CFC · California Fire Code
Owner notification, required documents and timelines for compliance
If a building is found noncompliant with Chapter 11, the fire code official must notify the owner; the owner must submit construction documents and complete required work on the schedule the official approves; extensions are discretionary and require showing good cause and filing a systematic plan of correction (see §§ 1101.4, 1101.4.1, 1101.4.2, 1101.4.3).
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — plain English
When an existing building is found out of compliance, the fire code official must notify the owner and the owner must take steps to comply within the time schedule approved by the fire code official. Required documents and the schedule are set by the official: construction documents must be submitted according to that schedule, work must be completed according to that schedule, and the official may grant extensions for good cause when the owner files an acceptable systematic plan of correction. See § 1101.4, § 1101.4.1, § 1101.4.2, § 1101.4.3 for the controlling language.
The single most important rule: when the fire code official finds noncompliance the owner must comply on the timetable the official approves — and any extra time requires a showing of good cause plus a plan. § 1101.4; § 1101.4.3.
Requirements in detail
Definitions and bolded first-mentions used here:
- Owner — the property owner required to act upon notice (first mention).
- Fire code official — the authority who issues notice and approves schedules (first mention).
- Construction documents — the plans/drawings/specifications required to show how the building will comply (first mention).
- Systematic plan of correction — a documented plan used to justify and govern an approved extension (first mention).
Who is notified and what triggers action
- Trigger: a building is found to be in noncompliance with Chapter 11.
- Responsible notifier: the fire code official must duly notify the owner. § 1101.4.
Documents required and when
- Construction documents necessary to show compliance must be completed and submitted on the time schedule approved by the fire code official. § 1101.4.1.
- Work necessary to comply must be completed on the time schedule approved by the fire code official. § 1101.4.2.
- Extensions: the fire code official may grant extensions when the owner shows good cause and files an acceptable systematic plan of correction. § 1101.4.3.
Decision-relevant matrix (quick reference)
| Trigger / Action | Required document / action | Timing / deadline | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Building found noncompliant | Owner must be duly notified | N/A — notification required immediately by official | § 1101.4 |
| Submit plans to show compliance | Construction documents completed and submitted | Within a time schedule approved by the fire code official (code does not set a fixed calendar interval) | § 1101.4.1 |
| Finish required corrective work | Complete the work necessary to comply | Within a time schedule approved by the fire code official | § 1101.4.2 |
| Need more time | Show good cause and file an acceptable systematic plan of correction | Extension granted at discretion of fire code official | § 1101.4.3 |
Notes on the table: The CFC sets the procedural obligations (notify, submit documents, complete work, approve extensions) but does not prescribe specific fixed deadlines (days/weeks) — those are set by the fire code official on a case-by-case basis. §§ 1101.4–1101.4.3.
Exceptions & special cases
- The code language in these sections does not list numeric time periods — instead the fire code official approves the schedule. If you are looking for a specific number of days, the code does not provide one here. §§ 1101.4, 1101.4.1, 1101.4.2.
- Extensions are explicitly permitted when meeting two conditions: (1) the owner shows the originally specified time is not physically practical or constitutes an undue hardship, and (2) an acceptable systematic plan of correction is filed. Approval is discretionary and requires good cause. § 1101.4.3.
- Permits: separate permit requirements apply per § 1101.3 (permits shall be required as set forth in Sections 105.5 and 105.6 and the California Building Code). If corrective work requires a permit, that parallel process governs permit submittal and approval. § 1101.3.
Common mistakes
- Assuming the code sets a fixed deadline (e.g., "30 days") — it does not; the schedule is set by the fire code official. Refer to § 1101.4.1 and § 1101.4.2.
- Failing to submit construction documents first — the owner must submit the documents on the approved schedule; starting major work without approved documents or required permits can cause enforcement complications. See § 1101.4.1 and § 1101.3.
- Not requesting an extension in time — extensions require showing good cause and a systematic plan of correction; simply telling the official you need more time without a plan risks denial. § 1101.4.3.
- Treating the fire code official’s schedule as advisory — it is mandatory for compliance; the owner is obligated to comply per the approved schedule. § 1101.4.
Worked example — concrete scenario
Scenario: A local fire inspector determines that the means-of-egress lighting in a 3-story office building is inadequate and finds the building noncompliant with Chapter 11.
Notification: The inspector (the fire code official) issues a written notice to the owner that the building is noncompliant and that corrective measures are required. This action is required by § 1101.4.
Schedule set by official: The fire code official reviews the complexity and approves a schedule that requires:
- Construction documents (lighting plans and specifications) submitted within 45 days; and
- Completion of corrective work (installation and testing of lighting) within 180 days. (These example intervals are set by the official — the code authorizes such schedules but does not mandate these specific numbers.) §§ 1101.4.1–1101.4.2.
Owner actions:
- Owner hires a design professional and submits the lighting plans on day 40 (meets the 45‑day schedule). This satisfies § 1101.4.1.
- During procurement, a long lead time for specialized fixtures causes a delay; on day 120 the owner requests an extension and files a systematic plan of correction showing milestones for procurement and installation, plus evidence of vendor lead times and cost estimates.
- The fire code official grants a 90‑day extension after finding good cause and accepts the plan. This follows § 1101.4.3.
Takeaway: the owner complied with the initial schedule, documented the reason for delay, filed an acceptable plan, and obtained an extension — the process and the criteria for extension are set out in the CFC. §§ 1101.4–1101.4.3.
Related provisions
- § 1101.3 — Permits shall be required as set forth in Sections 105.5 and 105.6 and the California Building Code.
- § 1101.4 — Owner notification (primary procedural duty to notify owner).
- § 1101.4.1 — Construction documents submission requirement and timing.
- § 1101.4.2 — Completion-of-work requirement and timing.
- § 1101.4.3 — Extension of time: criteria (good cause) and required documentation (systematic plan of correction).
- § 901.2 — Authority to require construction documents for fire protection and life safety systems (relevant when required work involves those systems).
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
2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE 11-1
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
11-2 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
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 § 11-3 Medium relevance — show source text
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
xviii 2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
CHAPTER 13 PERFORMANCE COMPLIANCE METHODS. . 13-3
1301 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-3
1302 Applicability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-3
1303 Acceptance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-4
1304 Investigation and Evaluation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-4
1305 Scoring and Evaluation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-4
1306 Building Score . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-14
1307 Evaluation of Building Safety. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-16
CHAPTER 14 RELOCATED OR MOVED BUILDINGS . . . . . . 14-3
1401 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-3
1402 Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-3
CHAPTER 15 CONSTRUCTION SAFEGUARDS . . . . . . . . . . 15-3
1501 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-3
1502 Owner’s Responsibility for Fire Protection . . . . . . . 15-3
1503 Sanitary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-4
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
xviii 2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
CHAPTER 13 PERFORMANCE COMPLIANCE METHODS. . 13-3
1301 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-3
1302 Applicability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-3
1303 Acceptance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-4
CFC § 408.1.1 Medium relevance — show source text
408.1.1, 5.408.1.2, 5.408.1.3 or more stringent
local ordinance|5.408.1.1,
5.408.1.2,
5.408.1.3||||| |DIVISION 5.4
Material
Conservation
and Resource
Efficiency
(continued)|Mandatory|Construction waste management: documentation|5.408.1.4||||| |DIVISION 5.4
Material
Conservation
and Resource
Efficiency
(continued)|Mandatory|Universal waste [A]|5.408.2||||| |DIVISION 5.4
Material
Conservation
and Resource
Efficiency
(continued)|Mandatory|Excavated soil and land clearing debris (100% reuse or
recycle) with Exception and Notes|5.408.3||||| |DIVISION 5.4
Material
Conservation
and Resource
Efficiency
(continued)|Mandatory|Life Cycle Assessment, Scope, Whole building life cycle
assessment with Notes, Building components, Reference
study period, and Verification of compliance|5.409.1,
5.409.2,
5.409.2.1,
5.409.2.2 and
5.409.2.3||||| |DIVISION 5.4
Material
Conservation
and Resource
Efficiency
(continued)|Mandatory|Life Cycle Assessment, Scope, Product GWP compliance –
prescriptive path, 5.409.3.1 with Exception and Exception
EQUATION, Verification of compliance and Product GWP
Limits Table with Footnotes|5.409.1,
5.409.3,
5.409.3.1,
5.409.3.2 and
Table 5.409.3||||| |DIVISION 5.4
Material
Conservation
and Resource
Efficiency
(continued)|Mandatory|Recycling by occupants (with exception)|5.410.1||||| |DIVISION 5.4
Material
Conservation
and Resource
Efficiency
(continued)|Mandatory|Recycling by occupants: additions (with exception)|5.410.1.1||||| |DIVISION 5.4
Material
Conservation
and Resource
Efficiency
(continued)|Mandatory|Recycling by occupants: sample ordinance
|5.410.1.2||||| |DIVISION 5.4
Material
Conservation
and Resource
Efficiency
(continued)|Mandatory|Commissioning new buildings (≥ 10,000 sf) [N]|5.410.2||||| |**DIVISION 5.CFC § 12-7 Medium relevance — show source text
000|12-7|14-5|11-2|11-6|10-5|8-7|8-1|6-6|6-4| |12|2-#6|40,000|12-4|14-2|10-11|11-4|10-2|8-5|7-8|5-7|5-5| |12|2-#6|60,000|14-9|17-0|13-1|13-6|12-2|10-0|9-1|6-6|6-4| |12|Center distance_A_k, l|Center distance_A_k, l|3-9|4-11|2-11|3-2|2-7|1-9|1-7|1-0|1-0| |16|Span without stirrupsi, j|Span without stirrupsi, j|7-1|9-0|6-4|6-8|5-10|4-9|4-6|3-9|3-8| |16|1-#4|40,000|5-11|7-0|5-5|5-8|5-1|4-3|4-0|3-3|3-2| |16|1-#4|60,000|7-3|8-7|6-8|6-11|6-3|5-2|4-10|3-11|3-10| |16|1-#5|40,000|7-4|8-9|6-9|7-0|6-4|5-3|4-11|4-0|3-11| |16|1-#5|60,000|9-0|10-8|8-3|8-7|7-9|6-5|6-0|4-11|4-9| |16|2-#4
1-#6|40,000|8-4|9-11|7-8|7-11|7-2|5-11|5-7|4-6|4-5| |16|2-#4
1-#6|60,000|10-2|12-0|9-4|9-8|8-9|7-3|6-10|5-6|5-5| |16|2-#5|40,000|10-4|12-3|9-6|9-10|8-11|7-4|6-11|5-8|5-6| |16|2-#5|60,000|14-4|17-1|13-3|13-8|12-4|10-3|9-8|7-10|7-8| |16|2-#6|40,000|14-1|16-9|13-0|13-5|12-2|10-1|9-6|7-0|6-10| |16|2-#6|60,000|17-0|20-2|15-8|16-2|14-7|12-0|10-11|8-0|7-9| |16|Center distance_A_k, l|Center distance_A_k, l|4-9|6-8|4-0|4-4|3-6|2-5|2-2|1-5|1-4|CFC § 6-1 Medium relevance — show source text
000|6-1|6-9|5-2|5-4|4-9|3-11|3-9|3-0|2-11| |8|1-#5|60,000|7-4|8-1|6-3|6-5|5-9|4-9|4-6|3-7|3-7| |8|2-#4
1-#6|40,000|6-10|7-6|5-9|6-0|5-5|4-5|4-2|3-4|3-4| |8|2-#4
1-#6|60,000|8-2|9-1|6-11|7-2|6-6|5-4|5-0|4-1|4-0| |8|2-#5|40,000|8-4|9-3|7-1|7-4|6-7|5-5|5-1|4-1|4-0| |8|2-#5|60,000|9-11|11-0|8-5|8-9|7-10|6-6|6-1|4-8|4-6| |8|2-#6|40,000|9-9|10-10|8-3|8-7|7-9|6-4|5-10|4-1|4-0| |8|2-#6|60,000|DR|DR|DR|DR|DR|DR|DR|DR|DR| |8|Center distance_A_k, l|Center distance_A_k, l|2-6|3-1|1-10|1-11|1-7|1-1|0-11|0-7|0-7| |12|Span without stirrupsi, j|Span without stirrupsi, j|5-5|6-7|4-7|4-10|4-3|3-5|3-3|2-8|2-8| |12|1-#4|40,000|5-3|6-0|4-8|4-10|4-4|3-7|3-4|2-9|2-8| |12|1-#4|60,000|6-5|7-4|5-8|5-10|5-3|4-4|4-1|3-4|3-3| |12|1-#5|40,000|6-6|7-6|5-9|6-0|5-5|4-5|4-2|3-5|3-4| |12|1-#5|60,000|7-11|9-1|7-0|7-3|6-7|5-5|5-1|4-2|4-0| |12|2-#4
1-#6|40,000|7-4|8-5|6-6|6-9|6-1|5-0|4-9|3-10|3-9| |12|2-#4
1-#6|60,000|10-3|11-9|9-1|9-5|8-6|7-0|6-7|5-4|5-3| |12|2-#5|40,CFC § 8-7 Medium relevance — show source text
j|8-7|11-4|8-1|8-5|7-5|6-1|5-9|4-10|4-9| |20|1-#4|40,000|6-5|7-10|6-2|6-4|5-9|4-9|4-6|3-8|3-7| |20|1-#4|60,000|7-10|9-7|7-6|7-9|7-0|5-10|5-6|4-5|4-4| |20|1-#5|40,000|8-0|9-9|7-8|7-11|7-2|5-11|5-7|4-6|4-5| |20|1-#5|60,000|9-9|11-11|9-4|9-8|8-9|7-3|6-10|5-6|5-5| |20|2-#4
1-#6|40,000|9-0|11-1|8-8|8-11|8-1|6-9|6-4|5-2|5-0| |20|2-#4
1-#6|60,000|11-0|13-6|10-6|10-11|9-10|8-2|7-9|6-3|6-2| |20|2-#5|40,000|11-3|13-9|10-9|11-1|10-0|8-4|7-10|6-5|6-3| |20|2-#5|60,000|15-8|19-2|15-0|15-6|14-0|11-8|11-0|8-11|8-9| |20|2-#6|40,000|15-5|18-10|14-8|15-2|13-9|11-5|10-9|8-6|8-3| |20|2-#6|60,000|18-7|22-9|17-9|18-5|16-7|13-10|12-9|9-5|9-2| |20|Center distance_A_k, l|Center distance_A_k, l|5-7|8-4|5-1|5-5|4-5|3-1|2-9|1-10|1-9| |24|Span without stirrupsi, j|Span without stirrupsi, j|9-11|13-7|9-9|10-2|9-0|7-5|7-0|5-10|5-9| |24|1-#5|40,000|8-6|10-8|8-5|8-8|7-10|6-6|6-2|5-0|4-11| |24|1-#5|60,000|10-5|13-0|10-3|10-7|9-7|8-0|7-6|6-1|6-0| |24|2-#4
1-#6|40,CFC § 3.3 Medium 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.
2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE 11-1
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
11-2 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
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 § 10-103 Medium relevance — show source text
The building owner or owner’s representative shall include the Design Review Kickoff Certificate of Compliance form in the certificate of compliance documentation (as specified in Part 1 Section 10-103). 3. Construction documents design review. The construction documents design review Checklist Certificate of Compliance shall list the items checked by the design reviewer during the construction document review. The completed form shall be returned to the owner and design team for review and sign-off. The building owner or owner’s representative shall include this form in the certificate of compliance documentation (as specified in Part 1 Section 10-103).
(e) Commissioning measures shown in the construction documents. Complete descriptions of all measures or requirements necessary for commissioning shall be included in the construction documents (plans and specifications). Commissioning measures or requirements shall be clear, detailed and complete to clarify the commissioning process.
(f) Commissioning plan. Prior to permit issuance a commissioning plan shall be completed to document how the project will be commissioned and shall be started during the design phase of the building project. The commissioning plan shall include the following:
- General project information;
- Commissioning goals;
- Systems to be commissioned; and
- Plans to test systems and components, which shall include: A. An explanation of the original design intent; B. Equipment and systems to be tested, including the extent of tests; C. Functions to be tested;
D. Conditions under which the test shall be performed; E. Measurable criteria for acceptable performance; F. Commissioning team information; and G. Commissioning process activities, schedules and responsibilities. Plans for the completion of commissioning requirements listed in Sections 120.8(g) through 120.8(i) shall be included.
(g) Functional performance testing. Functional performance tests shall demonstrate the correct installation and operation of each component, system and system-to-system interface in accordance with the acceptance test requirements in Sections 120.5, 130.4, 140.9, 160.3(d) and 160.5(e). Functional performance testing reports shall contain information addressing each of the building components tested, the testing methods utilized, and include any readings and adjustments made.
Exception to Section 120.8(g): Healthcare facilities.
92 2025 CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
NONRESIDENTIAL, HOTEL/MOTEL OCCUPANCIES, AND COVERED PROCESSES—MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS
(h) Documentation and training. A systems manual and systems operations training shall be completed.
- Systems manual. Documentation of the operational aspects of the building shall be completed within the systems manual and delivered to the building owner or representative and facilities operator. The systems manual shall include the following: A. Site information, including facility description, history and current requirements; B. Site contact information;
C. Instructions for basic operations and maintenance, including general site operating procedures, basic troubleshooting, recommended maintenance requirements, and a site events log; D. Description of major systems; E. Site equipment inventory and maintenance notes; and F. A copy of all special inspection verifications required by the enforcing agency or the standards. 2. Systems operations training. The training of the appropriate maintenance staff for each equipment type or system shall be documented in the commissioning report.
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 § 2.2. Medium relevance — show source text
2.2. Loss of power or circuit continuity to the electronic monitoring device shall initiate a trouble signal. 2.3. The extinguishers shall be installed inside of a building or cabinet in a noncorrosive environment. 2.4. Electronic monitoring devices and supervisory circuits shall be tested every 3 years when extinguisher maintenance is performed. 2.5. A written log of required hydrostatic test dates for extinguishers shall be maintained by the owner to verify that hydrostatic tests are conducted at the frequency required by California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 3. 3. In Group I-3, and in mental health areas of Group I-2, portable fire extinguishers shall be permitted to be located at staff locations.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §565.1(a) through (c)] Classification of Hazards.
(a) Light (Low) Hazard. Locations where the total amounts of Class A combustible materials, including furnishings, decorations and contents, is of minor quantity. These shall include buildings or rooms occupied as offices, classrooms, churches, assembly halls, etc. This classification anticipates that the majority of the contents are either noncombustible or so arranged that a fire is not likely to spread rapidly. Small amounts of Class B flammables used for duplicating machines, art departments, etc., are included provided that they are kept in closed containers and safely stored.
(b) Ordinary (Moderate) Hazard. Locations where the total amounts of Class A combustibles and Class B flammables are present in greater amounts than expected under Light (Low) Hazard occupancies. These occupancies could consist of offices, classrooms, mercantile shops and allied storage, light manufacturing, research operations, auto showrooms, parking garages, workshop or support service areas of Light (Low) Hazard occupancies, and warehouses containing Class I or Class II commodities.
(c) Extra (High) Hazard. Locations where the total amount of Class A combustibles and Class B flammables are present, in storage, production use, and/or finished product over and above those expected and classed as Ordinary (Moderate) Hazards. These occupan- cies could consist of woodworking, vehicle repair, aircraft and boat servicing, individual product display showrooms, product convention center displays, storage and manufacturing processes such as painting, dipping, coating, including flammable liquid handling. Also, included in warehousing of, or in-process storage of other Class I and Class II commodities.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §565.2(a) through (e)] Selection by Hazard.
(a) Extinguishers shall be selected for the specific class or classes of hazards to be protected in accordance with the following subdivi- sions (b), (c), (d) and (e).
(b) Extinguishers for protecting Class A hazards shall be selected from the following: Water-type, halogenated agent types, multipur- pose dry chemical and wet chemical type.
(c) Extinguishers for protection of Class B hazards shall be selected from the following: carbon dioxide, dry chemical types, haloge- nated agent types and water-type and water chemical extinguishers rated for Class B hazards.
2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE 9-33
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS
CFC § 107.3 Medium relevance — show source text
7|||X|X|X|||||||||||||||||||| |107.3|||X|||||||X|X|X|X|X|X|X||||||||| |107.3.4.1||||||||||X|X|X||X|X|||||||||| |107.4|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |107.5|||X|||||||X|X|X|X|X|X|X||||||||| |108.1 – 108.4|||X|||||||X|X|X|X|X|X|X||||||||| |109||||||||||X|X|X|X|X|X|X||||||||| |110.1 – 110.3|||X|||||||X|X|X|X|X|X|X||||||||| |110.3.1 – 110.3.3||||X|X|||||X|X|X|X|X|X|X||||||||| |110.3.4|||X|X|X|||||X|X|X|X|X|X|X||||||||| |110.3.4.1||||X||||||||||||||||||||| |110.3.5|X||X|X|X|||X|X|||||||||||||||| |110.3.6|||X|X|X|||||X|X|X|X|X|X|X||||||||| |110.3.7|||X|X|X|||X|X|X|X|X|X|X|X|X||||||||| |110.3.8||||X|X|||||X|X|X|X|X|X|X||||||||| |110.3.10 – 110.3.11|||X|X|X|||||X|X|X|X|X|X|X||||||||| |110.3.12 – 110.3.12.1||||X|X|||||||||||||||||||| |110.3.12.2||||X|X|||||||||||||||||||| |110.4 – 110.6|||X|||||||X|X|X|X|X|X|X||||||||| |111 – 112|||X|||||||X|X|X|X|X|X|X||||||||| |113||||||||||X|X|X|X|X|X|X||||||||| |114.1 – 114.2|||X|||||||X|X|X|X|X|X|X||||||||| |114.3||||||||||X|X|X|X|X|X|X||||||||| |115 – 116|||X|||||||X|X|X|X|X|X|X|||||||||
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.
1-2 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
1 ADMINISTRATION
DIVISION I CALIFORNIA ADMINISTRATION
SECTION 1.1—GENERAL
Frequently asked questions
Who must be notified when a building is noncompliant?
The fire code official must duly notify the owner of the building that it is in noncompliance. § 1101.4.
Does the code give a fixed number of days to comply?
No. The code requires compliance within a time schedule approved by the fire code official; it does not set fixed calendar deadlines. §§ 1101.4.1–1101.4.2.
What must I submit to show compliance?
You must complete and submit the construction documents necessary to demonstrate compliance on the approved schedule. § 1101.4.1.
Can I get more time to comply?
Yes — the fire code official may grant extensions where the owner shows good cause and files an acceptable systematic plan of correction. § 1101.4.3.
Do I need a building permit to do the corrective work?
If the corrective work falls under permit requirements, permits are required per § 1101.3 and the referenced permit sections (e.g., Sections 105.5 and 105.6 and the California Building Code).
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)
Ask about the CFC
Get cited, plain-English answers on the California Fire Code for your project — any code section, any scenario.
Start Free Trial