CFC · California Fire Code

Violations, stop-work orders and means of appeal

If a fire inspector finds unsafe or code-contrary work, they can issue a written **notice of violation** and a written **stop work order** that requires work to stop immediately (except directed corrective work). Notices must be served (personal, mail or posting for abandoned sites), continued noncompliance can result in daily penalties and abatement actions, and a board of appeals exists to review code interpretations though it cannot waive Code requirements. See **§ 113**, **§ 114** and **§ 115** for specifics; full operative text of **§ 112** (appeals procedure) was not present in the provided CFC excerpts — consult the local implementing ordinance.

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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

What the code requires — plain English

  • The California Fire Code requires that violations of the Code be stopped and abated and authorizes the fire code official to serve notices of violation, pursue penalties and, when work is unsafe or contrary to the Code, to issue a written stop work order that requires immediate cessation of the cited work. See § 113.1–113.4 and § 114.1–114.4 for these powers.
  • The Code also provides for means of appeal by creating a board of appeals to review orders, decisions or determinations of the code official; however, the full operative text of § 112 was not present in the provided CFC excerpts (see note below).

If the fire code official issues a written stop work order, stop immediately — continuing work (except directed work to abate the violation) exposes you to separate daily penalties.

Requirements in detail

Who can act

  • Fire code official — authorized to serve notices of violation, pursue prosecution/abatement and issue stop work orders. See § 113.2, § 113.3 and § 114.1.

What the official can issue

  • Notice of violation / order — directs discontinuance and abatement. See § 113.2.
  • Stop work order — written order requiring immediate cessation of cited work; must state reason and conditions to resume. See § 114.2.
  • Unsafe-structure orders — notice to repair, demolish or vacate where the structure is a clear threat to life or safety. See § 115.1–115.4.

How notices and orders are served

  • Personal delivery, mail, delivery to responsible person on premises; posting and certified mail for unattended/abandoned locations. See § 113.3.1 and § 115.5.

Immediate effects and compliance

  • A valid stop work order causes the cited work to immediately cease; only work directed to remove the unsafe condition may continue. See § 114.2 and § 114.4.
  • A notice of violation must be complied with by the owner/agent/operator/occupant responsible for the condition. See § 113.3.2.

Penalties and abatement

  • Violations are subject to penalties as prescribed by law; each day a violation continues after due notice is a separate offense. The Code allows abatement actions in addition to penalties. See § 113.4 and § 113.4.1.

Appeals

  • The Code provides for a board of appeals to hear appeals of orders, decisions or determinations of the code official (the board’s scope and limitations are described in Means of Appeals provisions). The complete operative text for § 112 was not included in the Fire Code excerpts provided here; corresponding appeal language appears in other California codes (board creation, limits that the board cannot waive Code requirements). See the index and related codes for board rules.

Decision‑relevant summary table

Decision / question Relevant requirement / value Who is affected Code Reference
Is work required to stop immediately? Yes — upon issuance the cited work shall immediately cease (except work directed to remove the violation). Owner, owner’s agent, person performing the work § 114.2, § 114.4
Do you get written reasons? Yes — stop work order shall be in writing and state the reason and conditions to resume. Order recipient § 114.2
Can the official act in an emergency without writing? Yes — in emergencies no written notice is required prior to stopping work. Any worker/owner at the emergency site § 114.3
How are notices of violation served? Personal service, mail, delivery to responsible person; posting & certified mail for abandoned sites. Owner/occupant/agent § 113.3.1, § 115.5
Are penalties per day? Yes — each day that a violation continues after due notice is a separate offense; penalties are “as prescribed by law.” Violator § 113.4
Can the appeals board waive Code requirements? No — the board shall not have authority to waive Code requirements. (Note: full §112 text not in CFC excerpts.) Appellant/board § 112.2 (appeals text available in related code excerpts)

Exceptions & special cases

  • Emergencies: Where an emergency exists, the fire code official may stop work immediately without the written notice required in normal cases. See § 114.3.
  • Directed remediation: The person served a stop work order may continue only the work directed to remove the violation or unsafe condition; continuing other work is a violation subject to fines. See § 114.4.
  • Unattended/abandoned property: Notices may be posted on the premises and mailed by certified mail when the property is unattended. See § 113.3.1.
  • Unsafe structures: If a structure is a clear and inimical threat to life, the official can order immediate evacuation, repair or demolition and refer building repairs to the building official. See § 115.1–115.2.

Common mistakes

  • Treating a stop work order as optional — it is a written order requiring immediate cessation except for directed corrective work (mistake vs. § 114.2–114.4).
  • Failing to recognize that each day a violation continues is a separate offense, which can multiply penalties (§ 113.4).
  • Tampering with signs/tags/seals posted by the official — signs or seals may not be mutilated, destroyed or removed without authorization (see § 113.3.4).
  • Assuming the appeals board can waive Code provisions — § 112.2 (appeals limitations) forbids waiving Code requirements; full §112 text was not present in the CFC excerpts supplied here, so check the local implementing ordinance.

Worked example — concrete scenario

Scenario: A contractor performs un-permitted hot-work on a commercial roof. An inspector observes exposed combustibles and orders correction.

  1. The fire code official issues a notice of violation directing discontinuance and abatement under § 113.2; the notice is served personally to the contractor and mailed to the owner.
  2. The contractor ignores the notice and continues welding. The official issues a written stop work order that states the unsafe conditions and the steps required to resume work — the contractor must stop work immediately under § 114.2.
  3. The contractor nonetheless continues welding for three days. Per § 113.4, each of those three days is a separate offense subject to penalties as prescribed by law (the Code text leaves the specific penalty amount to applicable law/local ordinance). The official may also seek abatement or legal proceedings to restrain or correct the violation under § 113.3 / § 113.4.1.

Note: the CFC excerpts provided here do not specify the dollar amount or the exact statutory charge — those penalty specifics are “as prescribed by law” and are set by local ordinance or state statute; the Code text shown uses placeholders for offense/fine details in the excerpted section.

Related provisions (CFC / closely associated)

  • § 112.1–112.4 — Means of appeals; board of appeals creation, limits and administration. (Full operative §112 text was not present in the Fire Code excerpts supplied; related language appears in other California code excerpts.)
  • § 113.1–113.4 — Unlawful acts, notice of violation, prosecution and penalties.
  • § 113.3.1 — Methods of service (personal, mail, delivery, posting for abandoned premises).
  • § 114.1–114.4 — Stop work order authority, issuance, emergencies and failure to comply.
  • § 115.1–115.5 — Unsafe structures or equipment: determination, evacuation, record, notice and service.

Code references

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

  • CFC § 113.4 High relevance — show source text

    [A] 113.4 Violation penalties. Persons who shall violate a provision of this code or shall fail to comply with any of the requirements thereof or who shall erect, install, alter, repair or do work in violation of the approved construction documents or directive of the fire code official, or of a permit or certificate used under provisions of this code, shall be guilty of a [ SPECIFY OFFENSE ], punishable by a fine of not more than [ AMOUNT ] dollars or by imprisonment not exceeding [ NUMBER OF DAYS ], or both such fine and imprisonment. Each day that a violation continues after due notice has been served shall be deemed a separate offense.

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    DIVISION II—SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION

    [A] 113.4.1 Abatement of violation. In addition to the imposition of the penalties herein described, the fire code official is authorized to institute appropriate action to prevent unlawful construction or to restrain, correct or abate a violation; or to prevent illegal occupancy of a structure or premises; or to stop an illegal act, conduct of business or occupancy of a structure on or about any premises.

    SECTION 114—STOP WORK ORDER

    [A] 114.1 Authority. Where the fire code official finds any work regulated by this code being performed in a manner contrary to the provisions of this code, or in a dangerous or unsafe manner, the fire code official is authorized to issue a stop work order.

    [A] 114.2 Issuance. The stop work order shall be in writing and shall be given to the owner of the property, the owner’s authorized agent or the person performing the work. Upon issuance of a stop work order, the cited work shall immediately cease. The stop work order shall state the reason for the order and the conditions under which the cited work is authorized to resume.

    [A] 114.3 Emergencies. Where an emergency exists, the fire code official shall not be required to give a written notice prior to stopping the work.

    [A] 114.4 Failure to comply. Any person who shall continue any work after having been served with a stop work order, except such work as that person is directed to perform to remove a violation or unsafe condition, shall be subject to fines established by the authority having jurisdiction.

    SECTION 115—UNSAFE STRUCTURES OR EQUIPMENT

    [A] 115.1 General. If during the inspection of a premises, a structure, or any building system, in whole or in part, constitutes a clear and inimical threat to human life, safety or health, the fire code official shall issue such notice or orders to remove or remedy the conditions as shall be deemed necessary in accordance with this section, and shall refer the building to the building official for any repairs, alterations, remodeling, removing or demolition required.

    [A] 115.1.1 Unsafe conditions. Structures or existing equipment that are or hereafter become unsafe, insanitary or deficient because of inadequate means of egress, inadequate light and ventilation, or that constitute a fire hazard, are otherwise dangerous to human life or the public welfare, or involve illegal or improper occupancy or inadequate maintenance, shall be deemed an unsafe condition. Unsafe structures shall be taken down and removed or made safe, as the fire code official deems necessary and as provided for in this section. A vacant structure that is not secured against unauthorized entry shall be deemed unsafe.

  • CFC § 112.2 High relevance — show source text

    [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.

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    ADMINISTRATION

    [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.

    [A] 112.4 Administration. The code official shall take action without delay in accordance with the decision of the board.

    SECTION 113—VIOLATIONS

    [A] 113.1 Unlawful acts. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to repair, alter, extend, add, move, remove, demolish or change the occupancy of any building or equipment regulated by this code or cause same to be done in conflict with or in violation of any of the provisions of this code.

    [A] 113.2 Notice of violation. The code official is authorized to serve a notice of violation or order on the person responsible for the repair, alteration, extension, addition, moving, removal, demolition or change in the occupancy of a building in violation of the provisions of this code or in violation of a permit or certificate issued under the provisions of this code. Such order shall direct the discontinuance of the illegal action or condition and the abatement of the violation.

    [A] 113.3 Prosecution of violation. If the notice of violation is not complied with promptly, the code official is authorized to request the legal counsel of the jurisdiction to institute the appropriate proceeding at law or in equity to restrain, correct or abate such violation or to require the removal or termination of the unlawful occupancy of the building or structure in violation of the provisions of this code or of the order or direction made pursuant thereto.

    [A] 113.4 Violation penalties. Any person who violates a provision of this code or fails to comply with any of the requirements thereof or who repairs or alters or changes the occupancy of a building or structure in violation of the approved construction documents or directive of the code official or of a permit or certificate issued under the provisions of this code shall be subject to penalties as prescribed by law.

    SECTION 114—STOP WORK ORDER

    [A] 114.1 Authority. Where the code official finds any work regulated by this code being performed in a manner contrary to the provisions of this code or in a dangerous or unsafe manner, the code official is authorized to issue a stop work order.

    [A] 114.2 Issuance. The stop work order shall be in writing and shall be given to the owner of the property, the owner’s authorized agent or the person performing the work. Upon issuance of a stop work order, the cited work shall immediately cease. The stop work order shall state the reason for the order and the conditions under which the cited work is authorized to resume.

    [A] 114.3 Emergencies. Where an emergency exists, the code official shall not be required to give a written notice prior to stopping the work.

  • CFC § 114.3 High relevance — show source text

    [A] 114.3 Emergencies. Where an emergency exists, the fire code official shall not be required to give a written notice prior to stopping the work.

    [A] 114.4 Failure to comply. Any person who shall continue any work after having been served with a stop work order, except such work as that person is directed to perform to remove a violation or unsafe condition, shall be subject to fines established by the authority having jurisdiction.

    SECTION 115—UNSAFE STRUCTURES OR EQUIPMENT

    [A] 115.1 General. If during the inspection of a premises, a structure, or any building system, in whole or in part, constitutes a clear and inimical threat to human life, safety or health, the fire code official shall issue such notice or orders to remove or remedy the conditions as shall be deemed necessary in accordance with this section, and shall refer the building to the building official for any repairs, alterations, remodeling, removing or demolition required.

    [A] 115.1.1 Unsafe conditions. Structures or existing equipment that are or hereafter become unsafe, insanitary or deficient because of inadequate means of egress, inadequate light and ventilation, or that constitute a fire hazard, are otherwise dangerous to human life or the public welfare, or involve illegal or improper occupancy or inadequate maintenance, shall be deemed an unsafe condition. Unsafe structures shall be taken down and removed or made safe, as the fire code official deems necessary and as provided for in this section. A vacant structure that is not secured against unauthorized entry shall be deemed unsafe.

    [A] 115.1.2 Structural hazards. Where an apparent structural hazard is caused by the faulty installation, operation or malfunction of any of the items or devices governed by this code, the fire code official shall immediately notify the building code official in accordance with Section 115.1.

    [A] 115.2 Evacuation. The fire code official or the fire department official in charge of an incident shall be authorized to order the immediate evacuation of any occupied structure deemed unsafe where such structure has hazardous conditions that pose an imminent danger to structure occupants. Persons so notified shall immediately leave the structure or premises and shall not enter or reenter until authorized to do so by the fire code official or the fire department official in charge of the incident.

    [A] 115.3 Record. The fire code official shall cause a report to be filed on an unsafe condition. The report shall state the occupancy of the structure and the nature of the unsafe condition.

    [A] 115.4 Notice. If an unsafe condition is found, the fire code official shall serve on the owner of the structure or the owner’s authorized agent a written notice that describes the condition deemed unsafe and specifies the required repairs or improvements to be made to abate the unsafe condition, or requires the unsafe structure to be demolished within a stipulated time. Such notice shall require the person thus notified to declare immediately to the fire code official acceptance or rejection of the terms of the order.

    [A] 115.5 Method of service. Such notice shall be deemed properly served where a copy thereof is served in accordance with one of the following methods:

    1. A copy is delivered to the owner personally.
    2. A copy is sent by certified or registered mail addressed to the owner at the last known address with return receipt requested.
    3. A copy is delivered in any other manner as prescribed by local law.
  • 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 § 113.3 High relevance — show source text

    [A] 113.3 Prosecution of violation. If the notice of violation is not complied with promptly, the code official is authorized to request the legal counsel of the jurisdiction to institute the appropriate proceeding at law or in equity to restrain, correct or abate such violation or to require the removal or termination of the unlawful occupancy of the building or structure in violation of the provisions of this code or of the order or direction made pursuant thereto.

    [A] 113.4 Violation penalties. Any person who violates a provision of this code or fails to comply with any of the requirements thereof or who repairs or alters or changes the occupancy of a building or structure in violation of the approved construction documents or directive of the code official or of a permit or certificate issued under the provisions of this code shall be subject to penalties as prescribed by law.

    SECTION 114—STOP WORK ORDER

    [A] 114.1 Authority. Where the code official finds any work regulated by this code being performed in a manner contrary to the provisions of this code or in a dangerous or unsafe manner, the code official is authorized to issue a stop work order.

    [A] 114.2 Issuance. The stop work order shall be in writing and shall be given to the owner of the property, the owner’s authorized agent or the person performing the work. Upon issuance of a stop work order, the cited work shall immediately cease. The stop work order shall state the reason for the order and the conditions under which the cited work is authorized to resume.

    [A] 114.3 Emergencies. Where an emergency exists, the code official shall not be required to give a written notice prior to stopping the work.

    [A] 114.4 Failure to comply. Any person who shall continue any work after having been served with a stop work order, except such work as that person is directed to perform to remove a violation or unsafe condition, shall be subject to fines established by the authority having jurisdiction.

    SECTION 115—UNSAFE STRUCTURES AND EQUIPMENT

    [A] 115.1 Unsafe conditions. Structures or existing equipment that are or hereafter become unsafe, insanitary or deficient because of inadequate means of egress facilities, inadequate light and ventilation, or that constitute a fire hazard, or are otherwise dangerous to human life or the public welfare, or that involve illegal or improper occupancy or inadequate maintenance, shall be deemed an unsafe condition. Unsafe structures shall be taken down and removed or made safe as the code official deems necessary and as provided for in this code. A vacant structure that is not secured against unauthorized entry shall be deemed unsafe.

    [A] 115.2 Record. The code official shall cause a report to be filed on an unsafe condition. The report shall state the occupancy of the structure and the nature of the unsafe condition.

    [A] 115.3 Notice. If an unsafe condition is found, the code official shall serve on the owner of the structure or the owner’s authorized agent a written notice that describes the condition deemed unsafe and specifies the required repairs or improvements to be made to abate the unsafe condition, or that requires the unsafe building to be demolished within a stipulated time. Such notice shall require the person thus notified to declare immediately to the code official acceptance or rejection of the terms of the order.

  • CFC § 113.3.1 High relevance — show source text

    [A] 113.3.1 Service. A notice of violation issued pursuant to this code shall be served on the owner, the owner’s authorized agent, operator, occupant or other person responsible for the condition or violation, either by personal service, mail or by delivering the same to, and leaving it with, some person of responsibility on the premises. For unattended or abandoned locations, a copy of such notice of violation shall be posted on the premises in a conspicuous place at or near the entrance to such premises and the notice of violation shall be mailed by certified mail with return receipt requested or a certificate of mailing, to the last known address of the owner, the owner’s authorized agent, or occupant.

    [A] 113.3.2 Compliance with orders and notices. A notice of violation issued or served as provided by this code shall be complied with by the owner, the owner’s authorized agent, operator, occupant or other person responsible for the condition or violation to which the notice of violation pertains.

    [A] 113.3.3 Prosecution of violations. If the notice of violation is not complied with promptly, the fire code official is authorized to request the legal counsel of the jurisdiction to institute the appropriate legal proceedings at law or in equity to restrain, correct or abate such violation or to require removal or termination of the unlawful occupancy of the structure in violation of the provisions of this code or of the order or direction made pursuant hereto.

    [A] 113.3.4 Unauthorized tampering. Signs, tags or seals posted or affixed by the fire code official shall not be mutilated, destroyed or tampered with, or removed, without authorization from the fire code official.

    [A] 113.4 Violation penalties. Persons who shall violate a provision of this code or shall fail to comply with any of the requirements thereof or who shall erect, install, alter, repair or do work in violation of the approved construction documents or directive of the fire code official, or of a permit or certificate used under provisions of this code, shall be guilty of a [ SPECIFY OFFENSE ], punishable by a fine of not more than [ AMOUNT ] dollars or by imprisonment not exceeding [ NUMBER OF DAYS ], or both such fine and imprisonment. Each day that a violation continues after due notice has been served shall be deemed a separate offense.

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    DIVISION II—SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION

    [A] 113.4.1 Abatement of violation. In addition to the imposition of the penalties herein described, the fire code official is authorized to institute appropriate action to prevent unlawful construction or to restrain, correct or abate a violation; or to prevent illegal occupancy of a structure or premises; or to stop an illegal act, conduct of business or occupancy of a structure on or about any premises.

    SECTION 114—STOP WORK ORDER

    [A] 114.1 Authority. Where the fire code official finds any work regulated by this code being performed in a manner contrary to the provisions of this code, or in a dangerous or unsafe manner, the fire code official is authorized to issue a stop work order.

  • CFC § 112.1 High relevance — show source text

    The 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, the owner, the owner’s authorized agent or the 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 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 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.

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    ADMINISTRATION

    [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.

    [A] 112.4 Administration. The code official shall take action without delay in accordance with the decision of the board.

    SECTION 113—STOP WORK ORDER

    [A] 113.1 Authority. Where the code official finds any work regulated by this code being performed in a manner contrary to the provisions of this code or in a dangerous or unsafe manner, the code official is authorized to issue a stop work order.

    [A] 113.2 Issuance. The stop work order shall be in writing and shall be given to the owner of the property, the owner’s authorized agent or the person performing the work. Upon issuance of a stop work order, the cited work shall immediately cease. The stop work order shall state the reason for the order and the conditions under which the cited work is authorized to resume.

    [A] 113.3 Emergencies. Where an emergency exists, the code official shall not be required to give a written notice prior to stopping the work.

    [A] 113.4 Failure to comply. Any person who shall continue any work after having been served with a stop work order, except such work as that person is directed to perform to remove a violation or unsafe condition, shall be subject to fines established by the authority having jurisdiction.

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    CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE

    CHAPTER 2 – DEFINITIONS

  • CFC § 15-3 High relevance — show source text

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    CONSTRUCTION SAFEGUARDS

    section. The results of each inspection shall be documented and maintained on-site until a certificate of occupancy has been issued. Documentation shall be immediately available on-site for inspection and review.

    1. Any contractors entering the site to perform hot work each day have been instructed in the hot work safety requirements in the California Fire Code, and hot work is performed only in areas approved by the site safety director.

    2. Temporary heating equipment is maintained away from combustible materials in accordance with the equipment manufacturer’s instructions.

    3. Combustible debris, rubbish and waste material is removed from the building in areas where work is not being performed.

    4. Temporary wiring does not have exposed conductors.

    5. Flammable liquids and other hazardous materials are stored in locations that have been approved by the site safety director when not involved in work that is being performed.

    6. Fire apparatus access roads required by the California Fire Code are maintained clear of obstructions that reduce the width of the usable roadway to less than 20 feet (6096 mm).

    7. Fire hydrants are clearly visible from access roads and are not obstructed.

    8. The location of fire department connections to standpipe and in-service sprinkler systems are clearly identifiable from the access road and such connections are not obstructed.

    9. Standpipe systems are in service and continuous to the highest work floor, as specified in Section 1509.

    10. Portable fire extinguishers are available in locations required by Section 1507 and for roofing operations in accordance with the California Fire Code .

    11. Where a fire watch is required, fire watch records complying with the California Fire Code are up-to-date.

    [F] 1502.3.1 Violations. Failure to properly conduct, document and maintain documentation required by this section shall constitute an unlawful act in accordance with Section 113.1 and shall result in the issuance of a notice of violation to the site safety director in accordance with Section 113.2. Upon the third offense, the code official is authorized to issue a stop work order in accordance with Section 114, and work shall not resume until satisfactory assurances of future compliance have been presented to and approved by the code official.

    SECTION 1503—SANITARY

    [BG] 1503.1 Facilities required. Sanitary facilities shall be provided during construction or demolition activities in accordance with the California Plumbing Code .

    SECTION 1504—PROTECTION OF PEDESTRIANS

    [BS] 1504.1 Protection of pedestrians. Pedestrians shall be protected during construction and demolition activities as required by Sections 1504.1.1 through 1504.1.7 and Table 1504.1. Signs shall be provided to direct pedestrian traffic.

  • CFC § 1-33 Medium relevance — show source text

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    303 Assembly Group A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3

    304 Business Group B. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5

    305 Educational Group E . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5

    306 Factory Group F . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6

    307 High-Hazard Group H . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7

    308 Institutional Group I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-13

    309 Mercantile Group M. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-14

    310 Residential Group R. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-15

    311 Storage Group S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-17

    312 Utility and Miscellaneous Group U . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-18

    313 Laboratories Group L [SFM]. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-19

  • CFC § 1-25 Medium relevance — show source text

    2025 CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE 1-25

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

    DIVISION II SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION

    R112.3 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.

    R112.4 Administration. The building official shall take action without delay in accordance with the decision of the board.

    SECTION R113—VIOLATIONS

    R113.1 Unlawful acts. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to erect, construct, alter, extend, repair, move, remove, demolish or occupy any building, structure or equipment regulated by this code, or cause same to be done, in conflict with or in violation of any of the provisions of this code.

    R113.2 Notice of violation. The building official is authorized to serve a notice of violation or order on the person responsible for the erection, construction, alteration, extension, repair, moving, removal, demolition or occupancy of a building or structure in violation of the provisions of this code, or in violation of a detail statement or a plan approved thereunder, or in violation of a permit or certificate issued under the provisions of this code. Such order shall direct the discontinuance of the illegal action or condition and the abatement of the violation.

    R113.3 Prosecution of violation. If the notice of violation is not complied with in the time prescribed by such notice, the building official is authorized to request the legal counsel of the jurisdiction to institute the appropriate proceeding at law or in equity to restrain, correct or abate such violation, or to require the removal or termination of the unlawful occupancy of the building or structure in violation of the provisions of this code or of the order or direction made pursuant thereto.

    R113.4 Violation penalties. Any person who violates a provision of this code or fails to comply with any of the requirements thereof or who erects, constructs, alters or repairs a building or structure in violation of the approved construction documents or directive of the building official, or of a permit or certificate issued under the provisions of this code, shall be subject to penalties as prescribed by law.

    SECTION R114—STOP WORK ORDER

    R114.1 Authority. Where the building official finds any work regulated by this code being performed in a manner contrary to the provisions of this code or in a dangerous or unsafe manner, the building official is authorized to issue a stop work order.

    R114.2 Issuance. The stop work order shall be in writing and shall be given to the owner of the property, the owner’s authorized agent or the person performing the work. Upon issuance of a stop work order, the cited work shall immediately cease. The stop work order shall state the reason for the order and the conditions under which the cited work is authorized to resume.

    R114.3 Emergencies. Where an emergency exists, the building official shall not be required to give a written notice prior to stopping the work.

    R114.4 Failure to comply. Any person who shall continue any work after having been served with a stop work order, except such work as that person is directed to perform to remove a violation or unsafe condition, shall be subject to fines established by the authority having jurisdiction.

    1-26 2025 CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE

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

  • CFC § 114.2 Medium relevance — show source text

    [A] 114.2 Notice of violation. The building official is authorized to serve a notice of violation or order on the person responsible for the erection, construction, alteration, extension, repair, moving, removal, demolition or occupancy of a building or structure in violation of the provisions of this code, or in violation of a permit or certificate issued under the provisions of this code. Such order shall direct the discontinuance of the illegal action or condition and the abatement of the violation.

    [A] 114.3 Prosecution of violation. If the notice of violation is not complied with promptly, the building official is authorized to request the legal counsel of the jurisdiction to institute the appropriate proceeding at law or in equity to restrain, correct or abate such violation, or to require the removal or termination of the unlawful occupancy of the building or structure in violation of the provisions of this code or of the order or direction made pursuant thereto.

    [A] 114.4 Violation penalties. Any person who violates a provision of this code or fails to comply with any of the requirements thereof or who erects, constructs, alters or repairs a building or structure in violation of the approved construction documents or directive of the building official, or of a permit or certificate issued under the provisions of this code, shall be subject to penalties as prescribed by law.

    SECTION 115—STOP WORK ORDER

    [A] 115.1 Authority. Where the building official finds any work regulated by this code being performed in a manner contrary to the provisions of this code or in a dangerous or unsafe manner, the building official is authorized to issue a stop work order.

    [A] 115.2 Issuance. The stop work order shall be in writing and shall be given to the owner of the property, the owner’s authorized agent or the person performing the work. Upon issuance of a stop work order, the cited work shall immediately cease. The stop work order shall state the reason for the order and the conditions under which the cited work is authorized to resume.

    [A] 115.3 Emergencies. Where an emergency exists, the building official shall not be required to give a written notice prior to stopping the work.

    [A] 115.4 Failure to comply. Any person who shall continue any work after having been served with a stop work order, except such work as that person is directed to perform to remove a violation or unsafe condition, shall be subject to fines established by the authority having jurisdiction.

    SECTION 116—UNSAFE STRUCTURES AND EQUIPMENT

    [A] 116.1 Unsafe conditions. Structures or existing equipment that are or hereafter become unsafe, insanitary or deficient because of inadequate means of egress facilities, inadequate light and ventilation, or that constitute a fire hazard, or are otherwise dangerous to human life or the public welfare, or that involve illegal or improper occupancy or inadequate maintenance, shall be deemed an unsafe condition. Unsafe structures shall be taken down and removed or made safe, as the building official deems necessary and as provided for in this section. A vacant structure that is not secured against unauthorized entry shall be deemed unsafe.

    [A] 116.2 Record. The building official shall cause a report to be filed on an unsafe condition. The report shall state the occupancy of the structure and the nature of the unsafe condition.

  • CFC § 1-26 Medium relevance — show source text

    108 Fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-26

    109 Inspections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-27

    110 Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-27

    111 Service Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-28

    112 Means of Appeals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-28 113 Violations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-28

    114 Stop Work Order . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-29 115 Unsafe Structures or Equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-29

    CHAPTER 2 DEFINITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5

    201 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-5

    202 General Definitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-5

    203 Occupancy Classification and Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-40

    CHAPTER 3 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3

    301 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-3

    302 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4

    303 Asphalt Kettles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4 304 Combustible Waste Material . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4

Frequently asked questions

Who may issue a stop work order?

The fire code official is authorized to issue stop work orders for work that is contrary to the Code or is dangerous; see § 114.1–114.2.

Must a stop work order be written?

Yes — the stop work order shall be in writing, state the reason, and state the conditions to resume. In emergency situations the official need not give written notice before stopping work. See § 114.2–114.3.

What happens if I continue working after a stop work order?

Continuing work (other than directed work to remove the violation) after a stop work order subjects the person to fines established by the authority having jurisdiction; each day continued may be a separate offense under § 114.4 and § 113.4.

How are notices of violation served on vacant or abandoned properties?

For unattended or abandoned locations, a copy of the notice may be posted on the premises and mailed by certified mail with return receipt requested (or certificate of mailing) to the last known address. See § 113.3.1.

Can the appeals board waive the CFC’s requirements?

No — an appeals board does not have authority to waive Code requirements; appeals must be based on interpretation, applicability, or an equivalent method. The full text of § 112 was not included in the CFC excerpts provided here; consult the local Code/ordinance for board procedures.

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