CFC · California Fire Code
Scope & administration of Chapter 11
Chapter 11 sets scope and administrative rules plus minimum retrofit requirements to bring existing buildings up to an acceptable level of fire and life safety.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
Overview
Chapter 11 of the California Fire Code is the chapter for Construction Requirements for Existing Buildings — it applies to buildings constructed before adoption of the code and establishes minimum retroactive fire- and life-safety measures where an existing building does not meet current California Building Code requirements (see §1101.1 and the chapter preface).
The chapter combines general administrative provisions with substantive requirements: Section 1101 (General) sets scope, intent, permit and owner-notification rules (see §1101.1, §1101.2, §1101.3 and §1101.4); Section 1103 prescribes minimum fire-safety upgrades (see §1103.1 and Table 1103.1); subsequent sections cover means of egress for existing buildings (§1104), special rules for existing Group I‑2 occupancies (§1105), energy storage systems (§1107) and related topics.
Practically, Chapter 11 matters because it gives the fire code official authority to require construction documents, set compliance schedules, issue permits, and, where appropriate, grant time extensions — tools used to bring legacy buildings to an acceptable level of life‑safety without forcing full conformity to new-code construction in every case. See the chapter text on permits, owner notification and extension of time.
In this section
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Fire Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CFC § 11-1 High relevance — show source text
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11 CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS FOR EXISTING BUILDINGS
User notes:
About this chapter: Chapter 11 applies to existing buildings constructed prior to the adoption of the code and is intended to ensure a minimum degree of fire and life safety to persons occupying existing buildings by providing for alterations to such buildings that do not comply with the minimum requirements of the California Building Code . The provisions address general fire safety features such as requirements for fire alarm systems in some existing buildings and general means of egress, and include a section dedicated to existing Group I-2 occupancies.
SECTION 1101—GENERAL
1101.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall apply to existing buildings constructed prior to the adoption of this code.
1101.2 Intent. The intent of this chapter is to provide a minimum degree of fire and life safety to persons occupying existing buildings by providing minimum construction requirements where such existing buildings do not comply with the minimum requirements of the California Building Code .
1101.3 Permits. Permits shall be required as set forth in Sections 105.5 and 105.6 and the California Building Code .
1101.4 Owner notification. When a building is found to be in noncompliance with this chapter, the fire code official shall duly notify the owner of the building. Upon receipt of such notice, the owner shall, subject to the following time limits, take necessary actions to comply with the provisions of this chapter.
1101.4.1 Construction documents. Construction documents necessary to comply with this chapter shall be completed and submitted within a time schedule approved by the fire code official.
1101.4.2 Completion of work. Work necessary to comply with this chapter shall be completed within a time schedule approved by the fire code official.
1101.4.3 Extension of time. The fire code official is authorized to grant necessary extensions of time where it can be shown that the specified time periods are not physically practical or pose an undue hardship. The granting of an extension of time for compliance shall be based on the showing of good cause and subject to the filing of an acceptable systematic plan of correction with the fire code official.
SECTION 1102—DEFINITIONS
1102.1 Definitions. The following terms are defined in Chapter 2:
DUTCH DOOR.
EXISTING.
SECTION 1103—FIRE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR EXISTING BUILDINGS
1103.1 Required construction. Existing buildings shall comply with not less than the minimum provisions specified in Table 1103.1 and as further enumerated in Sections 1103.2 through 1103.10.
The provisions of this chapter shall not be construed to allow the elimination of fire protection systems or a reduction in the level of fire safety provided in buildings constructed in accordance with previously adopted codes.
Exceptions:
Where a change in fire-resistance rating has been approved in accordance with Section 501.2 or 802.6 of the California Existing Building Code .
Group U occupancies.
|TABLE 1103.1—OCCUPANCY AND USE
CFC § 3.3 High relevance — show source text
Title 19, Division 1]|||||||||||||||||||||||| |Chapter / Section|||||||||||||||||||||||| |1103.3.3|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |1103.7|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |1103.7.3|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |1103.7.3.1|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |1103.7.8 – 1103.7.8.2|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |1103.7.9 – 1103.7.9.10|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |1103.8 –_ 1103.8.5.3_|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |1103.9|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |1103.9.1|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |1105.12|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |1105.12.1|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |1107|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |1108|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |1113|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |1114|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |1115|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |1116|||X|||||||||||||||||||||- The California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 19, Division 1 provisions that are found in the California Fire Code are a reprint from the current CCR, Title 19, Division 1 text for the code user’s convenience only. The scope, applicability and appeals procedures of CCR, Title 19, Division I remain the same. The state agency does not adopt sections identified by the following symbol: The Office of the State Fire Marshal’s adoption of this chapter or individual sections is applicable to structures regulated by other state agencies pursuant to Section 1.11.
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11 CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS FOR EXISTING BUILDINGS
User notes:
About this chapter: Chapter 11 applies to existing buildings constructed prior to the adoption of the code and is intended to ensure a minimum degree of fire and life safety to persons occupying existing buildings by providing for alterations to such buildings that do not comply with the minimum requirements of the California Building Code . The provisions address general fire safety features such as requirements for fire alarm systems in some existing buildings and general means of egress, and include a section dedicated to existing Group I-2 occupancies.
SECTION 1101—GENERAL
1101.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall apply to existing buildings constructed prior to the adoption of this code.
1101.2 Intent. The intent of this chapter is to provide a minimum degree of fire and life safety to persons occupying existing buildings by providing minimum construction requirements where such existing buildings do not comply with the minimum requirements of the California Building Code .
1101.3 Permits. Permits shall be required as set forth in Sections 105.5 and 105.6 and the California Building Code .
CFC § 10-46 High relevance — show source text
1023 Interior Exit Stairways and Ramps. . . . . . . . . . . . . .10-46 1024 Exit Passageways. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10-49 1025 Luminous Egress Path Markings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10-50 1026 Horizontal Exits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10-51
1027 Exterior Exit Stairways and Ramps . . . . . . . . . . . . .10-52 1028 Exit Discharge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10-53 1029 Egress Courts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10-54 1030 Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10-54 1031 Emergency Escape and Rescue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10-61 1032 Maintenance of the Means of Egress . . . . . . . . . . . .10-64
CHAPTER 11 CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS FOR
EXISTING BUILDINGS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-3
1101 General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-3
1102 Definitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-3
1103 Fire Safety Requirements for Existing Buildings. . . 11-3 1104 Means of Egress for Existing Buildings . . . . . . . . . .11-13 1105 Construction Requirements for Existing Group I-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-18 1106 Requirements for Outdoor Operations. . . . . . . . . .11-22 1107 Energy Storage Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-23 1108 Group A Public Address System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-23 1109 _through 1112 Reserved . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CFC § 1-5 Medium 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 § 10-3 Medium relevance — show source text
1003 Building Elements and Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3
1004 Fire Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3
1005 Means of Egress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3
1006 Structural. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3
1007 Electrical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-4
1008 Mechanical. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-4
1009 Plumbing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-4
1010 Other Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-5
1011 Change of Occupancy Classification . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-5
CHAPTER 11 ADDITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-3
1101 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-3
1102 Heights and Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-3
1103 Structural. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-4
1104 Energy Conservation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-4
CHAPTER 12 HISTORIC BUILDINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-1
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CHAPTER 13 PERFORMANCE COMPLIANCE METHODS. . 13-3
1301 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-3
1302 Applicability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-3
1303 Acceptance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-4
CFC § 1207 Medium relevance — show source text
The criteria in Chapter 10 regulating the design of the means of egress system are established as the primary method for protection of occupants by allowing timely relocation or evacuation. Both prescriptive and performance language is utilized for determination of a safe exiting system. It addresses all portions of the means of egress system (i.e., exit access, exits and exit discharge) and includes design requirements as well as provisions regulating individual components. The requirements detail the size, arrangement, number and protection of means of egress components. The means of egress protection requirements work in coordination with other sections of the code, such as protection of vertical openings (see Chapter 7 of the CBC), interior finish (see Chapter 8 of the CBC), fire suppression and detection systems (see Chapter 9) and numerous others, all having an impact on life safety. Chapter 10 of the CBC is duplicated in Chapter 10 of the CFC; however, the CFC contains one additional section on the maintenance of the means of egress system in existing buildings.
Chapter 11 Construction Requirements for Existing Buildings
Chapter 11 applies to existing buildings constructed prior to the adoption of the code and intends to provide a minimum degree of fire and life safety to persons occupying existing buildings by providing for retroactive requirements to install or upgrade fire safety features to such buildings that do not comply with the minimum requirements of the CBC. Prior to the 2009 edition, its content existed in the CFC but in a random manner that was neither efficient nor user-friendly. In the 2007/2008 International Code Council (ICC) code development cycle, a code change (F294-07/ 08) was approved that consolidated the retroactive elements of CFC into a single chapter for easier and more efficient reference and application to existing buildings.
Chapter 12 Energy Systems
Chapter 12 addresses any provisions related to energy systems found in the CFC. The expansion of such energy systems is related to meeting today’s energy, environmental and economic challenges. Ensuring appropriate criteria to address the safety of such systems in building and fire codes is an important part of protecting the public at large, building occupants and emergency responders. These requirements also facilitate the successful implementation of new technologies.
All text in Section 1207 of the 2024 CFC with the following designation (Material based on NFPA 855 2023 Ed.) is reproduced with permission from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and is based upon NFPA 855, Standard for the Installation of Station- ary Energy Storage Systems, Copyright © 2023 NFPA. All designated text is either directly copied from the 2023 edition of NFPA 855 or as modified by the ICC Code Development Process. This material is not the complete and official position of NFPA on the referenced subject, which is represented solely by the standard in its entirety. NFPA shall not be responsible for the manner in which this information is presented, nor for any interpretations thereof.
Chapters 13 through 19 Reserved for future use.
PART IV—SPECIAL OCCUPANCIES AND OPERATIONS
Chapter 20 Aviation Facilities
Chapter 20 specifies minimum requirements for the fire-safe operation of airports, heliports and helistops. The principal nonflight operational hazards associated with aviation involve fuel, facilities and operations. Therefore, safe use of flammable and combustible liquids during fueling and maintenance operations is emphasized. Availability of portable Class B:C-rated fire extinguishers for prompt control or suppression of incipient fires is required.
Chapter 21 Dry Cleaning
CFC § 1-3 Medium relevance — show source text
Community-level fire hazard data is not always readily available in a centralized location and not in a_ standard format. This framework enables communities’ leaders to collect their WUI fire hazard data in an immediately accessible for- mat. This framework also allows the community WUI fire hazard area data to be an inclusive picture. Part of the data assembled in the framework layout will help first responders during an incident. This data may enhance situational awareness, facilitate ingress and egress routes, and increase structure survivability through targeted fire responder actions. The framework allows decision makers the ability to access WUI fire hazard risks across multiple communities when implemented in this standardized method. For example, a comparison can be made between a community of 5,000 residents to a community with 20,000 residents. They will be able to compare their overall fire hazard as well as the relative fire hazard. The information from the standardized framework may be used to assist with making the design and prioritizing resources at the community, county and state level. These resources may include funding for fuel treatment around communities in designated very high fire hazard severity zones. The proposed framework has the benefit of enabling communities, county and state to use a methodized approach to assess hazards, offer property solutions and inform first responders before and during incidents.
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CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1 ADMINISTRATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-3
DIVISION I—CALIFORNIA ADMINISTRATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-3
1.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
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
CFC § 1203 Medium relevance — show source text
CHAPTER TOPICS Col2 PARTS AND CHAPTERS SUBJECTS Part I—Chapters 1 and 2 Administrative and definitions Part II—Chapters 3 and 4 General safety provisions Part III—Chapters 5 through 12 Building and equipment design features Part III—Chapters 13 through 19 Reserved for future use Part IV—Chapters 20 through 41_; 48 and 49_ Special occupancies and operations Part IV—Chapters 42 through_47_ Reserved for future use Part V—Chapters 50, 51 and 53 through 67 Hazardous materials Part V—Chapters_ 52,_ 68 through 79 Reserved for future use Part VI—Chapter 80 Referenced standards Part VII—Appendices A through Q Adoptable and informational appendices 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE xiii
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California Building Code Correlated Topics
The CFC requirements for fire-resistance-rated construction, interior finish, fire protection systems, means of egress and construction safeguards are directly correlated to the chapters containing parallel requirements in the CBC as follows:
CFC/CBC CORRELATED TOPICS Col2 Col3 CFC CHAPTER/SECTION CBC CHAPTER/SECTION SUBJECT Chapter 7 Chapter 7 Fire and smoke protection features (Fire-resistance-rated construction in the CBC) Chapter 8 Chapter 8 Interior finish, decorative materials and furnishings Chapter 9 Chapter 9 Fire protection and life safety systems Chapter 10 Chapter 10 Means of egress Section 1203 Chapter 27 Emergency and standby power Chapter 31 Section 3103 Temporary structures Chapter 33 Chapter 33 Construction fire safety Chapters 50–67 Sections 307, 414, 415 Hazardous materials and Group H requirements PART I—ADMINISTRATIVE
Chapter 1 Scope and Administration.
Chapter 1 establishes the limits of applicability of the code and describes how the code is to be applied and enforced. 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 2 Definitions.
Chapter 2 is the repository of the definitions of terms used in the body of the code. The user of the code should be familiar with and consult this chapter because the definitions are essential to the correct interpretation of the code and because the user may not be aware that a term is defined.
PART II—GENERAL SAFETY PROVISIONS
Chapter 3 General Requirements
General regulations contained in Chapter 3, are intended to improve premises safety for everyone, including construction workers, tenants, operations and maintenance personnel, and emergency response personnel.
Chapter 4 Emergency Planning and Preparedness
Chapter 4 addresses the human contribution to life safety during emergencies. Continuous training and scheduled fire, evacuation and lockdown drills can be as important as the required periodic inspections and maintenance of built-in fire protection features. The level of preparation by the occupants also improves the emergency responders’ abilities during an emergency.
PART III—BUILDING AND EQUIPMENT DESIGN FEATURES
Chapter 5 Fire Service Features
CFC § 701 Medium relevance — show source text
Chapter 7 Fire and Smoke Protection Features
The maintenance of assemblies required to be fire-resistance rated is a key component in a passive fire protection philosophy. Chapter 7 sets forth requirements to maintain required fire-resistance ratings of building elements and limit fire spread. Section 701 addresses the basics of what construction elements such as fire barriers and smoke barriers need to be maintained as well as defining the owner’s responsibility. Sections 703 through 708, deals with various fire and smoke protection features that must also be maintained.
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Chapter 8 Interior Finish, Decorative Materials and Furnishings
The overall purpose of Chapter 8 is to regulate interior finishes, decorative materials and furnishings in new and existing buildings so that they do not significantly add to or create fire hazards within buildings. This chapter is consistent with Chapter 8 of the CBC, which regulates the interior finishes of new buildings.
Chapter 9 Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems
Chapter 9 prescribes the minimum requirements for active systems of fire protection equipment to perform the following functions: detect a fire, alert the occupants or fire department of a fire emergency, and control smoke and control or extinguish the fire. Generally, the requirements are based on the occupancy, the height and the area of the building because these are the factors that most affect firefighting capabilities and the relative hazard of a specific building or portion thereof. This chapter parallels and is substantially duplicated in Chapter 9 of the CBC; however, this chapter also contains periodic testing criteria that are not contained in the CBC. In addition, the special fire protection system requirements based on use and occupancy found in CBC Chapter 4 are duplicated in CFC Chapter 9 as a user convenience.
Chapter 10 Means of Egress
The criteria in Chapter 10 regulating the design of the means of egress system are established as the primary method for protection of occupants by allowing timely relocation or evacuation. Both prescriptive and performance language is utilized for determination of a safe exiting system. It addresses all portions of the means of egress system (i.e., exit access, exits and exit discharge) and includes design requirements as well as provisions regulating individual components. The requirements detail the size, arrangement, number and protection of means of egress components. The means of egress protection requirements work in coordination with other sections of the code, such as protection of vertical openings (see Chapter 7 of the CBC), interior finish (see Chapter 8 of the CBC), fire suppression and detection systems (see Chapter 9) and numerous others, all having an impact on life safety. Chapter 10 of the CBC is duplicated in Chapter 10 of the CFC; however, the CFC contains one additional section on the maintenance of the means of egress system in existing buildings.
Chapter 11 Construction Requirements for Existing Buildings
Chapter 11 applies to existing buildings constructed prior to the adoption of the code and intends to provide a minimum degree of fire and life safety to persons occupying existing buildings by providing for retroactive requirements to install or upgrade fire safety features to such buildings that do not comply with the minimum requirements of the CBC. Prior to the 2009 edition, its content existed in the CFC but in a random manner that was neither efficient nor user-friendly. In the 2007/2008 International Code Council (ICC) code development cycle, a code change (F294-07/ 08) was approved that consolidated the retroactive elements of CFC into a single chapter for easier and more efficient reference and application to existing buildings.
Chapter 12 Energy Systems
CFC § 11-3 Medium relevance — show source text
1101 General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-3
1102 Definitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-3
1103 Fire Safety Requirements for Existing Buildings. . . 11-3 1104 Means of Egress for Existing Buildings . . . . . . . . . .11-13 1105 Construction Requirements for Existing Group I-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-18 1106 Requirements for Outdoor Operations. . . . . . . . . .11-22 1107 Energy Storage Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-23 1108 Group A Public Address System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-23 1109 through 1112 Reserved . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-23 1113 Existing Group R-1 and Group R-2 Occupancies [SFM] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-23 1114 Existing High-Rise Buildings [SFM]. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-25 1115 Existing Group I Occupancies [SFM]. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-28 1116 Existing Group L and Group H-8 Occupancies [SFM] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-28
CHAPTER 12 ENERGY SYSTEMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-3
1201 General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-3
CFC § 102.1 Medium relevance — show source text
The IFC sets forth minimum requirements for these and other hazards and contains requirements for maintaining the life safety of building occupants; protecting emergency responders; and limiting the damage to a building and its contents as the result of a fire, explosion or unauthorized hazardous material discharge.
As described, the IFC has many types of requirements for buildings and facilities. The applicability of these requirements varies. An understanding of the applicability of requirements, as addressed in Sections 102.1 and 102.2, is necessary. Section 102.1 addresses when the construction and design provisions are applicable, whereas Section 102.2 addresses when the administrative, operational and maintenance provisions are applicable. Generally, the construction and design provisions apply to only new buildings or existing buildings and occupancies as addressed by Chapter 11. The administrative, maintenance and operational requirements are applicable to all buildings and facilities, whether new or existing.
ARRANGEMENT AND FORMAT OF THE 2025 CFC
Before applying the requirements of the CFC, it is beneficial to understand its arrangement and format. The CFC, like other codes published by the ICC, is arranged and organized to follow sequential steps that generally occur during a plan review or inspection.
The CFC is organized into seven parts. Each part represents a broad subject matter and includes the chapters that logically fit under the subject matter of each part. It is also foreseeable that additional chapters will need to be added in the future as regulations for new processes or operations are developed. Accordingly, the structure was designed to accommodate such future chapters by providing reserved (unused) chapters in several of the parts. This will allow the subject matter parts to be conveniently and logically expanded without requiring a major renumbering of the CFC chapters.
CHAPTER TOPICS Col2 PARTS AND CHAPTERS SUBJECTS Part I—Chapters 1 and 2 Administrative and definitions Part II—Chapters 3 and 4 General safety provisions Part III—Chapters 5 through 12 Building and equipment design features Part III—Chapters 13 through 19 Reserved for future use Part IV—Chapters 20 through 41_; 48 and 49_ Special occupancies and operations Part IV—Chapters 42 through_47_ Reserved for future use Part V—Chapters 50, 51 and 53 through 67 Hazardous materials Part V—Chapters_ 52,_ 68 through 79 Reserved for future use Part VI—Chapter 80 Referenced standards Part VII—Appendices A through Q Adoptable and informational appendices 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE xiii
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
California Building Code Correlated Topics
The CFC requirements for fire-resistance-rated construction, interior finish, fire protection systems, means of egress and construction safeguards are directly correlated to the chapters containing parallel requirements in the CBC as follows:
CFC § 1-11 Medium relevance — show source text
2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE 1-11
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
1-12 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
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.
Frequently asked questions
Which buildings are covered by Chapter 11?
Chapter 11 applies to existing buildings constructed prior to adoption of the code; its intent is to provide minimum fire-and‑life safety requirements where buildings do not meet current CBC standards (see §1101.1 and §1101.2).
Are permits required for work under Chapter 11?
Yes. Section 1101.3 requires permits as set forth in Sections 105.5 and 105.6 and the California Building Code; construction documents and approved schedules are used to govern compliance.
Who enforces Chapter 11 and sets compliance timelines?
The fire code official (authority having jurisdiction) enforces the chapter, notifies owners of noncompliance, may require construction documents, set completion schedules and grant extensions for good cause. See the duties and powers described in Chapter 1 and Section 1101.4.
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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