CFC · California Fire Code
What is the scope of the California Fire Code?
The California Fire Code regulates fire/explosion hazards, life‑safety conditions, fire protection systems and firefighter safety. Its **construction and design** rules mainly apply to work and conditions that arise after the Code’s adoption (and to certain existing conditions identified in Chapter 11 or by the fire code official), while its **administrative, operational and maintenance** rules apply broadly to both new and existing situations; appendices apply only if adopted locally.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — plain English (2–4 sentences)
The California Fire Code establishes minimum regulations to address the hazard of fire and explosion, conditions hazardous to life or property, fire protection systems, and firefighter safety. The basic scope is set out in § 101.2 (what the Code covers) and the limits on when different parts apply are in § 102.1–§ 102.3.
The CFC governs fire/explosion hazards, life-safety conditions, fire protection systems, and responder safety; construction rules mainly govern new or post‑adoption work while administrative/maintenance rules apply broadly.
Requirements in detail
Core scope
- What the Code regulates: hazards from storage/handling/use of structures, materials or devices; conditions hazardous to life, property or public welfare; fire hazards caused by occupancy or operation; construction/repair/alteration/removal of fire protection systems; and conditions affecting firefighter and emergency responder safety (§ 101.2).
- Purpose: establish minimum requirements for a reasonable level of life-safety and property protection and reasonable safety for firefighters during emergencies (§ 101.3).
- Appendices: not binding unless an authority specifically adopts them (§ 101.2.1).
Which parts of the Code apply — high‑level rule
- Construction and design provisions (the technical building/installation rules) apply to:
- structures/facilities/conditions arising after adoption of the Code;
- existing conditions not legally in existence at adoption;
- existing conditions where Chapter 11 requires it; and
- existing conditions the fire code official deems a distinct hazard (§ 102.1).
- Administrative, operational and maintenance provisions (permits, inspections, maintenance, operational rules) apply to both conditions/operations arising after adoption and existing conditions (§ 102.2).
- Change of occupancy: you may not change occupancy unless the new occupancy complies with the CFC and the California Existing Building Code — exception only if the fire code official approves because the new use is less hazardous (§ 102.3).
Decision matrix (quick reference)
| Decision question | Key values / triggers | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Does the Code address a given hazard (fire, explosion, firefighter safety)? | Yes — hazards from structures, materials, devices, occupancies and fire protection systems | § 101.2 |
| Are appendices automatically enforceable? | No — only if adopted | § 101.2.1 |
| When do construction & design provisions apply? | New work after adoption; some existing work per Chapter 11; existing work deemed a distinct hazard | § 102.1 (1–4) |
| When do administrative/operation/maintenance provisions apply? | Both to conditions/operations arising after adoption and to existing conditions | § 102.2 (1–2) |
| Can you change occupancy without meeting the Code? | Only if the fire code official approves because the new occupancy is less hazardous | § 102.3 (Exception) |
Exceptions & special cases
- Appendices are informational unless a jurisdiction expressly adopts them (§ 101.2.1). Do not assume appendix text applies by default.
- Change of occupancy exception: a local approval may allow a change without meeting CFC/Ca Existing Building Code only when the new use is demonstrably less hazardous and the fire code official approves (§ 102.3 — Exception).
- Fire code official discretion: the official may require construction/design compliance for pre‑existing conditions that constitute a distinct hazard to life or property (§ 102.1.4). This is a common enforcement lever.
- The Code text also notes state rules (CCR Title 19) are reprinted for convenience; those state provisions retain their original scope and precedence — check the jurisdiction’s adoption language when state agency rules apply.
Common mistakes
- Treating the CFC as applying only to new construction. Wrong — administrative, operational and maintenance provisions apply to existing conditions too (§ 102.2).
- Assuming appendices are enforceable without local adoption. Appendices are optional (§ 101.2.1).
- Believing a change of use can automatically proceed because the building is older. A change of occupancy must comply with the CFC and the California Existing Building Code unless the fire code official approves an exception for lower hazard (§ 102.3).
- Overlooking the fire code official’s authority to treat existing conditions as hazards — this can trigger construction requirements even for older buildings (§ 102.1.4).
Worked example — converting an existing warehouse to a light‑manufacturing use
Scenario: An owner wants to convert an existing warehouse (built before the current Code adoption) to a small light‑manufacturing use and submits plans after the Code was adopted.
Step 1 — Determine which provisions apply:
- Administrative/maintenance provisions (permits, inspections) apply to this conversion because § 102.2 covers conditions and operations arising after adoption and existing conditions.
- Construction & design provisions apply if the work is a condition arising after adoption (the permit work itself), if Chapter 11 of the CFC requires compliance for this type of existing building work, or if the fire code official decides the existing condition is a distinct hazard (§ 102.1 (1–4)).
Step 2 — Practical interpretation:
- Expect to meet administrative requirements (permits, plan submittal, inspections) as a baseline (§ 102.2).
- Expect plan review for the proposed light‑manufacturing operations. If Chapter 11 calls out upgrades for existing buildings undergoing a change of use, those upgrades will be required; otherwise the fire code official can require corrective work if the conversion creates a distinct hazard (§ 102.1.3–4; § 102.3).
Result: The owner must budget for administrative compliance and likely some construction/retrofit items; if they can show the new use is less hazardous, they can request the § 102.3 exception but must obtain the fire code official’s approval.
Related provisions (select)
- § 101.1 — Title of the code (identifies this document as the Fire Code).
- § 101.2 — Scope (what the Code regulates).
- § 101.2.1 — Appendices (apply only if adopted).
- § 101.3 — Purpose (minimum requirements for life safety and firefighter safety).
- § 101.4 — Severability (invalidity of part does not invalidate remainder).
- § 102.1 — Construction and design provisions — when they apply.
- § 102.2 — Administrative/operational/maintenance provisions — when they apply.
- § 102.3 — Change of use or occupancy — compliance requirement and exception.
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Fire Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CFC § 1-11 High relevance — show source text
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DIVISION II SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION
User notes:
About this chapter: Chapter 1 establishes the limits of applicability of the code and describes how the code is to be applied and enforced. Chapter 1 is in two parts: Part 1—General Provisions (Sections 101–102) and Part 2—Administrative Provisions (Sections 103–115). Section 102 identifies which buildings and structures come under its purview and references other I-Codes as applicable.
This code is intended to be adopted as a legally enforceable document, and it cannot be effective without adequate provisions for its administration and enforcement. The provisions of Chapter 1 establish the authority and duties of the code official appointed by the authority having jurisdiction and also establish the rights and privileges of the design professional, contractor and property owner.
ICC code development note: Code change proposals to this chapter will be considered by the Administrative Code Development Committee during the 2025 (Group B) Code Development Cycle.
Section 104 was revised for the 2024 edition. For clarity, the relocation marginal markings have not been included. For complete information, see the Relocations table in the Preface of this code.
PART 1—GENERAL PROVISIONS
SECTION 101—SCOPE AND GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
Note: Sections adopted or amended by state agencies are specifically indicated by an agency banner or indicated in the Matrix Adoption Table.
[A] 101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the Fire Code of [ NAME OF JURISDICTION ], hereinafter referred to as “this code.”
[A] 101.2 Scope. This code establishes regulations affecting or relating to structures, processes, premises and safeguards regarding all of the following:
- The hazard of fire and explosion arising from the storage, handling or use of structures, materials or devices.
- Conditions hazardous to life, property or public welfare in the occupancy of structures or premises.
- Fire hazards in the structure or on the premises from occupancy or operation.
- Matters related to the construction, extension, repair, alteration or removal of fire protection systems.
- Conditions affecting the safety of firefighters and emergency responders during emergency operations.
[A] 101.2.1 Appendices. Provisions in the appendices shall not apply unless specifically adopted.
[A] 101.3 Purpose. The purpose of this code is to establish the minimum requirements for providing a reasonable level of life safety and property protection from the hazards of fire, explosion or dangerous conditions in new and existing buildings, structures and premises, and to provide a reasonable level of safety to firefighters and emergency responders during emergency operations.
[A] 101.4 Severability. If a section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of this code is, for any reason, held to be unconstitutional, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this code.
CFC § 101.1 High relevance — show source text
PART 1—GENERAL PROVISIONS
SECTION 101—SCOPE AND GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
Note: Sections adopted or amended by state agencies are specifically indicated by an agency banner or indicated in the Matrix Adoption Table.
[A] 101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the Fire Code of [ NAME OF JURISDICTION ], hereinafter referred to as “this code.”
[A] 101.2 Scope. This code establishes regulations affecting or relating to structures, processes, premises and safeguards regarding all of the following:
- The hazard of fire and explosion arising from the storage, handling or use of structures, materials or devices.
- Conditions hazardous to life, property or public welfare in the occupancy of structures or premises.
- Fire hazards in the structure or on the premises from occupancy or operation.
- Matters related to the construction, extension, repair, alteration or removal of fire protection systems.
- Conditions affecting the safety of firefighters and emergency responders during emergency operations.
[A] 101.2.1 Appendices. Provisions in the appendices shall not apply unless specifically adopted.
[A] 101.3 Purpose. The purpose of this code is to establish the minimum requirements for providing a reasonable level of life safety and property protection from the hazards of fire, explosion or dangerous conditions in new and existing buildings, structures and premises, and to provide a reasonable level of safety to firefighters and emergency responders during emergency operations.
[A] 101.4 Severability. If a section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of this code is, for any reason, held to be unconstitutional, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this code.
[A] 101.5 Validity. In the event any part or provision of this code is held to be illegal or void, this shall not have the effect of making void or illegal any of the other parts or provisions hereof, which are determined to be legal; and it shall be presumed that this code would have been adopted without such illegal or invalid parts or provisions.
SECTION 102—APPLICABILITY
[A] 102.1 Construction and design provisions. The construction and design provisions of this code shall apply to:
- Structures, facilities and conditions arising after the adoption of this code.
- Existing structures, facilities and conditions not legally in existence at the time of adoption of this code.
- Existing structures, facilities and conditions where required in Chapter 11.
- Existing structures, facilities and conditions that, in the opinion of the fire code official, constitute a distinct hazard to life or property.
[A] 102.2 Administrative, operational and maintenance provisions. The administrative, operational and maintenance provisions of this code shall apply to:
- Conditions and operations arising after the adoption of this code.
- Existing conditions and operations.
[A] 102.3 Change of use or occupancy. A change of occupancy shall not be made unless the use or occupancy is made to comply with the requirements of this code and the California Existing Building Code .
Exception: Where approved by the fire code official, a change of occupancy shall be permitted without complying with the requirements of this code and the California Existing Building Code, provided that the new or proposed use or occupancy is less hazardous, based on life and fire risk, than the existing use or occupancy.
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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 § 1.09.1 High relevance — show source text
_ (e) California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1 regulations shall also govern the construction, use and maintenance of every building of any type of construction or occupancy having floors used for human occupancy located more than 75 feet above the lowest floor level having building access. For the purpose of this subsection, “building access” shall mean an exterior door opening conforming to all of the following: (1) Suitable and available for fire department use. (2) Located not more than 2 feet above the adjacent ground level. (3) Leading to a space, room or area having foot traffic communication capabilities with the remainder of the building. (4) Designed to permit penetration through the use of fire department forcible entry tools and equipment unless other approved arrangements have been made with the fire authority having jurisdiction. (f) California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1 regulations shall also apply to vehicles, ships and boats or other mobile structures when fixed in a specific location and used for any occupancy within the scope of this section.
Note: Unless otherwise specified, Title 19 applies to all building occupancies, and related features and equipment throughout the
state.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §1.09.1] Order of Precedence.
In the event of any differences between California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1 regulations and the standard reference docu- ments or standard fire prevention practices, the text of California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1 regulations shall govern. Where a specific provision varies from a general provision, the specific provision shall apply.
1.11.11 Adopting agency identification. The provisions of this code applicable to buildings identified in Section 1.11 will be identified in the Matrix Adoption Tables under the acronym SFM.
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DIVISION II SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION
User notes:
About this chapter: Chapter 1 establishes the limits of applicability of the code and describes how the code is to be applied and enforced. Chapter 1 is in two parts: Part 1—General Provisions (Sections 101–102) and Part 2—Administrative Provisions (Sections 103–115). Section 102 identifies which buildings and structures come under its purview and references other I-Codes as applicable.
This code is intended to be adopted as a legally enforceable document, and it cannot be effective without adequate provisions for its administration and enforcement. The provisions of Chapter 1 establish the authority and duties of the code official appointed by the authority having jurisdiction and also establish the rights and privileges of the design professional, contractor and property owner.
ICC code development note: Code change proposals to this chapter will be considered by the Administrative Code Development Committee during the 2025 (Group B) Code Development Cycle.
Section 104 was revised for the 2024 edition. For clarity, the relocation marginal markings have not been included. For complete information, see the Relocations table in the Preface of this code.
PART 1—GENERAL PROVISIONS
SECTION 101—SCOPE AND GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
CFC § 102.4 High relevance — show source text
ADMINISTRATION
DIVISION II SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION
User notes:
About this chapter: Chapter 1 establishes the limits of applicability of the code and describes how the code is to be applied and enforced. Chapter 1 is in two parts: Part 1—Scope and Application (Sections 101–102) and Part 2—Administration and Enforcement (Sections 103–116). Section 101 identifies which buildings and structures come under its purview and references other ICodes as applicable. Standards and codes are scoped to the extent referenced (see Section 102.4).
This code is intended to be adopted as a legally enforceable document and it cannot be effective without adequate provisions for its administration and enforcement. The provisions of Chapter 1 establish the authority and duties of the code official appointed by the authority having jurisdiction and also establish the rights and privileges of the design professional, contractor and property owner. Chapter 1 is largely concerned with maintaining “due process of law” in enforcing the building performance criteria contained in the body of the code.
ICC code development note: Code change proposals to this chapter will be considered by the Administrative Code Development Committee during the 2025 (Group B) Code Development Cycle.
Section 104 was revised for the 2024 edition. For complete information, see the Relocations table in the Preface of this code.
Note: Sections adopted or amended by state agencies are specifically indicated by an agency banner.
PART 1—SCOPE AND APPLICATION
SECTION 101—SCOPE AND GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
[A] 101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the Building Code of [ NAME OF JURISDICTION ], hereinafter referred to as “this code.”
[A] 101.2 Scope. The provisions of this code shall apply to the construction, alteration, relocation, enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, maintenance, removal and demolition of every building or structure or any appurtenances connected or attached to such buildings or structures.
Exception: Detached one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses not more than three stories above grade plane in height with a separate means of egress, and their accessory structures not more than three stories above grade plane in height, shall comply with this code or the California Residential Code .
[A] 101.2.1 Appendices. Provisions in the appendices shall not apply unless specifically adopted.
[A] 101.3 Purpose. The purpose of this code is to establish the minimum requirements to provide a reasonable level of safety, health and general welfare through structural strength, means of egress, stability, sanitation, light and ventilation, energy conservation, and for providing a reasonable level of life safety and property protection from the hazards of fire, explosion or dangerous conditions, and to provide a reasonable level of safety to firefighters and emergency responders during emergency operations.
[A] 101.4 Referenced codes. The other codes specified in Sections 101.4.1 through 101.4.7 and referenced elsewhere in this code shall be considered to be part of the requirements of this code to the prescribed extent of each such reference.
CFC § 1.5 Medium relevance — show source text
[California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Division 1.5, §1270.08] Distance Measurements.
All specified or referenced distances are measured along the ground unless otherwise stated.
1.12.2 Agency identification. The provisions of this code applicable to wildland-urban interface areas identified in Section 1.12 are identified in the body of the code by square brackets containing references to applicable Title 14 sections and in the Cross Reference Table located in Appendix H, Section H107.
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DIVISION II
SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION
User notes:
About this chapter: Chapter 1 establishes the limits of applicability of the code and describes how the code is to be applied and enforced. Chapter 1 is in two parts: Part 1–General Provisions (Sections 101–102) and Part 2—Administration and Enforcement (Sections 103–113). Section 101 identifies which buildings and structures come under its purview and references other California Codes as applicable.
This code is intended to be adopted as a legally enforceable document and it cannot be effective without adequate provisions for its administration and enforcement. The provisions of Chapter 1 establish the authority and duties of the code official appointed by the authority having jurisdiction and also establish the rights and privileges of the design professional, contractor and property owner.
Note: Sections adopted or amended by state agencies are specifically indicated by an agency banner or indicated in the Matrix Adoption Table.
PART 1—GENERAL PROVISIONS
SECTION 101—SCOPE AND GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
[A] 101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code of [ NAME OF JURISDICTION ], hereinafter referred to as “this code.”
[A] 101.2 Scope. This code applies to building materials, systems and/or assemblies used in the exterior design and construction of new buildings located within a wildland-urban interface (WUI) area and contains minimum requirements to mitigate conditions that might cause a fire originating in a structure to ignite vegetation in the wildland-urban interface (WUI) area, and conversely, a wildfire burning in vegetative fuels to transmit fire to buildings and threaten to destroy life, overwhelm fire suppression capabilities or result in large property losses.
[A] 101.2.1 Appendices. Provisions in the appendices shall not apply unless specifically adopted.
[A] 101.3 Purpose. The purpose of this code is to establish minimum regulations for the safeguarding of life and for property protection. Regulations in this code are intended to mitigate the risk to life and structures from intrusion of fire from wildland fire exposures and fire exposures from adjacent structures and to mitigate structure fires from spreading to wildland fuels. The extent of this regulation is intended to be tiered commensurate with the relative level of hazard present.
The unrestricted use of property in wildland-urban interface areas is a potential threat to life and property from fire and resulting erosion. Safeguards to prevent the occurrence of fires and to provide adequate fire protection facilities to control the spread of fire in wildland-urban interface areas shall be in accordance with this code.
CFC § 6.6.1.4 Medium relevance — show source text
6.6.1.4 The number of fire appurtenances between sectional control valves is allowed to be modified by the authority having jurisdiction.
Revise Section 10.4.3.1.1 as follows:
10.4.3.1.1 Pipe joints shall not be located under foundation footings. The pipe under the building or building foundation shall not contain mechanical joints.
Exceptions:
1. Where allowed in accordance with 10.4.3.2.
2. Alternate designs may be utilized where designed by a registered professional engineer and approved by the enforcing agency.
Revise Section 10.9.1 as follows:
10.9.1 Backfill shall be well tamped in layers or puddle under and around pipes to prevent settlement or lateral movement. Backfill shall consist of clean fill sand or pea gravel to a minimum 6″ below and to a minimum of 12″ above the pipe and shall contain no ashes, cinders, refuse, organic matter or other corrosive materials. Other backfill materials and methods are permitted where designed by a registered professional engineer and approved by the enforcing agency.
25—13CA: California NFPA 25 Edition (Based on the 2011 Edition) Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Water-based Fire Protection Systems Chapter 31F, 3108F
30—24: Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code
607.1, 5001.1, 5701.2, 5703.6.2, 5703.6.2.1, 5704.2.7, 5704.2.7.1, 5704.2.7.2, 5704.2.7.3.2, 5704.2.7.4, 5704.2.7.6, 5704.2.7.7, 5704.2.7.8, 5704.2.7.9, 5704.2.9.3, 5704.2.9.4, 5704.2.9.6.1.1, 5704.2.9.6.1.2, 5704.2.9.6.1.3, 5704.2.9.6.1.4, 5704.2.9.6.1.5, 5704.2.9.6.2, 5704.2.9.7.3, 5704.2.10.2, 5704.2.11.3, 5704.2.11.4.2, 5704.2.12.1, 5704.3.1, 5704.3.6, Table 5704.3.6.3(1), Table 5704.3.6.3(2), Table 5704.3.6.3(3), 5704.3.7.2.3, 5704.3.8.4, 5706.8.3
30A—24: Code for Motor Fuel Dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages
2301.4, 2301.5, 2301.6, 2306.6.3, 2310.1
CFC § 907.6.5 Medium relevance — show source text
5. Upon approval by the fire code official in buildings which are sprinklered throughout, specific notification zoning shall be permitted where the activated initiating device or fire extinguishing system is separated from any nonactive notifi- cation zones by a minimum of 300-foot horizontal distance. The system shall have the capability to activate all other notification zones by automatic and manual means. 6. Where a Group H or L occupancy is located above the 10th story, each side of the 2-hour fire-smoke barrier shall be considered a separate zone.
907.6.5 Access. Access shall be provided to each fire alarm device and notification appliance for periodic inspection, maintenance and testing.
907.6.6 Monitoring. Fire alarm systems required by this chapter or by the California Building Code shall be monitored by an approved supervising station in accordance with NFPA 72 and this section.
Exception: Monitoring by a supervising station is not required for:
- Single- and multiple-station smoke alarms required by Section 907.2.11.
- Smoke detectors in Group I-3 occupancies shall be monitored in accordance with Section 907.2.6.3.
- Automatic sprinkler systems in one- and two-family dwellings.
907.6.6.1 Transmission of alarm signals. Transmission of alarm signals to a supervising station shall be in accordance with NFPA 72.
907.6.6.2 MIY monitoring. Direct transmission of alarms associated with monitor it yourself (MIY) transmitters to a public safety answering point (PSAP) shall not be permitted unless approved by the fire code official.
907.6.6.3 Termination of monitoring service. Termination of fire alarm monitoring services shall be in accordance with Section 901.9.
907.6.6.4 Group E schools. Automatic fire alarm systems shall be monitored and shall transmit the alarm, supervisory and trou- ble signals to an approved supervising station in accordance with NFPA 72. The supervising station shall be listed as either UUFX (Central Station) or UUJS (remote & proprietary) by the Underwriters Laboratory Inc. (UL) or other approved listing and testing laboratory or shall comply with the requirements of FM 3011. Termination of monitoring services shall be in accordance with Section 907.6.6.3.
907.7 Acceptance tests and completion. Upon completion of the installation, the fire alarm system and all fire alarm components shall be tested in accordance with NFPA 72.
907.7.1 Single- and multiple-station alarm devices. When the installation of the alarm devices is complete, each device and interconnecting wiring for multiple-station alarm devices shall be tested in accordance with the smoke alarm provisions of NFPA 72.
907.7.2 Record of completion. A record of completion in accordance with NFPA 72 verifying that the system has been installed and tested in accordance with the approved plans and specifications shall be provided.
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FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS
907.7.3 Instructions. Operating, testing and maintenance instructions and record drawings (“as builts”) and equipment specifications shall be provided at an approved location.
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 § 1.11.4.6 Medium relevance — show source text
1.11.4.6 Requests of the Office of the State Fire Marshal. Whenever a local authority having jurisdiction requests that the State Fire Marshal perform plan review and/or inspection services related to a building permit, the applicable fees for such shall be payable to the Office of the State Fire Marshal.
1.11.5 Inspections. Work performed subject to the provisions of this code shall comply with the inspection requirements of Sections 109.1, 109.3, 109.3.4, 109.3.5, 109.3.6, 109.3.7, 109.3.8, 109.3.9, 109.5 and 109.6 as adopted by the Office of the State Fire Marshal.
1.11.5.1 Existing Group I-1 or R occupancies. Licensed 24-hour care in a Group I-1 or R occupancy in existence and originally classified under previously adopted state codes shall be reinspected under the appropriate previous code, provided there is no change in the use or character which would place the facility in a different occupancy group.
1.11.6 Certificate of Occupancy. A Certificate of Occupancy shall be issued as specified in Title 24, Part 2, California Building Code, Section 111.
Exception: Certificates of occupancy are not required for work exempt from permits in accordance with Section 105.2 of the California Building Code.
1.11.7 Temporary structures and uses. See Section 107.
1.11.8 Service utilities. See Section 111.
1.11.9 Stop work order. See Section 114.
1.11.10 Unsafe buildings, structures and equipment. See Section 115.
1.11.11 Adopting agency identification. The provisions of this code applicable to buildings identified in this Section 1.11 will be identified in the Matrix Adoption Tables under the acronym SFM.
SECTION 1.12—STATE LIBRARIAN
RESERVED
SECTION 1.13—DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES
RESERVED
SECTION 1.14—CALIFORNIA STATE LANDS COMMISSION
RESERVED
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DIVISION II SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION
Note: Sections adopted or amended by state agencies are specifically indicated by an agency banner.
Division II is not adopted by the Department of Housing and Community Development except where specifically indicated.
User notes:
About this chapter: Chapter 1 establishes the limits of applicability of the code and describes how the code is to be applied and enforced. Chapter 1 is in two parts: Part 1—Scope and Administration (Sections 101–102) and Part 2—Administration and Enforcement (Sections 103–117). Section 101 identifies which buildings and structures come under its purview and references other I-Codes as applicable.
CFC § 1.11. Medium relevance — show source text
- The California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 19, Division 1 provisions that are found in the California Fire Code are a reprint from the current CCR, Title 19, Division 1 text for the code user’s convenience only. The scope, applicability and appeals procedures of CCR, Title 19, Division I remain the same. The state agency does not adopt sections identified by the following symbol: The Office of the State Fire Marshal’s adoption of this chapter or individual sections is applicable to structures regulated by other state agencies pursuant to Section 1.11.
2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE 7-1
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7 FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
User notes:
About this chapter: Chapter 7 provides requirements to maintain the fire-resistance ratings of building elements and to limit fire spread. Section 701 addresses the maintenance of and owner’s responsibility for construction elements such as fire barriers and smoke barriers. The rest of the chapter deals with various aspects that also must be maintained to achieve overall fire resistance of the main fire- and smoke-resistive features. These include penetrations, joint protection, door and window openings, and duct and air transfer opening protection.
SECTION 701—GENERAL
701.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall govern the inspection and maintenance of the materials, systems and assemblies used for structural fire resistance, fire-resistance-rated construction separation of adjacent spaces and construction installed to resist the passage of smoke to safeguard against the spread of fire and smoke within a building and the spread of fire to or from buildings. New buildings shall comply with the California Building Code.
701.2 Fire-resistance-rated construction. The fire-resistance rating of the following fire-resistance-rated construction shall be maintained:
Structural members.
Exterior walls.
Fire walls, fire barriers, fire partitions.
Horizontal assemblies.
Shaft enclosures.
701.2.1 Hanging displays. The hanging and displaying of salable goods and other decorative materials from acoustical ceiling systems that are part of a fire-resistance-rated horizontal assembly shall be prohibited.
701.3 Smoke barriers. The fire-resistance rating and smoke-resistant characteristics of smoke barriers shall be maintained.
701.4 Smoke partitions. The smoke-resistant characteristics of smoke partitions shall be maintained.
701.5 Maintaining protection. Materials, systems and devices used to repair or protect breaches and openings in fire-resistance-rated construction and construction installed to resist the passage of smoke shall be maintained in accordance with Sections 703 through 707.
701.6 Owner’s responsibility. The owner shall maintain an inventory of all required fire-resistance-rated construction, construction installed to resist the passage of smoke and the construction included in Sections 703 through 707 and Sections 602.4.1 and 602.4.2 of the California Building Code . Such construction shall be visually inspected by the owner annually and properly repaired, restored or replaced where damaged, altered, breached or penetrated. Where concealed, such elements shall not be required to be visually inspected by the owner unless the concealed space is accessible by the removal or movement of a panel, access door, ceiling tile or similar movable entry to the space.
CFC § 904.2 Medium 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
Frequently asked questions
Who decides whether an existing condition is a "distinct hazard" requiring construction upgrades?
The fire code official has that authority under § 102.1.4; their determination can make construction/design provisions applicable to existing conditions.
Do I need to follow an appendix in the CFC?
Not unless your jurisdiction or adopting agency expressly adopts that appendix; appendices are optional per § 101.2.1.
If I change occupancy, can I avoid upgrades by claiming the new use is safer?
Only with approval from the fire code official and only when the new use is demonstrably less hazardous — see the exception in § 102.3.
Are administrative rules (permits/inspections) applied to buildings built before the Code?
Yes—administrative, operational and maintenance provisions apply to existing conditions per § 102.2 (2).
Where do I check whether state Title 19 rules or other state agency provisions also apply?
The CFC reprints some CCR Title 19 text for convenience but notes those state rules keep their original scope and precedence; consult the jurisdiction’s adoption and CCR Title 19 where indicated.
More in California Fire Code
- Administration and Definitions
- General Requirements and Emergency Planning
- Fire Service Features and Fire Department Access
- Referenced Standards and Adoptable Appendices (Chapter 80; Appendices A–Q)
- Fire and Smoke Protection Features (fire‑resistance, barriers)
- Interior Finish, Decorative Materials and Furnishings
- Fire Protection and Life‑Safety Systems (sprinklers, alarms, smoke control)
- Means of Egress (exit design and maintenance)
- Construction Requirements for Existing Buildings (retrofit rules)
- Energy Systems and Stationary Energy Storage (ESS)
- Special Occupancies and Operations (chapters 20–41, 48–49)
- Hazardous Materials — Storage, Use and Handling (Chapters 50–67)
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