures and tents. A construction permit is required to erect an air-supported temporary membrane structure, a temporary special event structure or a tent in accordance with Section 105.5.51.

    SECTION 106—CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS

    [A] 106.1 Submittals. Construction documents and supporting data shall be submitted in two or more sets with each application for a permit and in such form and detail as required by the fire code official. The construction documents shall be prepared by a registered design professional where required by the statutes of the jurisdiction in which the project is to be constructed.

    Exception: The fire code official is authorized to waive the submission of construction documents and supporting data not required to be prepared by a registered design professional if it is found that the nature of the work applied for is such that review of construction documents is not necessary to obtain compliance with this code.

    [A] 106.2 Examination of documents. The fire code official shall examine or cause to be examined the accompanying construction documents and shall ascertain by such examinations whether the work indicated and described is in accordance with the requirements of this code.

    [A] 106.2.1 Information on construction documents. Construction documents shall be drawn to scale on suitable material. Documents in a digital format are allowed to be submitted where approved by the fire code official. Construction documents shall be of sufficient clarity to indicate the location, nature and extent of the work proposed and show in detail that it will conform to the provisions of this code and relevant laws, ordinances, rules and regulations as determined by the fire code official.

    [A] 106.2.2 Fire protection system shop drawings. Shop drawings for the fire protection system(s) shall be submitted to indicate compliance with this code and the construction documents, and shall be approved prior to the start of installation. Shop drawings shall contain all information as required by the referenced installation standards in Chapter 9.

    [A] 106.2.3 Applicant responsibility. It shall be the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the construction documents include all of the fire protection requirements and the shop drawings are complete and in compliance with the applicable codes and standards.

    [A] 106.2.4 Approved documents. Construction documents approved by the fire code official are approved with the intent that such construction documents comply in all respects with this code. Review and approval by the fire code official shall not relieve the applicant of the responsibility of compliance with this code.

    [A] 106.2.4.1 Phased approval. The fire code official is authorized to issue a permit for the construction of part of a structure, system or operation before the construction documents for the whole structure, system or operation have been submitted, provided that adequate information and detailed statements have been filed complying with pertinent requirements of this code. The holder of such permit for parts of a structure, system or operation shall proceed at the holder’s own risk with the building operation and without assurance that a permit for the entire structure, system or operation will be granted.

    [A] 106.3 Amended construction documents. Work shall be installed in accordance with the approved construction documents, and any changes made during construction that are not in compliance with the approved construction documents shall be resubmitted for approval as an amended set of construction documents.

  • CFC § 105.6.18 High relevance — show source text

    [A] 105.6.18 Plant extraction systems. A construction permit is required for installation of or modification to plant extraction systems. Maintenance performed in accordance with this code is not considered to be a modification and does not require a permit.

    [A] 105.6.19 Private fire hydrants. A construction permit is required for the installation or modification of private fire hydrants. Maintenance performed in accordance with this code is not considered to be a modification and does not require a permit.

    [A] 105.6.20 Smoke control or smoke exhaust systems. Construction permits are required for installation of or alteration to smoke control or smoke exhaust systems. Maintenance performed in accordance with this code is not considered to be an alteration and does not require a permit.

    [A] 105.6.21 Solar photovoltaic power systems. A construction permit is required to install or modify solar photovoltaic power systems. Maintenance performed in accordance with this code is not considered to be a modification and does not require a permit.

    [A] 105.6.22 Special event structure. A single construction permit is required to erect and take down a temporary special event structure in accordance with Section 105.5.51.

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    DIVISION II—SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION

    [A] 105.6.23 Spraying or dipping. A construction permit is required to install or modify a spray room, dip tank or booth. Maintenance performed in accordance with this code is not considered to be a modification and does not require a permit.

    [A] 105.6.24 Standpipe systems. A construction permit is required for the installation, modification or removal from service of a standpipe system. Maintenance performed in accordance with this code is not considered to be a modification and does not require a permit.

    [A] 105.6.25 Temporary membrane structures and tents. A construction permit is required to erect an air-supported temporary membrane structure, a temporary special event structure or a tent in accordance with Section 105.5.51.

    SECTION 106—CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS

    [A] 106.1 Submittals. Construction documents and supporting data shall be submitted in two or more sets with each application for a permit and in such form and detail as required by the fire code official. The construction documents shall be prepared by a registered design professional where required by the statutes of the jurisdiction in which the project is to be constructed.

    Exception: The fire code official is authorized to waive the submission of construction documents and supporting data not required to be prepared by a registered design professional if it is found that the nature of the work applied for is such that review of construction documents is not necessary to obtain compliance with this code.

    [A] 106.2 Examination of documents. The fire code official shall examine or cause to be examined the accompanying construction documents and shall ascertain by such examinations whether the work indicated and described is in accordance with the requirements of this code.

    [A] 106.2.1 Information on construction documents. Construction documents shall be drawn to scale on suitable material. Documents in a digital format are allowed to be submitted where approved by the fire code official. Construction documents shall be of sufficient clarity to indicate the location, nature and extent of the work proposed and show in detail that it will conform to the provisions of this code and relevant laws, ordinances, rules and regulations as determined by the fire code official.

  • CFC § 105.6 High relevance — show source text

    [A] 105.6 Suspension or revocation. The code official is authorized to suspend or revoke a permit issued under the provisions of this code wherever the permit is issued in error or on the basis of incorrect, inaccurate or incomplete information, or in violation of any ordinance or regulation or any of the provisions of this code.

    [A] 105.7 Placement of permit. The building permit or copy shall be kept on the site of the work until the completion of the project.

    SECTION 106—CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS

    [A] 106.1 General. Submittal documents consisting of construction documents, special inspection and structural observation programs, investigation and evaluation reports, and other data shall be submitted in two or more sets, or in a digital format where allowed by the code official, with each application for a permit. The construction documents shall be prepared by a registered

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    design professional where required by the statutes of the jurisdiction in which the project is to be constructed. Where special conditions exist, the code official is authorized to require additional construction documents to be prepared by a registered design professional.

    Exception: The code official is authorized to waive the submission of construction documents and other data not required to be prepared by a registered design professional if it is found that the nature of the work applied for is such that reviewing of construction documents is not necessary to obtain compliance with this code.

    [A] 106.2 Construction documents. Construction documents shall be in accordance with Sections 106.2.1 through 106.2.6.

    [A] 106.2.1 Construction documents. Construction documents shall be dimensioned and drawn on suitable material. Electronic media documents are permitted to be submitted where approved by the code official. Construction documents shall be of sufficient clarity to indicate the location, nature and extent of the work proposed and show in detail that it will conform to the provisions of this code and relevant laws, ordinances, rules and regulations, as determined by the code official. The work areas shall be shown.

    [A] 106.2.2 Fire protection system(s) shop drawings. Shop drawings for the fire protection system(s) shall be submitted to indicate compliance with this code and the construction documents and shall be approved prior to the start of system installation. Shop drawings shall contain information as required by the referenced installation standards in Chapter 9 of the California Build- ing Code .

    [A] 106.2.3 Means of egress. The construction documents for Alterations—Level 2, Alterations—Level 3, additions and changes of occupancy shall show in sufficient detail the location, construction, size and character of all portions of the means of egress in compliance with the provisions of this code. The construction documents shall designate the number of occupants to be accommodated in every work area of every floor and in all affected rooms and spaces.

    [A] 106.2.4 Exterior wall envelope. Construction documents for work affecting the exterior wall envelope shall describe the exterior wall envelope in sufficient detail to determine compliance with this code. The construction documents shall provide details of the exterior wall envelope as required, including windows, doors, flashing, intersections with dissimilar materials, corners, end details, control joints, intersections at roof, eaves or parapets, means of drainage, water-resistive barriers and details around openings.

  • CFC § 105.10 High relevance — show source text


    Division 1
    Section|Gov Code
    Section|PRC
    Section|HSC
    Section| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |Section|Title|Title|Title|Title|Title|Title|Title|Title|Title|Title| |Chapter 1|_Division II—_Scope and Administration|_Division II—_Scope and Administration|_Division II—_Scope and Administration|_Division II—_Scope and Administration|_Division II—_Scope and Administration|_Division II—_Scope and Administration|_Division II—_Scope and Administration|_Division II—_Scope and Administration|_Division II—_Scope and Administration|_Division II—_Scope and Administration| |105.10|Revocation of permits|Y||||||||| |106|Construction
    documents|Y||||||||| |106.1|General|Y||107.1||||||| |106.2|Information on plans
    and specifications|Y||||||||| |106.3|Site plan|Y||||||||| |106.4|Vegetation manage-
    ment_compliance_|Y||701A.5||||||| |106.5|Fire protection plan|Y||||||||| |106.6|Other data and
    substantiation|N||||||||| |106.7|Vicinity plan|Y||||||||| |106.8|Retention of plans|Y||1.11.3.5||||||| |106.9|Examination of
    documents|N||||||||| |106.10|Amended construc-
    tion documents|Y||||||||| |106.11|Previous approvals|N||||||||| |106.12|Phased approval|N||||||||| |107|Temporary structures
    and uses|Y||||||||| |107.1|General|Y||||||||| |107.2|Conformance|Y||||||||| |107.3|Temporary service
    utilities|Y||||||||| |107.4|Termination of
    approval|Y||||||||| |108|Fees|N||||||||| |108.1|Payment of fees|N||||||||| |108.2|Schedule of permit
    fees|N||||||||| |108.3|Permit valuations|N||||||||| |108.4|Work commencing
    before permit
    issuance|N||||||||| |108.5|Related fees|N||||||||| |108.6|Refunds|N||||||||| |109|Inspection and
    enforcement|N||||||||| |109.1|Inspection|Y||||||||| |109.1.1|General|Y||||||||| |109.1.2|Authority to inspect|Y||||||||| |109.1.2.1|Approved inspection
    agencies|Y||||||||| |109.1.2.2|Inspection requests|Y||||||||| |109.1.2.3|Approval required|Y||||||||| |109.1.3|Reinspections|N||||||||| |109.1.4|Testing|N||||||||| |109.1.4.1|New, altered,
    extended or repaired
    installations|N||||||||| |109.1.4.2|Apparatus, instru-
    ments,

  • CFC § 106.1 High relevance — show source text
    1. It is used by a person other than the person to whom the permit was issued.
    2. It is used for a location other than that for which the permit was issued.
    3. Any of the conditions or limitations set forth in the permit have been violated.
    4. The permittee fails, refuses or neglects to comply with any order or notice duly served on him or her under the provisions of this code within the time provided therein.
    5. There has been any false statement or misrepresentation as to material fact in the application or plans on which the permit or application was made.
    6. The permit is issued in error or in violation of any other ordinance, regulations or provisions of this code.

    The code official is allowed to, in writing, suspend or revoke a permit issued under the provisions of this code whenever the permit is issued in error or on the basis of incorrect information supplied, or in violation of any ordinance or regulation or any of the provisions of this code.

    SECTION 106—CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS

    [A] 106.1 General. Plans, engineering calculations, diagrams and other data shall be submitted in not fewer than two sets, or in a digital format where allowed by the code official, with each application for a permit. The construction documents shall be prepared by a registered design professional where required by the statutes of the jurisdiction in which the project is to be constructed. Where special conditions exist, the code official is authorized to require additional documents to be prepared by a registered design professional.

    Exception: Submission of plans, calculations, construction inspection requirements and other data, if it is found that the nature of the work applied for is such that reviewing of plans is not necessary to obtain compliance with this code.

    [A] 106.2 Information on plans and specifications. Plans and specifications shall be drawn to scale on substantial paper or cloth and shall be of sufficient clarity to indicate the location, nature and extent of the work proposed, and show in detail that it will conform to the provisions of this code and relevant laws, ordinances, rules and regulations.

    [A] 106.3 Site plan. In addition to the requirements for plans in the California Building Code, site plans shall include topography, width and percent of grade of access roads, landscape and vegetation details, locations of structures or building envelopes, existing or proposed overhead utilities, occupancy classification of buildings, types of ignition-resistant construction of buildings, structures and their appendages, roof classification of buildings and site water supply systems. The code official is authorized to waive or modify the requirement for a site plan where the application for permit is for alteration or repair or where otherwise warranted.

    [A] 106.4 Vegetation management compliance . Prior to the building permit final approval, the property shall be in compliance with the vegetation management requirements prescribed in Section 603, including California Public Resources Code 4291 or California Government Code Section 51182. Acceptable methods of compliance inspection and documentation shall be determined by the enforc- ing agency and shall be permitted to include any of the following: 1. Local, state or federal fire authority or designee authorized to enforce vegetation management requirements. 2. Enforcing agency.

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    3. Third-party inspection and certification authorized to enforce vegetation management requirements. 4. Property owner certification authorized by the enforcing agency.

  • CFC § 1-5 High relevance — show source text

    1.11 Office of the State Fire Marshal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5

    DIVISION II— SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-13

    Part 1—General Provisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-13

    101 Scope and General Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-13 102 Applicability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-13

    Part 2—Administration and Enforcement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14

    103 Code Compliance Agency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14 104 Duties and Powers of the Fire Code Official . . . . . . . 1-14

    105 Permits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17

    106 Construction Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-26

    107 Temporary Structures, Uses, Equipment and Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-26

    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

  • CFC § 105.6.1 High relevance — show source text

    [A] 105.6.1 Refusal to issue a permit. Where the application or construction documents do not conform to the requirements of pertinent laws, the code official shall reject such application in writing, stating the reasons therefor.

    [A] 105.7 Validity of permit. The issuance or granting of a permit or approval of plans, specifications and computations shall not be construed to be a permit for, or an approval of, any violation of any of the provisions of this code or of any other ordinance of the jurisdiction. Permits presuming to give authority to violate or conceal the provisions of this code or other ordinances of the jurisdiction shall not be valid.

    [A] 105.8 Expiration. On or after January 1, 2019, every permit issued shall become invalid unless the work on the site authorized by such permit is commenced within 12 months after its issuance or if the work authorized on the site by such permit is suspended or aban- doned for a period of 12 months after the time the work is commenced. The building official is authorized to grant, in writing, one or more extensions of time for periods not more than 180 days each. The extension shall be requested in writing and justifiable cause demon- strated. (See Health and Safety Code Section 18938.5 and 18938.6.)

    [A] 105.9 Retention of permits. Permits shall at all times be kept on the premises designated therein and shall at all times be subject to inspection by the code official or other authorized representative.

    [A] 105.10 Revocation of permits. Permits issued under this code can be suspended or revoked where it is determined by the code official that:

    1. It is used by a person other than the person to whom the permit was issued.
    2. It is used for a location other than that for which the permit was issued.
    3. Any of the conditions or limitations set forth in the permit have been violated.
    4. The permittee fails, refuses or neglects to comply with any order or notice duly served on him or her under the provisions of this code within the time provided therein.
    5. There has been any false statement or misrepresentation as to material fact in the application or plans on which the permit or application was made.
    6. The permit is issued in error or in violation of any other ordinance, regulations or provisions of this code.

    The code official is allowed to, in writing, suspend or revoke a permit issued under the provisions of this code whenever the permit is issued in error or on the basis of incorrect information supplied, or in violation of any ordinance or regulation or any of the provisions of this code.

    SECTION 106—CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS

    [A] 106.1 General. Plans, engineering calculations, diagrams and other data shall be submitted in not fewer than two sets, or in a digital format where allowed by the code official, with each application for a permit. The construction documents shall be prepared by a registered design professional where required by the statutes of the jurisdiction in which the project is to be constructed. Where special conditions exist, the code official is authorized to require additional documents to be prepared by a registered design professional.

    Exception: Submission of plans, calculations, construction inspection requirements and other data, if it is found that the nature of the work applied for is such that reviewing of plans is not necessary to obtain compliance with this code.

  • CFC § 302.1 High relevance — show source text

    EMERGENCY. Any event declared by local, state or federal entities that temporarily overwhelms response capabilities and that requires the temporary suspension or modification of regulations, codes or standards to facilitate response to such an event.

    TEMPORARY USE . An activity or practice that is established at a designated location for a period of less than 180 days. Uses include, but are not limited to, those functional designations listed within the occupancy group descriptions in Section 302.1 of the California Building Code .

    SECTION E103—SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS

    E103.1 General. Submittal documents shall be of sufficient clarity to indicate the location, nature and extent of the work or use proposed and show in detail that it will conform to the provisions of this code and relevant laws, ordinances, rules and regulations, as determined by the code official.

    SECTION E104—CONFORMANCE

    E104.1 General. Temporary use of existing buildings shall conform to the structural strength, fire safety, means of egress, accessibility, light, ventilation and sanitary requirements of this code as necessary to provide a reasonable level of safety, health and general welfare as determined by the code official.

    E104.2 Changes over time. As an emergency evolves, submittal documents shall be submitted to demonstrate that the temporary uses of the existing buildings are in compliance with the requirements of this code.

    SECTION E105—PERMITS

    E105.1 Emergency permits. In an emergency situation, where an existing building undergoes a temporary change of use or occupancy, the permit application shall be submitted as soon as practicable to the code official.

    SECTION E106—GENERAL STANDARDS FOR EMERGENCY USES

    E106.1 Scope. The provisions of Sections E106.2 through E106.7 shall apply to all existing structures being repurposed and to all structures relocated to support the response to an emergency.

    E106.2 Intent. The intent of this section is to provide a reasonable level of safety in a structure repurposed for emergency use.

    E106.3 Change of use or occupancy. Existing buildings used in a way that was not originally intended by occupancy class or use shall be allowed without formally changing the occupancy. The previous occupancy and use shall resume upon the conclusion of the emergency . Where the temporary live load of the floor is more than that required by Section 1607 of the California Building Code for the original use, the area designated for the temporary live load shall be posted with placards for the approved live load.

    E106.4 Fire safety provisions. Determination of the fire safety requirements by the code official shall be in accordance with Section E106.4.1 through E106.4.5 in order to make determinations of safe conditions rather than strict adherence to the provisions of the California Fire Code .

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    APPENDIX E—TEMPORARY EMERGENCY USES

    E106.4.1 Fire safety and evacuation plans. Fire safety and evacuation plans shall be provided in accordance with Sections 403 and 404 of the California Fire Code . Submittal documents shall be updated where there are any physical changes to the layout of the structure.

  • CFC § 3.8.2 High relevance — show source text

    3.8.2_|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |914.7 –914.7.1|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |914.7.2.2 – 914.7.2.3|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |915.1|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |915.2 – 915.2.1|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |915.2.3|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |915.4.1|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |915.4.2|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |915.4.3|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |915.4.4|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |915.5.3|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |915.6.1|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |915.7|||X|||||||||||||||||||||

    • 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.

    9-6 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE

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

    9 FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS

    User notes:

    About this chapter: Chapter 9 prescribes the minimum requirements for active fire protection equipment systems to perform the functions of detecting a fire, alerting the occupants or fire department of a fire emergency, mass notification, gas detection, controlling smoke and controlling or extinguishing the fire. Generally, the requirements are based on the occupancy, the height and the area of the building because these are the factors that most affect firefighting capabilities and the relative hazard of a specific building or portion thereof. This chapter parallels and is substantially duplicated in Chapter 9 of the California Building Code ; however, this chapter also contains periodic testing criteria that are not contained in the California Building Code . In addition, the special fire protection system requirements based on use and occupancy found in Chapter 4 of the California Building Code are duplicated in this chapter as a user convenience.

    SECTION 901—GENERAL

    901.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall specify where fire protection and life safety systems are required and shall apply to the design, installation, inspection, operation, testing and maintenance of all fire protection and life safety systems.

    901.2 Construction documents. The fire code official shall have the authority to require construction documents and calculations for all fire protection and life safety systems and to require permits be issued for the installation, rehabilitation or modification of any fire protection and life safety systems. Construction documents for fire protection and life safety systems shall be submitted for review and approval prior to system installation.

  • CFC § 1.1 High relevance — show source text

    2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE APPENDIX N-1

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

    N REPLICABLE BUILDINGS

    The provisions contained in this appendix are not mandatory unless specifically adopted by a state agency or referenced in the adopting ordinance.

    User notes:

    About this appendix: Appendix N provides jurisdictions with a means of incorporating guidelines for replicable buildings into their building code adoption process. The intent of these provisions is to give jurisdictions a means of streamlining their document review process while verifying code compliance.

    ICC code development note: Code change proposals to this appendix will be considered by the IBC—Structural Code Development Committee during the

    2025 (Group B) Code Development Cycle.

    SECTION N101—ADMINISTRATION

    N101.1 Purpose. The purpose of this appendix is to provide a format and direction regarding the implementation of a replicable building program.

    N101.2 Objectives. Such programs allow a jurisdiction to recover from a natural disaster faster and allow for consistent application of the codes for replicable building projects. It will result in faster turnaround for the end user, and a quicker turnaround through the plan review process.

    SECTION N102—DEFINITIONS

    N102.1 Definitions. The following words and terms shall, for the purposes of this appendix, have the meanings shown herein.

    REPLICABLE BUILDING. A building or structure utilizing a replicable design.

    REPLICABLE DESIGN. A prototypical design developed for application in multiple locations with minimal variation or modification.

    SECTION N103—REPLICABLE DESIGN REQUIREMENTS

    N103.1 Prototypical construction documents. A replicable design shall establish prototypical construction documents for application at multiple locations. The construction documents shall include details appropriate to each wind region, seismic design category and climate zone for locations in which the replicable design is intended for application. Application of replicable design shall not vary with regard to the following, except for allowable variations in accordance with Section N106:

    1. Use and occupancy classification.

    2. Building heights and area limitations.

    3. Type of construction classification.

    4. Fire-resistance ratings.

    5. Interior finishes.

    6. Fire protection system.

    7. Means of egress.

    8. Accessibility.

    9. Structural design criteria.

    10. Energy efficiency.

    11. Type of mechanical and electrical systems.

    12. Type of plumbing system and number of fixtures.

    SECTION N104—REPLICABLE DESIGN SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS

    N104.1 General. A summary description of the replicable design and related construction documents shall be submitted to an approved agency. Where approval is requested for elements of the replicable design that is not within the scope of the California Building Code, the construction documents shall specifically designate the codes for which review is sought. Construction documents shall be signed, sealed and dated by a registered design professional.

    N104.1.1 Architectural plans and specifications. Where approval of the architectural requirements of the replicable design is sought, the submittal documents shall include architectural plans and specifications as follows:

    1. Description of uses and the proposed occupancy groups for all portions of the building.
    2. Proposed type of construction of the building.
    3. Fully dimensioned drawings to determine building areas and height.
    4. Adequate details and dimensions to evaluate means of egress, including occupant loads for each floor, exit arrangement and sizes, corridors, doors and stairs.

    APPENDIX N-2 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE

  • CFC § 1.11. High relevance — show source text

    8|||X|||||||||||||||||||||

    • 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.

    2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE 32-1

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

    32-2 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE

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

    32 HIGH-PILED COMBUSTIBLE STORAGE

    User notes:

    About this chapter: Chapter 32 provides guidance for reasonable protection of life from hazards associated with the storage of combustible materials in closely packed piles or on pallets, in racks or on shelves where the top of storage is greater than 12 feet in height, or 6 feet for high-hazard commodities. It provides requirements for identifying various classes of commodities; and general fire and life safety features including storage arrangements, smoke and heat venting, fire department access and housekeeping and maintenance. This chapter attempts to define the potential fire severity and, in turn, determine fire and life safety protection measures needed to control and in some cases suppress a potential fire. This chapter does not cover miscellaneous combustible material storage as regulated in Section 315.

    SECTION 3201—GENERAL

    3201.1 Scope. H igh-piled combustible storage shall be in accordance with this chapter. In addition to the requirements of this chapter, the following material-specific requirements shall apply:

    1. Aerosols shall be in accordance with Chapter 51.
    2. Flammable and combustible liquids shall be in accordance with Chapter 57.
    3. Hazardous materials shall be in accordance with Chapter 50.
    4. Storage of combustible paper records shall be in accordance with NFPA 13.
    5. Storage of combustible fibers shall be in accordance with Chapter 37.
    6. General storage of combustible material shall be in accordance with Chapter 3.

    3201.2 Permits. A permit shall be required as set forth in Sections 105.5 and 105.6.

    3201.3 Construction documents. At the time of building permit application for new structures designed to accommodate high-piled storage or for requesting a change of occupancy/use, and at the time of application for a storage permit, plans and specifications shall be submitted for review and approval. In addition to the information required by the California Building Code, the storage permit submittal shall include the information specified in this section. The construction documents shall include all of the following:

    1. Floor plan of the building showing locations and dimensions of high-piled storage areas.

    2. Usable storage height for each storage area.

    3. Number of tiers within each rack, if applicable.

    4. Commodity clearance between top of storage and the sprinkler deflector for each storage arrangement.

    5. Aisle dimensions between each storage array.

    6. Maximum pile volume for each storage array.

    7. Location and classification of commodities in accordance with Section 3203.

  • CFC § 1.5. High relevance — show source text

    For openings less than or equal to 6 feet in
    height that have both a head track and a sill track, the spans are permitted to be multiplied by a factor of 1.5.
    d. Minimum Grade 33 ksi steel shall be used for 33 mil and 43 mil thicknesses. Minimum Grade 50 ksi steel shall be used for 54 and 68 mil thicknesses.|For SI: 1 mil = 0.0254 mm, 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 mile per hour = 0.447 m/s, 1 ksi = 1,000 psi = 6.895 MPa.
    a. Deflection limit:L/240.
    b. Head and sill track spans are based on components and cladding wind pressures and 48-inch tributary span.
    c. For openings less than 4 feet in height that have both a head track and sill track, the spans are permitted to be multiplied by 1.75. For openings less than or equal to 6 feet in
    height that have both a head track and a sill track, the spans are permitted to be multiplied by a factor of 1.5.
    d. Minimum Grade 33 ksi steel shall be used for 33 mil and 43 mil thicknesses. Minimum Grade 50 ksi steel shall be used for 54 and 68 mil thicknesses.|For SI: 1 mil = 0.0254 mm, 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 mile per hour = 0.447 m/s, 1 ksi = 1,000 psi = 6.895 MPa.
    a. Deflection limit:L/240.
    b. Head and sill track spans are based on components and cladding wind pressures and 48-inch tributary span.
    c. For openings less than 4 feet in height that have both a head track and sill track, the spans are permitted to be multiplied by 1.75. For openings less than or equal to 6 feet in
    height that have both a head track and a sill track, the spans are permitted to be multiplied by a factor of 1.5.
    d. Minimum Grade 33 ksi steel shall be used for 33 mil and 43 mil thicknesses. Minimum Grade 50 ksi steel shall be used for 54 and 68 mil thicknesses.|For SI: 1 mil = 0.0254 mm, 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 mile per hour = 0.447 m/s, 1 ksi = 1,000 psi = 6.895 MPa.
    a. Deflection limit:L/240.
    b. Head and sill track spans are based on components and cladding wind pressures and 48-inch tributary span.
    c. For openings less than 4 feet in height that have both a head track and sill track, the spans are permitted to be multiplied by 1.75. For openings less than or equal to 6 feet in
    height that have both a head track and a sill track, the spans are permitted to be multiplied by a factor of 1.5.
    d. Minimum Grade 33 ksi steel shall be used for 33 mil and 43 mil thicknesses.

Frequently asked questions

Do I always need an architect or engineer to prepare fire submittals?

If jurisdictional statutes require a registered design professional for the type of work, yes—plans must be prepared by that RDP. The fire code official may waive submissions not required to be prepared by an RDP when review is unnecessary (Exception to § 106.1).

Are electronic plan submissions allowed?

Yes. The code permits digital format submissions where approved by the fire code official; however, the number of sets requirement remains (two or more sets can include approved electronic sets). § 106.2.1 and § 106.1.

When must fire protection shop drawings be submitted?

Shop drawings for fire protection systems must be submitted and approved prior to the start of installation and must contain the information required by Chapter 9 referenced installation standards. § 106.2.2.

If I change a plan in the field, do I need to tell the fire department?

Yes — any changes not in compliance with the approved construction documents must be resubmitted for approval as amended construction documents. § 106.3.

Can I get a permit for part of the work before the entire design is done?

Yes. The fire code official may issue a phased approval for part of a structure, system or operation if adequate information is provided, but you proceed at your own risk. § 106.2.4.1.

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