CFC · California Fire Code

Special-occupancy retrofit provisions and appendices

This hub orients code users to CFC retrofit rules for special occupancies, highlighting applicability, Chapter 11 retrofit mechanics, and Appendix Chapter 4 occupancy criteria.

Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

Overview

This area of the California Fire Code (CFC) covers retrofit and retrofit-triggering requirements that apply to special uses and occupancies — the targeted, occupancy-specific rules and the appendices jurisdictions may adopt to address unique life‑safety needs in existing buildings. Retrofit and upgrade obligations for existing buildings are consolidated in Chapter 11, which organizes retroactive construction requirements and when they must be applied.

Appendix Chapter 4 (Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy) contains many of the occupancy‑specific criteria — for example, standalone sections for covered malls, atria, hospitals, stages and other special occupancies — but appendix provisions only take effect if a jurisdiction adopts them (see §101.2.1).

Practically, users should look first to the CFC applicability rules (for example §102 on when construction, administrative, and maintenance provisions apply) to determine whether retrofit triggers apply, then to Chapter 11 for retrofit mechanics and to Appendix Chapter 4 for the special‑occupancy criteria (an example appendix provision is §435 for licensed 24‑hour care facilities).

In this section

Code references

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

  • CFC § 102.7 High relevance — show source text

    Chapters 68 through 79 Reserved for future use.

    PART VI—REFERENCED STANDARDS

    Chapter 80 Referenced Standards

    Chapter 80 lists all of the product and installation standards and codes that are referenced throughout Chapters 1 through 67 and includes identification of the promulgators and the section numbers in which the standards and codes are referenced. As stated in Section 102.7, these standards and codes become an enforceable part of the code (to the prescribed extent of the reference) as if printed in the body of the code.

    PART VII—APPENDICES

    Appendix Chapter 4 Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy

    Appendix Chapter 4 provides detailed criteria for special uses and occupancies. The unique characteristics of a live/work unit as opposed to a 30-story high-rise building call for specific standards for each. Twenty-seven sections address covered and open mall buildings, atri- ums, hospitals, stages, buildings where hazardous materials are used and stored, jails and prisons, ambulatory care facilities and storm shelters, among other special occupancy issues.

    Appendix A Board of Appeals

    Appendix A contains the provisions for appeal and the establishment of a board of appeals. The provisions include the application for an appeal, the makeup of the board of appeals and the conduct of the appeal process.

    Appendix B Fire-Flow Requirements for Buildings

    Appendix B provides a tool for the use of jurisdictions in establishing a policy for determining fire-flow requirements in accordance with Section 507.3. The primary tool used in this appendix is a table that presents fire flow based on construction type and building area based on the correlation of the Insurance Services Office (ISO) method and the construction types used in the CBC.

    Appendix BB Fire-flow Requirements for Buildings

    The procedures determining fire-flow requirements for any school buildings or portions of buildings hereafter constructed for which review and approval is required under Subdivision(a) of Section 17280 of the Government Code shall be in accordance with this appendix as amended by the state fire marshal.

    Appendix C Fire Hydrant Locations and Distribution

    Appendix C focuses on the location and spacing of fire hydrants, which is important to the success of firefighting operations. This particular appendix gives one methodology based on the required fire flow that fire departments can work with to set a policy for hydrant distribution around new buildings and facilities in conjunction with Section 507.5.

    Appendix CC Fire Hydrant Locations and Distribution

    Fire hydrants shall be provided in accordance with this appendix for the protection of any school buildings, or portions thereof, hereafter constructed for which review and approval are required under Subdivision(a) of Section 17280 of the Government Code.

    Appendix D Fire Apparatus Access Roads

    Appendix D contains more detailed elements for use with the basic access requirements found in Section 503. This appendix, like Appendices B and C, is a tool for jurisdictions looking for guidance in establishing access requirements and includes criteria for multiple-family residential developments, large one- and two-family subdivisions, specific examples for various types of turnarounds for fire department apparatus and parking regulatory signage.

    Appendix E Hazard Categories

    Appendix E contains guidance in the classifying of hazardous materials so that proposed designs can be evaluated intelligently and accurately. The descriptive materials and explanations of hazardous materials and how to report and evaluate them on a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) are intended to be instructional as well as informative.

    Appendix F Hazard Ranking

  • CFC § 102.7 High relevance — show source text

    Chapter 65 addresses the significant hazards associated with pyroxylin (cellulose nitrate) plastics, which are the most dangerous and unstable of all plastic compounds. Strict compliance with the provisions of this chapter, along with proper housekeeping and storage arrangements, helps to reduce the hazards associated with pyroxylin (cellulose nitrate) plastics in a fire or other emergencies.

    Chapter 66 Unstable (Reactive) Materials

    Chapter 66 addresses the hazards of unstable (reactive) liquid and solid materials as well as unstable (reactive) compressed gases. Materials that pose multiple hazards, such as toxicity, corrosivity, explosivity, flammability or oxidizing potential, must conform to the requirements of the code with respect to all hazards. Strict compliance with the provisions of this chapter, along with proper housekeeping and storage arrangements, help reduce the exposure hazards associated with unstable (reactive) materials in a fire or other emergency.

    Chapter 67 Water-Reactive Solids and Liquids

    Chapter 67 addresses the hazards associated with water-reactive materials that are solid or liquid at normal temperatures and pressures. In addition to their water reactivity, these materials may pose a wide range of other hazards, such as toxicity, flammability, corrosiveness or oxidizing potential. Strict compliance with the requirements of this chapter, along with proper housekeeping and storage arrangements, helps to reduce the exposure hazards associated with water-reactive materials in a fire or other emergency.

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    Chapters 68 through 79 Reserved for future use.

    PART VI—REFERENCED STANDARDS

    Chapter 80 Referenced Standards

    Chapter 80 lists all of the product and installation standards and codes that are referenced throughout Chapters 1 through 67 and includes identification of the promulgators and the section numbers in which the standards and codes are referenced. As stated in Section 102.7, these standards and codes become an enforceable part of the code (to the prescribed extent of the reference) as if printed in the body of the code.

    PART VII—APPENDICES

    Appendix Chapter 4 Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy

    Appendix Chapter 4 provides detailed criteria for special uses and occupancies. The unique characteristics of a live/work unit as opposed to a 30-story high-rise building call for specific standards for each. Twenty-seven sections address covered and open mall buildings, atri- ums, hospitals, stages, buildings where hazardous materials are used and stored, jails and prisons, ambulatory care facilities and storm shelters, among other special occupancy issues.

    Appendix A Board of Appeals

    Appendix A contains the provisions for appeal and the establishment of a board of appeals. The provisions include the application for an appeal, the makeup of the board of appeals and the conduct of the appeal process.

    Appendix B Fire-Flow Requirements for Buildings

    Appendix B provides a tool for the use of jurisdictions in establishing a policy for determining fire-flow requirements in accordance with Section 507.3. The primary tool used in this appendix is a table that presents fire flow based on construction type and building area based on the correlation of the Insurance Services Office (ISO) method and the construction types used in the CBC.

    Appendix BB Fire-flow Requirements for Buildings

  • CFC § 4-1 Medium relevance — show source text

    26]_||||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.

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    PART VII— APPENDICES

    SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON USE AND OCCUPANCY

    SECTION 435—SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR LICENSED 24-HOUR CARE FACILITIES IN A GROUP R-2.1, R-3.1, R-4 [SFM]

    435.1 Scope . The provisions of this section shall apply to 24-hour care facilities in a Group R-2.1, R-3.1 or R-4 occupancy licensed by a governmental agency.

    435.2 General. The provisions in this section shall apply in addition to general requirements in this code.

    435.2.1 Restraint shall not be practiced in a Group R-2.1, R-3.1 or R-4 occupancies.

    Exception: Occupancies which meet all the requirements for a Group I-3 occupancy.

    435.2.2 Pursuant to Health and Safety Code, Section 13133, regulations of the state fire marshal pertaining to occupancies classified as Residential Facilities (RF) and Residential-care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFE) shall apply uniformly throughout the state and no city, county, city and county, including a charter city or charter county, or fire protection district shall adopt or enforce any ordinance or local rule or regulation relating to fire and panic safety which is inconsistent with these regulations. A city, county, city and county, including a charter city or charter county may, pursuant to Health and Safety Code, Section 13143.5, or a fire protection district may, pursuant to Health and Safety Code, Section 13869.7, adopt standards more stringent than those adopted by the state fire marshal that are reasonably necessary to accommodate local climate, geological or topographical conditions relating to roof coverings for Residential-care Facilities for the Elderly.

    Exception: Local regulations relating to roof coverings in facilities licensed as a Residential Care Facility for the Elderly (RCFE) in accordance with Health and Safety Code Section 13133.

    435.3 Building height and area provisions.

    435.3.1 Group R-2.1, R-3.1 and R-4 shall be constructed in accordance with Table 504.3 of the California Building Code.

    _**[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §3.26] Operators Statement – Group I, R-2.1, R-3.1 and R-4 Occupancies.

  • CFC § 3.26 Medium relevance — show source text

    (Matrix Adoption Tables are nonregulatory, intended only as an aid to the code user. See Chapter 1 for state agency authority and building applications.)

    Adopting Agency BSC BSC-
    CG
    SFM Col5 HCD Col7 Col8 DSA Col10 OSHPD Col12 Col13 Col14 Col15 Col16 BSCC DPH AGR DWR CEC CA SL SLC
    Adopting Agency BSC BSC-
    CG
    T-24 T-19* 1 2 1/AC AC SS 1 1R 2 3 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
    Adopt Entire Chapter X
    Adopt Entire Chapter as
    amended (amended sections
    listed below)
    Adopt only those sections that
    are listed below
    [California Code of Regulations,
    Title 19, Division 1]
    X
    Chapter / Section
    [T-19 §3.26] 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.

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    PART VII— APPENDICES

    SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON USE AND OCCUPANCY

    SECTION 435—SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR LICENSED 24-HOUR CARE FACILITIES IN A GROUP R-2.1, R-3.1, R-4 [SFM]

    435.1 Scope . The provisions of this section shall apply to 24-hour care facilities in a Group R-2.1, R-3.1 or R-4 occupancy licensed by a governmental agency.

    435.2 General. The provisions in this section shall apply in addition to general requirements in this code.

    435.2.1 Restraint shall not be practiced in a Group R-2.1, R-3.1 or R-4 occupancies.

    Exception: Occupancies which meet all the requirements for a Group I-3 occupancy.

  • 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

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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 § 1.8.2.1.3. Medium relevance — show source text

    Exceptions: 1. [HCD 2] For relocated or moved buildings and maintenance, alteration, repair, addition or change of occupancy to existing buildings and accessory structures in mobilehome parks or special occupancy parks as provided in Section 1.8.2.1.3. See California Code of Regulations, Title 25, Division 1, Chapters 2 and 2.2. 2. [HCD 1] Limited-density owner-built rural dwellings.

    [HCD 1] In addition to the requirements in this chapter, maintenance, alteration, repair, addition or change of occupancy to existing buildings and accessory structures under the authority of the Department of Housing and Community Development, as provided in Section 1.8.2.1.1, shall comply with California Code of Regulations, Title 25, Division 1, Chapter 1, Subchapter 1.

    501.1.1 Compliance with other methods. Alterations, additions and changes of occupancy to existing buildings and structures shall comply with the provisions of this chapter or with one of the methods provided in Section 301.3.

    501.1.2 Existing state-owned structures. [BSC] The provisions of Sections 317 through 322 establish minimum standards for earth- quake evaluation and design for retrofit of existing state-owned structures, including buildings owned by the University of California, the California State University and the Judicial Council.

    The provisions of Sections 317 through 322 may be adopted by a local jurisdiction for earthquake evaluation and design for retrofit of existing buildings.

    501.2 Fire-resistance ratings. Where approved by the code official, in buildings where an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2 of the California Building Code has been added, and the building is now sprinklered throughout, the required fire-resistance ratings of building elements and materials shall be permitted to meet the requirements of the current building code. The building is required to meet the other applicable requirements of the California Building Code .

    Plans, investigation and evaluation reports, and other data shall be submitted indicating which building elements and materials the applicant is requesting the code official to review and approve for determination of applying the current building code fire-resistance ratings. Any special construction features, including fire-resistance-rated assemblies and smoke-resistive assemblies, conditions of occupancy, means of egress conditions, fire code deficiencies, approved modifications or approved alternative materials, design and methods of construction, and equipment applying to the building that impact required fire-resistance ratings shall be identified in the evaluation reports submitted.

    501.3 Health care facilities. In Group I-2 facilities, ambulatory care facilities and outpatient clinics, any altered or added portion of an existing electrical or medical gas systems shall be required to meet installation and equipment requirements in NFPA 99.

    501.4 Existing Group R occupancies. [SFM] See the California Residential Code for existing Group R-3 occupancies or Chapter 11 of the California Fire Code for all other existing Group R occupancies.

    501.5 Carbon monoxide alarms. [HCD 1, SFM] Pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 17926, carbon monoxide detection shall be provided in all existing Group R buildings, as required in Section 915 of the California Building Code or Section R315 of the California Resi- dential Code, as applicable.

  • CFC § 101.1 Medium 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:

    1. The hazard of fire and explosion arising from the storage, handling or use of structures, materials or devices.
    2. Conditions hazardous to life, property or public welfare in the occupancy of structures or premises.
    3. Fire hazards in the structure or on the premises from occupancy or operation.
    4. Matters related to the construction, extension, repair, alteration or removal of fire protection systems.
    5. 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:

    1. Structures, facilities and conditions arising after the adoption of this code.
    2. Existing structures, facilities and conditions not legally in existence at the time of adoption of this code.
    3. Existing structures, facilities and conditions where required in Chapter 11.
    4. 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:

    1. Conditions and operations arising after the adoption of this code.
    2. 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 § 2.1 Medium relevance — show source text

    SECTION 302 A —GENERAL PROVISIONS

    302 A .1 Dangerous conditions. The code official shall have the authority to require the elimination of conditions deemed dangerous.

    302 A .2 Additional codes. Alterations, repairs, additions and changes of occupancy to, or relocation of, existing buildings and struc- tures shall comply with the provisions for alterations, repairs, additions and changes of occupancy or relocation, respectively, in the California Fire Code, California Mechanical Code, California Plumbing Code and California Electrical Code. Where provisions of the other codes conflict with provisions of this chapter, the provisions of this chapter shall take precedence.

    302 A .2.1 Additional codes in health care. In existing Group I-2 occupancies, ambulatory health care facilities, outpatient clinics and hyperbaric facilities, alterations, repairs, additions and changes of occupancy to, or relocation of, existing buildings and structures shall also comply with NFPA 99.

    302 A .3 Existing materials and equipment. Materials and equipment already in use in a building in compliance with requirements or approvals in effect at the time of their erection or installation shall be permitted to remain in use unless determined by the code official to be unsafe in accordance with California Building Code Section 116.

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    PROVISIONS FOR ALL COMPLIANCE METHODS

    302A.3.1 Existing seismic force-resisting systems. Where the existing seismic force-resisting system is a type that can be designated ordinary or is a welded steel moment frame constructed under a permit issued prior to October 25, 1994, values of R, W0 and Cd for the existing seismic force-resisting system shall be those specified by the California Building Code for an ordinary system unless it is demonstrated that the existing system will provide performance equivalent to that of a detailed, intermediate or special system.

    302 A .4 New and replacement materials. Except as otherwise required or permitted by this code, materials and equipment permitted by the applicable code for new construction shall be used. Like materials shall be permitted for repairs and alterations, provided no hazard to life, health or property is c reated. Hazardous materials shall not be used where the code for new construction would not permit their use in buildings of similar occupancy, purpose and location.

    302 A .4.1 New structural members and connections. New structural members and connections shall comply with the detailing provisions of the California Building Code for new buildings of similar structure, purpose and location.

    Exception: Where alternative design criteria are specifically permitted.

    302 A .5 Occupancy and use. Where determining the appropriate application of the referenced sections of this code, the occupancy and use of a building shall be determined in accordance with Chapter 3 of the California Building Code .

  • 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

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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 § 505.2 Medium relevance — show source text

    20|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |504|||X|†|†|†|||||X|X||X|X|||||||||| |505|||X||||||||X|X||X|X|||||||||| |505.2||||X|X|||||||||||||||||||| |506|||||||||||X|X||X|X|||||||||| |506.1 –506.1.1|X||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |506.1.2|||||||||||X|X||X|X|||||||||| |506.2 – 506.3|X||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |506.4|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |506.5_ Exception_|X|||||||||||||||||||||||| |506.6||||†|†|†|||||||||||||||||||

    The state agency does not adopt sections identified with 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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    5 PRESCRIPTIVE COMPLIANCE METHOD

    User notes:

    About this chapter: Chapter 5 provides details for the prescriptive compliance method—one of the three main options of compliance available in this code for buildings and structures undergoing alteration, addition or change of occupancy.

    SECTION 501—GENERAL

    501.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall control the alteration, addition and change of occupancy of existing buildings and structures, including historic buildings and structures, [BSC] including state-regulated structures in accordance with Section 501.1.2. Historic buildings and structures shall comply with Part 8, Title 24, C.C.R.

    Exceptions: 1. [HCD 2] For relocated or moved buildings and maintenance, alteration, repair, addition or change of occupancy to existing buildings and accessory structures in mobilehome parks or special occupancy parks as provided in Section 1.8.2.1.3. See California Code of Regulations, Title 25, Division 1, Chapters 2 and 2.2. 2. [HCD 1] Limited-density owner-built rural dwellings.

    [HCD 1] In addition to the requirements in this chapter, maintenance, alteration, repair, addition or change of occupancy to existing buildings and accessory structures under the authority of the Department of Housing and Community Development, as provided in Section 1.8.2.1.1, shall comply with California Code of Regulations, Title 25, Division 1, Chapter 1, Subchapter 1.

    501.1.1 Compliance with other methods. Alterations, additions and changes of occupancy to existing buildings and structures shall comply with the provisions of this chapter or with one of the methods provided in Section 301.3.

    501.1.2 Existing state-owned structures. [BSC] The provisions of Sections 317 through 322 establish minimum standards for earth- quake evaluation and design for retrofit of existing state-owned structures, including buildings owned by the University of California, the California State University and the Judicial Council.

  • CFC § 101.1 Medium relevance — show source text

    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 registered design professional, contractor and property owner.

    Section 104 was revised for the 2024 edition of the IEBC. For complete information, see the Relocations table in the Preface of this code.

    PART 1—SCOPE AND APPLICATION

    SECTION 101—SCOPE AND GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

    [A] 101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the Existing Building Code of [ NAME OF JURISDICTION ], herein-after referred to as “this code.”

    [A] 101.2 Scope. The provisions of this code shall apply to the repair, alteration, change of occupancy, addition to and relocation of existing buildings.

    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 or referenced.

    101.2.2 Application of fire code. Where work regulated by this code is also regulated by the construction requirements for existing buildings in Chapter 11 of the California Fire Code, such work shall comply with applicable requirements in both codes.

    [A] 101.3 Purpose. The intent of this code is to provide flexibility to permit the use of alternative approaches to achieve compliance with minimum requirements to provide a reasonable level of safety, health, property protection and general welfare insofar as they are affected by the repair, alteration, change of occupancy, addition and relocation of existing buildings.

    [A] 101.4 Applicability. This code shall apply to the repair, alteration, change of occupancy, addition and relocation of existing buildings, regardless of occupancy, subject to the criteria of Sections 101.4.1 and 101.4.2.

    [A] 101.4.1 Buildings not previously occupied. A building or portion of a building that has not been previously occupied or used for its intended purpose, in accordance with the laws in existence at the time of its completion, shall be permitted to comply with the provisions of the laws in existence at the time of its original permit unless such permit has expired. Subsequent permits shall comply with the California Building Code or California Residential Code, as applicable, for new construction.

    [A] 101.4.2 Buildings previously occupied. The legal occupancy of any building existing on the date of adoption of this code shall be permitted to continue without change, except as is specifically covered in this code, the California Fire Code, or the Inter- national Property Maintenance Code, or as is deemed necessary by the code official for the general safety and welfare of the occupants and the public.

    [A] 101.5 Safeguards during construction. Construction work covered in this code, including any related demolition, shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 15.

  • CFC § 803.11 Medium relevance — show source text

    Occupancy classification also plays a key part in the appropriate protection measures. As such, threshold requirements for fire protection and means of egress systems are based on occupancy classification (see Chapters 9 and 10). Other sections of the code also contain requirements respective to the classification of building groups. For example, Section 706 specifies requirements for fire wall fire-resistance ratings that are tied to the occupancy classification of a building and Section 803.11 contains interior finish requirements that are dependent upon the occupancy classification. The use of the space, rather than the occupancy of the building, is utilized for determining occupant loading (Section 1004) and live loading (Section 1607).

    Chapter 4 Special Detailed Requirements Based on Occupancy and Use.

    Chapter 4 contains the requirements for protecting special uses and occupancies which are supplemental to the remainder of the code. For example, the height and area limitations established in Chapter 5 apply to all special occupancies unless Chapter 4 contains height and area limitations. In this case, the limitations in Chapter 4 supersede those in other sections. An example of this is the height and area limitations for open parking garages given in Section 406.5.4, which supersede the limitations given in Sections 504 and 506.

    In some instances, it may not be necessary to apply the provisions of Chapter 4. For example, if a covered mall building complies with the provisions of the code for Group M, Section 402 does not apply; however, other sections that address a use, process or operation must be applied to that specific occupancy, such as stages and platforms, special amusement buildings and hazardous materials (Sections 410, 411 and 414).

    The chapter includes requirements for buildings and conditions that apply to one or more groups, such as high-rise buildings, underground buildings or atriums. Special uses may also imply specific occupancies and operations, such as for Group H, hazardous materials, and uses with associated combustibility hazards, which are coordinated with the CFC. Unique consideration is taken for special use areas, such as covered mall buildings, motor-vehicle-related occupancies, special amusement buildings and aircraftrelated occupancies. Special facilities within other occupancies are considered, such as stages and platforms, motion picture projection rooms, children’s play structures and storm shelters. Finally, in order that the overall package of protection features can be easily understood, unique considerations for specific occupancies are also addressed.

    Chapter 5 General Building Heights and Areas.

    Chapter 5 contains the provisions that regulate the minimum type of construction for area limits and height limits based on the occupancy of the building. Height and area increases are permitted based on open frontage for fire department access, separation and the type of sprinkler protection provided (Sections 503 through 506, 510). Provisions include the protection and/or separation of incidental uses (Table 509.1), accessory occupancies (Section 508.2) and mixed uses in the same building (Sections 506.2.2, 508.3, 508.4 and 510). Unlimited area buildings are permitted in certain occupancies when they meet special provisions (Section 507). Live/work units are provided for in Section 508.5.

    Tables 504.3, 504.4 and 506.2 are the keystones in setting thresholds for building size based on the building’s use and the materials with which it is constructed. Respective to each group classification, the greater the fire-resistance rating of structural elements, as represented by the type of construction, the greater the floor area and height allowances. The greater the potential fire hazards indicated as a function of the group, the lesser the height and area allowances for a particular construction type.

Frequently asked questions

When do the CFC appendices apply to a retrofit project?

Appendices are not automatically enforceable — they apply only when the authority having jurisdiction adopts them; see §101.2.1 for the adoption rule.

Which CFC chapters control retrofit requirements for special occupancies?

Retrofit triggers and retrofit mechanics for existing buildings are grouped in Chapter 11, while occupancy‑specific criteria are located in Appendix Chapter 4 and in the Part IV special‑occupancy chapters (Chs. 20–41) where applicable. Check §102 for applicability and the specific appendix sections (for example §435) for detailed criteria.

Where can I find a concrete example of an appendix retrofit provision?

Appendix Chapter 4 includes specific sections such as §435 (Special Provisions for licensed 24‑hour care facilities), which illustrate how the appendices set additional requirements for particular occupancies.

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