CFC · California Fire Code

Inspections, maintenance and service utilities requirements

The California Fire Code gives the fire code official authority to inspect buildings and requires permit holders to allow access and not conceal work before inspection (§ 109). Required fire-safety devices and systems must be continuously maintained and periodically tested, with records kept on site for at least three years (§ 110). In emergencies the fire code official may disconnect utilities after notifying the utility and, whenever possible, the owner or occupant (§ 111).

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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

What the code requires — plain English

The fire code official may enter buildings and conduct inspections to verify compliance; the permit holder must provide access and notify the official when work is ready for inspection and may not conceal work before it is inspected (§ 109.1, § 109.2, § 109.3). Where devices, equipment, systems or other features are required by the code they must be continuously maintained, periodically tested as specified, and records of inspections/tests/servicing must be kept on the premises for not less than 3 years (§ 110.1, § 110.2, § 110.3). The fire code official also has authority to disconnect utility services to eliminate immediate hazards, with notice to the utility and, where possible, the owner or occupant (§ 111.1).

Do not cover or conceal installations before the fire code official inspects them — permit holders must keep work visible and provide access for inspection.

Requirements in detail

Inspection authority, scope and process

  • Who may inspect: the fire code official is authorized to enter and examine buildings, vessels, vehicles and premises to enforce the code (§ 109.1).
  • What inspections cover: any inspections necessary to determine compliance; the official may accept reports from approved agencies or individuals and may call in experts for complex matters (§ 109.2).
  • Permit-holder duties:
    • Notify the fire code official when work is ready for inspection and provide access (§ 109.2.1).
    • Do not proceed beyond the point approved at the last inspection without obtaining approval for the next stage (§ 109.2.2).
    • If work requiring inspection is covered or concealed before inspection, the official can require it be exposed for inspection; the jurisdiction is not liable for removal/replacement costs (§ 109.3).

Maintenance, testing, supervision, and records

  • Continuous maintenance: any device, equipment, system, condition or arrangement required by the code must be continuously maintained in accordance with the CFC and referenced standards (§ 110.1).
  • Testing & operation: equipment that requires periodic testing must be tested/operated at the intervals specified in the code or referenced standards (§ 110.2).
  • Reinspection: installations failing initial tests must be corrected and resubmitted for inspection and testing (§ 110.2.1).
  • Recordkeeping: maintain records of periodic inspections, tests, servicing and other O&M on the premises or other approved location for not less than 3 years (unless another period is specified); records must be available to the fire code official and provided on request (§ 110.3).
  • Supervision: maintenance and testing shall be under the supervision of a responsible person who ensures intervals and compliance with the code (§ 110.4).
  • Rendering equipment inoperable: portable/fixed fire-extinguishing systems and fire-warning systems must have ready access and shall not be rendered inoperative, except as necessary during emergencies, maintenance, repairs, alterations, drills or prescribed testing (§ 110.5).

Service utilities — emergency authority and notification

  • Disconnect authority: the fire code official may authorize disconnection of utility service to a building, structure or system to safely execute emergency operations or to eliminate an immediate hazard (§ 111.1).
  • Notification requirement: the official shall notify the serving utility and, where possible, the owner/authorized agent and the occupant before disconnecting; if prior notice is not possible, written notice shall be provided as soon as practical afterward (§ 111.1).

Decision table — quick reference

Decision / dimension What to do Key value / threshold Code Reference
Authority to enter & inspect Allow access; respond to inspection requests — § 109.1, § 109.2
Permit-holder notification Notify when work ready; provide means of inspection — § 109.2.1
Concealed work Do not conceal before inspection; must be made visible if already concealed — § 109.3
Progression of work Do not proceed beyond inspected stage without approval — § 109.2.2
Continuous maintenance Maintain required devices/systems per code and referenced standards — § 110.1
Testing frequency Test/operate at code-specified intervals As specified in code/standards § 110.2
Reinspection Correct failures then resubmit for inspection/testing — § 110.2.1
Record retention Keep inspection/test/servicing records on site 3 years (unless otherwise specified) § 110.3
Supervision Assign responsible person for maintenance/testing — § 110.4
Making systems inoperable Only for emergencies, maintenance, repairs, drills, testing — § 110.5
Utility disconnection Fire code official may disconnect to eliminate hazards Must notify utility & owner/occupant § 111.1

Exceptions & special cases

  • Temporary inoperability: systems may be taken out of service during emergencies, maintenance, repairs, alterations, drills or prescribed testing but must have ready access and appropriate controls to reduce risk (§ 110.5).
  • Concealed work already covered: if an installation was concealed before inspection, the official can require it be exposed; the jurisdiction is not liable for removal/replacement costs (§ 109.3).
  • Record-period overrides: some referenced standards or specific code sections may require a different retention period than the default 3 years; follow the longer/more specific requirement where present (§ 110.3).

Common mistakes

  • Covering or concealing work before inspection (violates § 109.3) — leads to re-opening work and extra cost; the jurisdiction won’t pay removal/replacement.
  • Proceeding beyond an inspected stage without approval (violates § 109.2.2) — invalidates the staged approvals and may require correction.
  • Poor recordkeeping — failing to retain inspection/test/servicing records for 3 years or produce them to the fire code official on request (§ 110.3) is a frequent compliance failure.
  • Rendering fire protection systems inoperable without appropriate justification or notification (read § 110.5) — increases life-safety risk and invites enforcement.
  • Expecting utilities not to be disconnected in emergencies — the fire code official can authorize disconnection; plan for this and keep contacts current (§ 111.1).

Worked example — applying the rules

Scenario: A contractor installs a new automatic fire sprinkler riser in a commercial tenant space.

  1. Before concealing piping, the contractor (the permit holder) notifies the fire code official that the rough piping is ready for inspection and provides access (§ 109.2.1). If the contractor conceals the piping without inspection, the official can require exposure and the owner bears removal costs (§ 109.3).
  2. The official inspects and finds a failed connection. The contractor corrects the defect and resubmits the installation for reinspection and testing (§ 110.2.1).
  3. Once accepted, the building owner must maintain the sprinkler system per the code and referenced standards and test it at the prescribed intervals; records of the acceptance test and periodic inspections must be kept on the premises for 3 years (or longer if a referenced standard requires it) and be made available to the fire code official (§ 110.1, § 110.2, § 110.3).
  4. If future maintenance requires taking a portion of the system out of service, the owner ensures the outage is limited to maintenance, supervised by a responsible person, and the system is not permanently rendered inoperable except as allowed (§ 110.4, § 110.5).

Related provisions (common cross-references)

  • § 901.7.1 — Impairment coordinator / assignment of responsibility for system impairments.
  • Requirements for inspection, testing and maintenance of automatic fire-extinguishing systems are also detailed in California Title 19 (see referenced testing/maintenance frequencies and licensing requirements).
  • Fire alarm system acceptance tests, monitoring and record-of-completion requirements (see related requirements in Chapter 9, e.g., acceptance tests and record-of-completion provisions).

Code references

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

  • CFC § 109.3 High relevance — show source text

    [A] 109.3 Concealed work. It shall be the duty of the permit applicant to cause the work to remain visible and able to be accessed for inspection purposes. Where any installation subject to inspection prior to use is covered or concealed without having first been inspected, the fire code official shall have the authority to require that such work be made visible and able to be accessed for inspection. Neither the fire code official nor the jurisdiction shall be liable for expense entailed in the removal or replacement of any material required to allow inspection.

    [A] 109.4 Approvals. Approval as the result of an inspection shall not be construed to be an approval of a violation of the provisions of this code or of other ordinances of the jurisdiction. Inspections presuming to give authority to violate or cancel provisions of this code or of other ordinances of the jurisdiction shall not be valid.

    SECTION 110—MAINTENANCE

    [A] 110.1 Maintenance of safeguards. Where any device, equipment, system, condition, arrangement, level of protection, or any other feature is required for compliance with the provisions of this code, or otherwise installed, such device, equipment, system, condition, arrangement, level of protection, or other feature shall thereafter be continuously maintained in accordance with this code and applicable referenced standards.

    [A] 110.2 Testing and operation. Equipment requiring periodic testing or operation to ensure maintenance shall be tested or operated as specified in this code.

    [A] 110.2.1 Reinspection and testing. Where any work or installation does not pass an initial test or inspection, the necessary corrections shall be made so as to achieve compliance with this code. The work or installation shall then be resubmitted to the fire code official for inspection and testing.

    [A] 110.3 Recordkeeping. A record of periodic inspections, tests, servicing and other operations and maintenance shall be maintained on the premises or other approved location for not less than 3 years, or a different period of time where specified in this code or referenced standards. Records shall be made available for inspection by the fire code official, and a copy of the records shall be provided to the fire code official on request.

    The fire code official is authorized to prescribe the form and format of such recordkeeping. The fire code official is authorized to require that certain required records be filed with the fire code official.

    [A] 110.4 Supervision. Maintenance and testing shall be under the supervision of a responsible person who shall ensure that such maintenance and testing are conducted at specified intervals in accordance with this code.

    2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE 1-27

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    DIVISION II—SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION

    110.5 Rendering equipment inoperable. Portable or fixed fire-extinguishing systems or devices, and fire-warning systems, shall be provided with ready access and shall not be rendered inoperative, except as necessary during emergencies, maintenance, repairs, alterations, drills or prescribed testing.

    [A] 110.6 Overcrowding. Overcrowding or admittance of any person beyond the approved capacity of a building or a portion thereof shall not be allowed. The fire code official, on finding any overcrowding conditions or obstructions in aisles, passageways or other means of egress, or on finding any condition that constitutes a life safety hazard, shall be authorized to cause the event to be stopped until such condition or obstruction is corrected.

    SECTION 111—SERVICE UTILITIES

  • CFC § 2305.2 High relevance — show source text

    2305.2 Equipment maintenance and inspection. Motor fuel-dispensing facility equipment shall be maintained in proper working order at all times in accordance with Sections 2305.2.1 through 2305.2.5.

    2305.2.1 Inspections. Flammable and combustible liquid fuel-dispensing and containment equipment shall be periodically inspected where required by the fire code official to verify that the equipment is in proper working order and not subject to leakage. Records of inspections shall be maintained.

    2305.2.2 Repairs and service. The fire code official is authorized to require damaged or unsafe containment and dispensing equipment to be repaired or serviced in an approved manner.

    2305.2.3 Dispensing devices. Where maintenance to Class I liquid dispensing devices becomes necessary and such maintenance could allow the accidental release or ignition of liquid, the following precautions shall be taken before such maintenance is begun:

    1. Only persons knowledgeable in performing the required maintenance shall perform the work.
    2. Electrical power to the dispensing device and pump serving the dispenser shall be shut off at the main electrical disconnect panel.
    3. The emergency shutoff valve at the dispenser, where installed, shall be closed.
    4. Vehicle traffic and unauthorized persons shall be prevented from coming within 12 feet (3658 mm) of the dispensing device.

    2305.2.4 Emergency shutoff valves. Automatic emergency shutoff valves required by Section 2306.7.4 shall be checked not less than once per year by manually tripping the hold-open linkage.

    2305.2.5 Leak detectors. Leak detection devices required by Section 2306.7.7.1 shall be checked and tested not less than annually in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications to ensure proper installation and operation.

    2305.3 Spill control. Provisions shall be made to prevent liquids spilled during dispensing operations from flowing into buildings. Acceptable methods include, but shall not be limited to, grading driveways, raising doorsills or other approved means.

    2305.4 Sources of ignition. Smoking and open flames shall be prohibited in areas where fuel is dispensed. The engines of vehicles being fueled shall be shut off during fueling. Electrical equipment shall be in accordance with the California Electrical Code .

    2305.5 Fire extinguishers. Approved portable fire extinguishers complying with Section 906 with a minimum rating of 2-A:20-B:C shall be provided and located such that an extinguisher is not more than 75 feet (22 860 mm) from pumps, dispensers or storage tank fill-pipe openings.

    2305.6 Warning signs. Warning signs shall be conspicuously posted within sight of each dispenser in the fuel-dispensing area and shall state the following:

    1. No smoking.

    2. Shut off motor.

    3. Discharge your static electricity before fueling by touching a metal surface away from the nozzle.

    4. To prevent static charge, do not reenter your vehicle while gasoline is pumping.

    5. If a fire starts, do not remove nozzle—back away immediately.

    2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE 23-5

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    MOTOR FUEL-DISPENSING FACILITIES AND REPAIR GARAGES

    1. It is unlawful and dangerous to dispense gasoline into unapproved containers.
    2. No filling of portable containers in or on a motor vehicle. Place container on ground before filling.
  • CFC § 904.10.3 High relevance — show source text

    904.10.3 System hoses. System hoses shall be examined at 12-month intervals for damage. Damaged hoses shall be replaced or tested. All hoses shall be tested at 5-year intervals.

    904.11 Automatic water mist systems. Automatic water mist systems shall be permitted in applications that are consistent with the applicable listing or approvals and shall comply with Sections 904.11.1 through 904.11.3.

    904.11.1 Design and installation requirements. Automatic water mist systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with Sections 904.11.1.1 through 904.11.1.4.

    904.11.1.1 General. Automatic water mist systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with California Code of Regu- lations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 5 and NFPA 750 and the manufacturer’s instructions.

    904.11.1.2 Actuation. Automatic water mist systems shall be automatically actuated.

    904.11.1.3 Water supply protection. Connections to a potable water supply shall be protected against backflow in accordance with the California Plumbing Code .

    904.11.1.4 Secondary water supply. Where a secondary water supply is required for an automatic sprinkler system, an automatic water mist system shall be provided with an approved secondary water supply.

    904.11.2 Water mist system supervision and alarms. Supervision and alarms shall be provided as required for automatic sprinkler systems in accordance with Section 903.4.1.

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    FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS

    904.11.2.1 Monitoring. Monitoring shall be provided as required for automatic sprinkler systems in accordance with Section 903.4.2.

    904.11.2.2 Alarms. Alarms shall be provided as required for automatic sprinkler systems in accordance with Section 903.4.3.

    904.11.2.3 Floor control valves. Floor control valves shall be provided as required for automatic sprinkler systems in accordance with Section 903.3.9.

    904.11.3 Testing and maintenance. Automatic water mist systems shall be tested and maintained in accordance with California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 5.

    904.12 Hybrid fire-extinguishing systems. Hybrid fire-extinguishing systems shall be designed, installed, maintained, periodically inspected and tested in accordance with NFPA 770. Records of inspection and testing shall be maintained.

    904.13 Aerosol fire-extinguishing systems. Aerosol fire-extinguishing systems shall be installed, maintained, periodically inspected and tested in accordance with NFPA 2010 and their listing.

    Such devices and appurtenances shall be listed and installed in compliance with manufacturer’s instructions.

    904.13.1 Maintenance. Not less than semiannually, an inspection shall be conducted by a trained person to assess whether the system is in working order. Not less than annually, a certified fire suppression contractor having knowledge of and training in the installation, operation and maintenance of the specific fire-extinguishing system shall inspect, test, service and maintain such system in accordance with this section and the manufacturer’s specifications and servicing manuals. Records of inspections and testing shall be maintained.

  • CFC § 110.3 High relevance — show source text

    [A] 110.3 Recordkeeping. A record of periodic inspections, tests, servicing and other operations and maintenance shall be maintained on the premises or other approved location for not less than 3 years, or a different period of time where specified in this code or referenced standards. Records shall be made available for inspection by the fire code official, and a copy of the records shall be provided to the fire code official on request.

    The fire code official is authorized to prescribe the form and format of such recordkeeping. The fire code official is authorized to require that certain required records be filed with the fire code official.

    [A] 110.4 Supervision. Maintenance and testing shall be under the supervision of a responsible person who shall ensure that such maintenance and testing are conducted at specified intervals in accordance with this code.

    2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE 1-27

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    DIVISION II—SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION

    110.5 Rendering equipment inoperable. Portable or fixed fire-extinguishing systems or devices, and fire-warning systems, shall be provided with ready access and shall not be rendered inoperative, except as necessary during emergencies, maintenance, repairs, alterations, drills or prescribed testing.

    [A] 110.6 Overcrowding. Overcrowding or admittance of any person beyond the approved capacity of a building or a portion thereof shall not be allowed. The fire code official, on finding any overcrowding conditions or obstructions in aisles, passageways or other means of egress, or on finding any condition that constitutes a life safety hazard, shall be authorized to cause the event to be stopped until such condition or obstruction is corrected.

    SECTION 111—SERVICE UTILITIES

    [A] 111.1 Authority to disconnect service utilities. The fire code official shall have the authority to authorize disconnection of utility service to the building, structure or system in order to safely execute emergency operations or to eliminate an immediate hazard. The fire code official shall notify the serving utility and, where possible, the owner or the owner’s authorized agent and the occupant of the building, structure or service system of the decision to disconnect prior to taking such action. If not notified prior to disconnection, then the owner, the owner’s authorized agent or occupant of the building, structure or service system shall be notified in writing as soon as practical thereafter.

    SECTION 112—MEANS OF APPEALS

    [A] 112.1 General. In order to hear and decide appeals of orders, decisions or determinations made by the fire code official relative to the application and interpretation of this code, there shall be and is hereby created a board of appeals. The board of appeals shall be appointed by the applicable governing authority and shall hold office at its pleasure. The board shall adopt rules of procedure for conducting its business and shall render all decisions and findings in writing to the appellant with a duplicate copy to the fire code official.

    [A] 112.2 Limitations on authority. An application for appeal shall be based on a claim that the true intent of this code or the rules legally adopted thereunder have been incorrectly interpreted, the provisions of this code do not fully apply or an equivalent or better form of construction is proposed. The board shall not have authority to waive requirements of this code.

    [A] 112.3 Qualifications. The board of appeals shall consist of members who are qualified by experience and training on matters pertaining to the provisions of this code and are not employees of the jurisdiction.

  • CFC § 1-26 High 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

  • 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 § 108.6 High relevance — show source text

    [A] 108.6 Refunds. The applicable governing authority is authorized to establish a refund policy.

    SECTION 109—INSPECTIONS

    [A] 109.1 Inspection authority. The fire code official is authorized to enter and examine any building, structure, marine vessel, vehicle or premises in accordance with Section 104.4 for the purpose of enforcing this code.

    [A] 109.2 Inspections. The fire code official is authorized to conduct such inspections as are deemed necessary to determine the extent of compliance with the provisions of this code and to approve reports of inspection by approved agencies or individuals. Reports of such inspections shall be prepared and submitted in writing for review and approval. Inspection reports shall be certified by a responsible officer of such approved agency or by the responsible individual. The fire code official is authorized to engage such expert opinion as deemed necessary to report on unusual, detailed or complex technical issues subject to the approval of the governing body.

    [A] 109.2.1 Inspection requests. It shall be the duty of the holder of the permit or their duly authorized agent to notify the fire code official when work is ready for inspection. It shall be the duty of the permit holder to provide access to and means for inspections of such work that are required by this code.

    [A] 109.2.2 Approval required. Work shall not be done beyond the point indicated in each successive inspection without first obtaining the approval of the fire code official. The fire code official, on notification, shall make the requested inspections and shall either indicate the portion of the construction that is satisfactory as completed, or notify the permit holder or his or her agent wherein the same fails to comply with this code. Any portions that do not comply shall be corrected, and such portion shall not be covered or concealed until authorized by the fire code official.

    [A] 109.3 Concealed work. It shall be the duty of the permit applicant to cause the work to remain visible and able to be accessed for inspection purposes. Where any installation subject to inspection prior to use is covered or concealed without having first been inspected, the fire code official shall have the authority to require that such work be made visible and able to be accessed for inspection. Neither the fire code official nor the jurisdiction shall be liable for expense entailed in the removal or replacement of any material required to allow inspection.

    [A] 109.4 Approvals. Approval as the result of an inspection shall not be construed to be an approval of a violation of the provisions of this code or of other ordinances of the jurisdiction. Inspections presuming to give authority to violate or cancel provisions of this code or of other ordinances of the jurisdiction shall not be valid.

    SECTION 110—MAINTENANCE

    [A] 110.1 Maintenance of safeguards. Where any device, equipment, system, condition, arrangement, level of protection, or any other feature is required for compliance with the provisions of this code, or otherwise installed, such device, equipment, system, condition, arrangement, level of protection, or other feature shall thereafter be continuously maintained in accordance with this code and applicable referenced standards.

    [A] 110.2 Testing and operation. Equipment requiring periodic testing or operation to ensure maintenance shall be tested or operated as specified in this code.

    [A] 110.2.1 Reinspection and testing. Where any work or installation does not pass an initial test or inspection, the necessary corrections shall be made so as to achieve compliance with this code. The work or installation shall then be resubmitted to the fire code official for inspection and testing.

  • CFC § 904.2 High relevance — show source text

    (c) The owner or occupant shall promptly correct or repair deficiencies, damaged parts or impairments found while performing the inspection, test and maintenance requirements of this standard. Recalled products shall be replaced or remedied. Such replacement or remedial product shall be installed in accordance with the listing requirements, the manufacturer’s instructions and the appropri- ate NFPA installation standards. A recalled product is a product subject to a statute or administrative regulation specifically requiring the manufacturer, importer, distributor, wholesaler or retailer of a product, or any combination of such entities, to recall the product, or a product voluntarily recalled by a combination of such entities.

    [California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §904.2(d)] Testing and Maintenance Requirements.

    (d) The building or system owner shall ensure immediate correction of any deficiencies noted during the service. A tag or label shall be affixed to a system only after all deficiencies have been corrected. The owner or occupant shall promptly correct or repair deficien- cies, damaged parts or impairments found while performing the inspection, test and maintenance requirements of this standard. Recalled products shall be replaced or remedied. Such replacement or remedial product shall be installed in accordance with the list- ing requirements, the manufacturer’s instructions and the appropriate NFPA installation standards. A recalled product is a product subject to a statute or administrative regulation specifically requiring the manufacturer, importer, distributor, wholesaler or retailer of a product, or any combination of such entities, to recall the product, or a product voluntarily recalled by a combination of such entities.

    [California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §904.2(e)] Testing and Maintenance Requirements.

    (e) At the time of testing and maintenance, or at any time parts are replaced, an itemized invoice showing work performed and parts replaced shall be provided by the licensee to the system owner. If testing and maintenance is performed more than thirty (30) days prior to the next required testing and maintenance date, the invoice shall bear a statement indicating the system was tested and maintained early.

    [California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §904.2(f)] Testing and Maintenance Requirements.

    (f) The licensee shall offer to return all replaced parts to the system owner or owner’s representative, except those parts that are required to be returned to the manufacturer under conditions of warranty.

    901.7.1 Impairment coordinator. The building owner shall assign an impairment coordinator to comply with the requirements of this section. In the absence of a specific designee, the owner shall be considered to be the impairment coordinator.

    901.7.2 Tag required. A tag shall be used to indicate that a system, or portion thereof, has been removed from service.

    901.7.3 Placement of tag. The tag shall be posted at each fire department connection, system control valve, fire alarm control unit, fire alarm annunciator and fire command center, indicating which system, or part thereof, has been removed from service. The fire code official shall specify where the tag is to be placed.

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    FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS

  • CFC § 1-24 Medium relevance — show source text

    102 Applicability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24

    Part 2—Administration and Enforcement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24

    103 Code Compliance Agency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24

    104 Duties and Powers of Building Official. . . . . . . . . . . 1-25

    105 Permits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-27

    106 Floor and Roof Design Loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-29

    107 Construction Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-29

    108 Temporary Structures, Equipment and Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-31

    109 Fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-31

    110 Inspections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-31

    111 Certificate of Occupancy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-33

    112 Service Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-33

    113 Means of Appeals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-33

    114 Violations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-34

    115 Stop Work Order . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-34

    CHAPTER 2 DEFINITIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-1

    201 General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11

    202 Definitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11

    CHAPTER 3 OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION AND USE . . . . .3-1

    301 Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3

    302 Occupancy Classification and Use Designation . . . . 3-3

  • CFC § 1-22 Medium relevance — show source text

    PART 2—ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22

    103 Code Compliance Agency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22

    104 Duties and Powers of Code Official. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22

    105 Permits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-25

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

    107 Temporary Uses, Equipment and Systems. . . . . . . 1-28

    108 Fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-28

    109 Inspections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-28

    110 Certificate of Occupancy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-30

    111 Service Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-30

    112 Means of Appeals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-30

    113 Violations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-31

    114 Stop Work Order . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-31

    115 Unsafe Structures and Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-31

    116 Emergency Measures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-32

    117 Demolition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-32

    CHAPTER 2 DEFINITIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-3

    201 General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3

    202 General Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3

    CHAPTER 3 PROVISIONS FOR ALL COMPLIANCE

    METHODS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-3

    301 Administration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3

  • CFC § 1-12 Medium relevance — show source text

    1.9 Division of the State Architect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-12

    1.10 Department of Health Care Access and Information/Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-13

    1.11 Office of the State Fire Marshal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15

    1.12 State Librarian. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20

    1.13 Department of Water Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20

    1.14 California State Lands Commission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20

    DIVISION II – SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21

    PART 1—SCOPE AND APPLICATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21

    101 Scope and General Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21

    102 Applicability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22

    PART 2—ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22

    103 Code Compliance Agency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22

    104 Duties and Powers of Code Official. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22

    105 Permits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-25

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

    107 Temporary Uses, Equipment and Systems. . . . . . . 1-28

    108 Fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-28

    109 Inspections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-28

    110 Certificate of Occupancy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-30

    111 Service Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-30

    112 Means of Appeals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-30

  • CFC § 904.2 Medium relevance — show source text

    [California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §904(a)] Required Inspection, Testing and Maintenance Frequencies.

    (a) All automatic fire extinguishing systems, including systems installed as an alternate to other building requirements, shall be inspected, tested and maintained in accordance with the following frequencies. Local authorities may require more frequent inspec- tion, testing and maintenance and additional procedures.

    [California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §904(a)(1)] Required Inspection, Testing and Maintenance Frequencies.

    (1) Water-based fire protection systems shall be inspected, tested and maintained in accordance with the frequencies required by NFPA 25 (2011 edition) including Annexes A, B, C, D and G as amended by the State of California. (Published as NFPA 25, 2013 Califor- nia Edition.)

    [California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §904(b)] Required Inspection, Testing and Maintenance Frequencies.

    (b) When proof of the installation date of standpipe systems or automatic fire sprinkler systems cannot be furnished, such systems shall receive initial testing and maintenance by July 1, 1985.

    [California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §904.2(a)] Testing and Maintenance Requirements.

    (a) All testing and maintenance on automatic fire extinguishing systems in accordance with Health & Safety Code Section 13195 shall be performed by those licensed in accordance with Health and Safety Code Section 13196.5.

    Exceptions:

    (1) The State Fire Marshal may waive, in writing, licensing of fire departments which conduct fire sprinkler and standpipe system testing and maintenance.

    (2) Service on fire alarm systems and industrial systems as specified in Health and Safety Code Sections 13196.5(b) and (c) may be conducted without a license.

    (3) Testing and maintenance on automatic fire extinguishing systems exempted in writing by the State Fire Marshal, when the building owner or occupant has the staff and equipment to conduct testing and maintenance.

    9-8 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE

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

    FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS

    [California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §904.2(b)] Testing and Maintenance Requirements.

    (b) Any testing and maintenance of automatic fire extinguishing systems shall be performed in accordance with these requirements.

    Exceptions:

    (1) The State Fire Marshal may waive, in writing, the requirement that testing and maintenance be performed in accordance with these requirements when a licensee can demonstrate that a system cannot functionally be tested and maintained in accor- dance with the California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 5.

    (2) If at any time a licensee encounters a specialized or modified system which cannot be tested and maintained in accordance with California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 5, the licensee shall contact the State Fire Marshal and test and maintain the system as directed.

    (A) The intent of this section is to cover automatic fire extinguishing systems as originally designed, installed and approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction. It is not, however, intended to require that such systems be upgraded to current adopted standards.

    [California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §904.2(h)] Testing and Maintenance Requirements.

Frequently asked questions

Who must notify the fire department when work is ready for inspection?

The permit holder (or their authorized agent) must notify the fire code official when work is ready and must provide access for inspection per § 109.2.1.

How long must I keep inspection and service records?

Keep records of periodic inspections, tests, servicing and other operations and maintenance on the premises or approved location for not less than 3 years, unless a specific code section or referenced standard requires a different period (§ 110.3).

Can fire protection equipment be taken out of service?

Yes — but only as necessary during emergencies, maintenance, repairs, alterations, drills or prescribed testing, and systems must not be rendered inoperative otherwise (§ 110.5).

May the fire code official disconnect utilities?

Yes. The fire code official may authorize disconnection of utility service to eliminate an immediate hazard or to safely conduct emergency operations, and shall notify the serving utility and, where possible, the owner/occupant before doing so (or in writing afterward) (§ 111.1).

What happens if an installation fails inspection?

Deficiencies must be corrected and the installation resubmitted for inspection and testing; you may not proceed beyond an approved inspection stage until approval is given (§ 110.2.1, § 109.2.2).

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