CFC · California Fire Code
Appendix K: retrofit guidance for ambulatory care facilities
If a clinic or outpatient care area may have four or more patients who cannot evacuate on their own, Appendix K (when adopted locally) requires that the ambulatory care area be separated by a fire partition and meet related retrofit minimums (smoke compartmenting, refuge area sizing, sprinkler and alarm triggers, chute protections and egress widths) to provide a basic, consistent level of fire and life safety per **§ K101.1** and **§ K102.1** .
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — 2-4 sentences
The Appendix applies to existing buildings that contain ambulatory care facilities and supplements Chapter 11; where there is a conflict the most restrictive provision applies (§ K101.1) . When there is a potential that four or more care recipients may be incapable of self‑preservation, the ambulatory care area must be separated from adjacent spaces by a fire partition installed per § 708 of the California Building Code (§ K102.1) . Appendix K then sets retrofit minimums (smoke compartmenting, refuge area size, sprinkler/alarm triggers, chute protection, egress and corridor widths) to achieve that minimum level of life‑safety protection (see the referenced K102 subsections) .
The single most important rule: if at any time four or more occupants could be made unable to self‑preserve (or staff accepts responsibility for someone already incapable), the ambulatory care space must be separated by a fire partition per § K102.1 and § K101.1 .
Requirements in detail
Scope & intent (plain language)
- § K101.1: Appendix K applies to existing buildings with ambulatory care facilities in addition to Chapter 11; when Appendix K conflicts with Chapter 11 or the original construction requirements, apply the most restrictive requirement .
- Intent: provide a minimum degree of fire and life safety for older ambulatory care facilities that do not meet current CBC minimums .
Separation trigger and basic requirement
- Trigger: potential for four or more care recipients to be incapable of self‑preservation (including when staff renders them incapable or accepts responsibility for someone already incapable) — § K102.1 .
- Action required: separate the ambulatory care facility from adjacent spaces/corridors/tenants with a fire partition constructed per CBC § 708 — § K102.1 .
Other key K102 requirements (decision‑relevant values)
| Decision dimension | Required value / limit | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|
| When a story requires smoke compartmenting | Aggregate ambulatory care area on one story > 10,000 sq ft (929 m²) | § K102.2 |
| Minimum number of smoke compartments on that story | Not fewer than 2 smoke compartments | § K102.2 |
| Max area per smoke compartment | 22,500 sq ft (2,092 m²) | § K102.2 |
| Max travel distance to a smoke‑barrier door | 200 ft (60,960 mm) | § K102.2 |
| Minimum refuge area per nonambulatory care recipient | 30 net sq ft (2.8 m²) located inside corridors/rooms within the smoke compartment and reachable without passing through other tenant spaces | § K102.2.1 |
| Opening protective rating in smoke barriers | Minimum 1/3 hour fire protection rating (opening protectives protected per CBC §716) | § K102.2.3 |
| Duct/air‑transfer penetrations in smoke barriers | Comply with CBC § 717 (existing openings without dampers permitted to remain) | § K102.2.6 |
| Automatic sprinkler requirement (Types IIB, IIIB, VB) | Full‑floor sprinklers where ≥4 care recipients rendered incapable or any such recipient is located other than the level of exit discharge; may extend to intervening floors per § K102.3.1 | § K102.3 / K102.3.1 |
| Automatic smoke detection / alarm | Electronically supervised automatic smoke detection inside the ambulatory facility and in public use areas outside tenant spaces (exceptions if building has full sprinkler system with notification tied to sprinkler flow) | § K102.4 |
| Waste & linen chute protection | Chute enclosures 1‑hour fire‑resistance; intake and discharge protections with specified ratings and sprinkling per § K102.5 series | § K102.5 — K102.5.5 |
| Corridor width for gurney traffic where patients are incapable of self‑preservation | Minimum 72 inches (1829 mm) | § K104.2 |
(Each of these items above is stated in Appendix K; see the cited K102 subsections for full context) .
How to interpret "incapable of self‑preservation"
- Appendix K uses the threshold concept: if care recipients may be rendered incapable of self‑preservation such that staff must perform evacuation actions, the separation and other protections in K102 apply (§ K102.1) .
- This is an occupancy‑condition trigger (not a fixed occupancy classification); document the staffing/patient capability scenario when seeking plan review or variances.
Exceptions & special cases
- Existing duct and air‑transfer openings in smoke barriers that lack smoke dampers are allowed to remain; but any changes to smoke dampers require review per CBC § 717 (§ K102.2.6) .
- Opening protectives: existing wired‑glass vision panels in doors may remain even though opening protectives otherwise must meet CBC §716 and a 1/3‑hour minimum (§ K102.2.3) .
- Appendix K is not mandatory unless adopted by the jurisdiction; the appendix is written to allow local adoption discretion and to be applied where authorities choose to require retrofit minimums (§ K101.1 and user notes) .
Common mistakes
- Treating Appendix K as automatic state law everywhere — Appendix K provisions are optional unless adopted by the jurisdiction; check local adoption status before designing or enforcing work per Appendix K (§ K101.1) .
- Applying the separation requirement when fewer than four potentially non‑self‑preserving recipients are present — the four‑person threshold is the trigger in § K102.1; document patient counts and staff responsibilities when evaluating applicability .
- Ignoring the travel distance to smoke‑barrier doors (200 ft) and smoke‑compartment maximum areas (22,500 sq ft) when planning barriers — these dimension limits are explicit in § K102.2 .
- Forgetting to evaluate corridor widths for gurney traffic; where patients are incapable of self‑preservation, 72‑inch minimum corridors are required (§ K104.2) .
- Assuming sprinklers are always required — sprinklers are required by the specific triggers in § K102.3 (construction type and location of non‑self‑preserving patients), not universally for all ambulatory care retrofits .
Worked example — concrete scenario
Scenario: A 1‑story outpatient surgical clinic occupies 12,000 sq ft on the ground floor of a Type IIIB building. At peak times staff perform short procedures and up to 5 patients at a time may be sedated (incapable of self‑preservation). The clinic has one public corridor system connecting exam/treatment rooms.
Step‑by‑step application:
- Applicability: Appendix K applies to existing ambulatory care facilities; when staff may render 4 or more patients incapable of self‑preservation, § K102.1 applies → separation required (fire partition per CBC §708) .
- Smoke compartments: Aggregate area is 12,000 sq ft, which is > 10,000 sq ft, so the story must be subdivided by smoke barriers into at least two smoke compartments; each smoke compartment must be ≤ 22,500 sq ft, and max travel to a smoke‑barrier door ≤ 200 ft (§ K102.2) .
- Sprinklers: Building construction is Type IIIB and 5 patients may be incapable; because this exceeds the 4‑person threshold, an automatic sprinkler system is required throughout the entire floor containing the ambulatory care facility per § K102.3.1 .
- Alarms: Provide electronically supervised automatic smoke detection within the facility and in public areas outside tenant spaces as required by § K102.4, unless the building is already fully sprinklered in the manner described in that section and the notification appliance design meets the exception conditions (§ K102.4) .
- Corridor width: If any patients will be transported on gurneys and are incapable of self‑preservation, ensure corridors serving those areas are ≥ 72 in. per § K104.2 .
Result: For this clinic, install a fire partition separating the ambulatory care suite from adjacent tenants, subdivide with smoke barriers into at least two compartments (observing max travel distance), provide full‑floor sprinklers (Type IIIB + ≥4 incapable patients), add supervised smoke detection/notification, and verify corridor widths meet the 72‑inch minimum.
Related provisions
- § K101.1 — Scope (Appendix K applicability and most‑restrictive rule)
- § K102.1 — Separation trigger and fire partition requirement (the controlling trigger)
- § K102.2 — Smoke compartments, refuge areas, opening protectives, penetrations, travel distances, and related limits
- § K102.3 / K102.3.1 / K102.3.2 — Automatic sprinkler system requirements and triggers (construction type and high‑rise rules)
- § K102.4 — Automatic smoke detection / alarm requirements and exception for fully sprinklered buildings
- § K102.5 — Waste and linen chute protection (enclosures, intakes, sprinkling, discharge rooms)
- § K103.1 – K103.4 — Incidental uses and separations (Table K103.1 lists typical incidental rooms and separation requirements)
- § K104.2 — Corridor and aisle width (72‑inch minimum for gurney traffic where patients incapable of self‑preservation are present)
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Fire Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
California Fire Code High relevance — show source text
G101 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX G-3
APPENDIX H HAZARDOUS MATERIALS MANAGEMENT
PLANS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INVENTORY
STATEMENTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX H-3
H1 Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX H-3 H2 Hazardous Materials Inventory Statements (HMIS). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX H-3
H3 Hazardous Materials Management Plan (HMMP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX H-3
H4 Maintenance of Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX H-4
APPENDIX I FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS—
NONCOMPLIANT CONDITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX I-3
I101 Noncompliant Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX I-3
I102 Referenced Standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX I-5
APPENDIX J BUILDING INFORMATION SIGN . . APPENDIX J-3
J101 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .APPENDIX J-3
J102 Referenced Standards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .APPENDIX J-5
APPENDIX K CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS FOR
EXISTING AMBULATORY CARE FACILITIES . . .APPENDIX K-3
K101 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX K-3
K102 Fire Safety Requirements for Existing Ambulatory Care Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX K-3 K103 Incidental Uses in Existing Ambulatory Care Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX K-4
K104 Means of Egress Requirements for Existing Ambulatory Care Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX K-5 K105 Referenced Standards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX K-6
APPENDIX L REQUIREMENTS FOR FIREFIGHTER
AIR REPLENISHMENT SYSTEMS. . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX L-3
L101 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .APPENDIX L-3
L102 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .APPENDIX L-3
California Fire Code High relevance — show source text
J101 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .APPENDIX J-3
J102 Referenced Standards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .APPENDIX J-5
APPENDIX K CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS FOR
EXISTING AMBULATORY CARE FACILITIES . . .APPENDIX K-3
K101 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX K-3
K102 Fire Safety Requirements for Existing Ambulatory Care Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX K-3 K103 Incidental Uses in Existing Ambulatory Care Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX K-4
K104 Means of Egress Requirements for Existing Ambulatory Care Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX K-5 K105 Referenced Standards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX K-6
APPENDIX L REQUIREMENTS FOR FIREFIGHTER
AIR REPLENISHMENT SYSTEMS. . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX L-3
L101 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .APPENDIX L-3
L102 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .APPENDIX L-3
L103 Permits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .APPENDIX L-3
L104 Design and Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .APPENDIX L-3
L105 Acceptance Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .APPENDIX L-5 L106 Inspection, Testing and Maintenance . . .APPENDIX L-5
L107 Referenced Standards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .APPENDIX L-5
APPENDIX M HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS—RETROACTIVE
AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER REQUIREMENT . . . APPENDIX M-3
M101 Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX M-3 M102 Where Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX M-3 M103 Compliance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX M-3
APPENDIX N INDOOR TRADE SHOWS AND
EXHIBITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .APPENDIX N-3
N101 General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX N-3
CFC § 2.6 High relevance — show source text
Exception: Approved existing materials and methods of construction.
2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE APPENDIX K-3
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
APPENDIX K—CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS FOR EXISTING AMBULATORY CARE FACILITIES
K102.2.6 Duct and air transfer openings. Penetrations in a smoke barrier by duct and air-transfer openings shall comply with Section 717 of the California Building Code .
Exception: Where existing duct and air-transfer openings in smoke barriers exist without smoke dampers, they shall be permitted to remain. Any changes to existing smoke dampers shall be submitted for review and approved in accordance with Section 717 of the California Building Code .
K102.2.7 Independent egress. A means of egress shall be provided from each smoke compartment created by smoke barriers without having to return through the smoke compartment from which means of egress originated.
K102.3 Automatic sprinkler system. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided in ambulatory care facilities where required by Sections K102.3.1 and K102.3.2.
K102.3.1 Types IIB, IIIB and VB construction. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout the entire floor containing an ambulatory care facility in Type IIB, IIIB and VB construction where either of the following conditions exist at any time:
- Four or more care recipients are rendered incapable of self-preservation.
- One or more care recipients that are rendered incapable of self-preservation are located at other than the level of exit discharge serving such a facility.
In buildings where ambulatory care is provided on levels other than the level of exit discharge, an automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout the entire floor where such care is provided, all floors below and all floors between the level of ambulatory care and the nearest level of exit discharge, including the level of exit discharge.
K102.3.2 High-rise buildings. In high-rise buildings containing ambulatory care facilities, an automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout the entire floor containing an ambulatory care facility where either of the following conditions exist at any time:
- Four or more care recipients are rendered incapable of self-preservation.
- One or more care recipients that are rendered incapable of self-preservation are located at other than the level of exit discharge serving such a facility.
In buildings where ambulatory care is provided on levels other than the level of exit discharge, an automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout the entire floor where such care is provided, all floors below and all floors between the level of ambulatory care and the nearest level of exit discharge, including the level of exit discharge.
K102.4 Automatic fire alarm system. Fire areas containing ambulatory care facilities shall be provided with an electronically supervised automatic smoke detection system installed within the ambulatory care facility and in public use areas outside of tenant spaces, including public corridors and elevator lobbies.
Exception: Buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, provided that the occupant notification appliances will activate throughout the notification zones upon sprinkler waterflow.
K102.5 Waste and linen chutes. In ambulatory care facilities, existing waste and linen chutes shall comply with Sections K102.5.1 through K102.5.5.
CFC § 2.1 High relevance — show source text
The smoke barrier shall be installed in accordance with Section 709 of the California Building Code with the exception that smoke barriers shall be continuous from an outside wall to an outside wall, a floor to a floor, or from a smoke barrier to a smoke barrier or a combination thereof.
K102.2.1 Refuge area. Not less than 30 net square feet (2.8 m [2] ) for each nonambulatory care recipient shall be provided within the aggregate area of corridors, care recipient rooms, treatment rooms, lounge or dining areas and other low-hazard areas within each smoke compartment. Each occupant of an ambulatory care facility shall be provided with access to a refuge area without passing through or utilizing adjacent tenant spaces.
K102.2.2 Smoke barriers. Smoke barriers shall be constructed in accordance with Sections 422 and 709 of the California Building Code .
Exceptions:
- Smoke barriers shall be permitted to terminate at an atrium enclosure in accordance with Section 404.6 of the Califor- nia Building Code .
- Smoke barriers shall be continuous from an outside wall to an outside wall, a floor to a floor, a smoke barrier to a smoke barrier or a combination thereof.
K102.2.3 Opening protectives. Openings in smoke barriers shall be protected in accordance with Section 716 of the California Building Code . Opening protectives shall have a minimum fire protection rating of [1] / 3 hour.
Exception: Existing wired glass vision panels in doors shall be permitted to remain.
K102.2.4 Penetrations. Penetrations of smoke barriers shall comply with the California Building Code .
Exception: Approved existing materials and methods of construction.
K102.2.5 Joints. Joints made in or between smoke barriers shall comply with the California Building Code .
Exception: Approved existing materials and methods of construction.
2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE APPENDIX K-3
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
APPENDIX K—CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS FOR EXISTING AMBULATORY CARE FACILITIES
K102.2.6 Duct and air transfer openings. Penetrations in a smoke barrier by duct and air-transfer openings shall comply with Section 717 of the California Building Code .
Exception: Where existing duct and air-transfer openings in smoke barriers exist without smoke dampers, they shall be permitted to remain. Any changes to existing smoke dampers shall be submitted for review and approved in accordance with Section 717 of the California Building Code .
K102.2.7 Independent egress. A means of egress shall be provided from each smoke compartment created by smoke barriers without having to return through the smoke compartment from which means of egress originated.
K102.3 Automatic sprinkler system. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided in ambulatory care facilities where required by Sections K102.3.1 and K102.3.2.
K102.3.1 Types IIB, IIIB and VB construction. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout the entire floor containing an ambulatory care facility in Type IIB, IIIB and VB construction where either of the following conditions exist at any time:
- Four or more care recipients are rendered incapable of self-preservation.
- One or more care recipients that are rendered incapable of self-preservation are located at other than the level of exit discharge serving such a facility.
CFC § 2.1 High relevance — show source text
ICC code development note: Code change proposals to this appendix will be considered by the IFC Code Development Committee during the 2024 (Group A) Code Development Cycle.
SECTION K101—GENERAL
K101.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall apply to existing buildings containing ambulatory care facilities in addition to the requirements of Chapter 11. Where the provisions of this chapter conflict with either the construction requirements in Chapter 11 or the construction requirements that applied at the time of construction, the most restrictive provision shall apply.
K101.2 Intent. The intent of this appendix is to provide a minimum degree of fire and life safety to persons occupying and existing buildings containing ambulatory care facilities where such buildings do not comply with the minimum requirements of the California Building Code .
SECTION K102—FIRE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR EXISTING AMBULATORY CARE FACILITIES
K102.1 Separation. Ambulatory care facilities where the potential exists for four or more care recipients to be incapable of self-preservation at any time, whether rendered incapable by staff or staff has accepted responsibility for a care recipient already incapable, shall be separated from adjacent spaces, corridors or tenants with a fire partition installed in accordance with Section 708 of the Cali- fornia Building Code .
K102.2 Smoke compartments. Where the aggregate area of one or more ambulatory care facilities is greater than 10,000 square feet (929 m [2] ) on one story, the story shall be provided with a smoke barrier to subdivide the story into not fewer than two smoke compartments. The area of any one such smoke compartment shall be not greater than 22,500 square feet (2092 m [2] ). The travel distance from any point in a smoke compartment to a smoke barrier door shall be not greater than 200 feet (60 960 mm). The smoke barrier shall be installed in accordance with Section 709 of the California Building Code with the exception that smoke barriers shall be continuous from an outside wall to an outside wall, a floor to a floor, or from a smoke barrier to a smoke barrier or a combination thereof.
K102.2.1 Refuge area. Not less than 30 net square feet (2.8 m [2] ) for each nonambulatory care recipient shall be provided within the aggregate area of corridors, care recipient rooms, treatment rooms, lounge or dining areas and other low-hazard areas within each smoke compartment. Each occupant of an ambulatory care facility shall be provided with access to a refuge area without passing through or utilizing adjacent tenant spaces.
K102.2.2 Smoke barriers. Smoke barriers shall be constructed in accordance with Sections 422 and 709 of the California Building Code .
Exceptions:
- Smoke barriers shall be permitted to terminate at an atrium enclosure in accordance with Section 404.6 of the Califor- nia Building Code .
- Smoke barriers shall be continuous from an outside wall to an outside wall, a floor to a floor, a smoke barrier to a smoke barrier or a combination thereof.
K102.2.3 Opening protectives. Openings in smoke barriers shall be protected in accordance with Section 716 of the California Building Code . Opening protectives shall have a minimum fire protection rating of [1] / 3 hour.
Exception: Existing wired glass vision panels in doors shall be permitted to remain.
K102.2.4 Penetrations. Penetrations of smoke barriers shall comply with the California Building Code .
Exception: Approved existing materials and methods of construction.
CFC § 407.5 High relevance — show source text
Appendix F Hazard Ranking
The information in Appendix F is intended to be a companion to the specific requirements of Chapters 51 through 67, which regulate the storage, handling and use of all hazardous materials classified as either physical or health hazards. This appendix lists the various hazardous materials categories that are defined in this code, along with the NFPA 704 hazard ranking for each.
xx 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
Appendix G Cryogenic Fluids—Weight and Volume Equivalents
Appendix G gives the fire code official and design professional a ready reference tool for the conversion of the liquid weight and volume of cryogenic fluid to their corresponding volume of gas and vice versa and is a companion to the provisions of Chapter 55 of this code. Note that this appendix is for information purposes and is not intended for adoption.
Appendix H Hazardous Materials Management Plan (HMMP) and Hazardous Materials Inventory Statement (HMIS) Instructions
Appendix H is intended to assist businesses in establishing a Hazardous Materials Management Plan (HMMP) and Hazardous Materials Inventory Statement (HMIS) based on the classification and quantities of materials that would be found on-site, in storage or in use. The sample forms and available Safety Data Sheets (SDS) provide the basis for the evaluations. It is also a companion to CFC Sections 407.5 and 407.6, which provide the requirement that the HMIS and HMMP be submitted when required by the fire code official.
Appendix I Fire Protection Systems—Noncompliant Conditions
The purpose of Appendix I, which was developed by the ICC Hazard Abatement in Existing Buildings Committee, is to provide the fire code official with a list of conditions that are readily identifiable by the inspector during the course of an inspection utilizing the CFC. The specific conditions identified in this appendix are primarily derived from applicable NFPA standards and pose a hazard to the proper operation of the respective systems.
Appendix J Building Information Sign
Appendix J provides design, installation and maintenance requirements for a Building Information Sign (BIS), a fire service tool to be utilized in the crucial, initial response of firefighters to a structure fire. The BIS placard, which is in the shape of a fire service Maltese Cross, is designed to be utilized within the initial response time frame of an incident to assist firefighters in their tactical assessment of the construction type and hourly rating, fire protection systems, occupancy type, content hazards and special features that could affect tactical decisions and operations.
Appendix K Construction Requirements for Existing Ambulatory Care Facilities
Appendix K was created by the ICC Ad Hoc Committee on Healthcare (AHC) and is intended to provide jurisdictions with an option for assessing minimum fire and life safety requirements for buildings containing ambulatory care facilities. These requirements are presented as an appendix so that the adopting authority can exercise judgment in the adoption and application of this section since the ambulatory care facility requirements are fairly new to the codes. The technical requirements are based on the CBC language, which is consistent with the overall concept of the current federal requirements.
Appendix L Requirements for Firefighter Air Replenishment Systems
Appendix L provides for the design, installation and maintenance of permanently installed firefighter breathing air systems in buildings designated by the jurisdiction. The system has been called a “standpipe for air” and consists of stainless steel, high-pressure piping that is supplied by on-site air storage or fire department air supply units. Air-filling stations are then located throughout the building, allowing firefighters to refill breathing air cylinders inside the fire building.
CFC § K101 High relevance — show source text
- The California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 19, Division 1 provisions that are found in the California Fire Code are a reprint from the current CCR, Title 19, Division 1 text for the code user’s convenience only. The scope, applicability and appeals procedures of CCR, Title 19, Division I remain the same.
2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE APPENDIX K-1
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
APPENDIX K-2 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
K CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS FOR EXISTING
AMBULATORY CARE FACILITIES
The provisions contained in this appendix are not mandatory unless specifically referenced in the adopting ordinance or legislation of the jurisdiction.
User notes:
About this appendix: Appendix K was created with the intent to provide jurisdictions with an option for assessing minimum fire and life safety requirements for buildings containing ambulatory care facilities. While this appendix is written with the intent to apply retroactive minimum standards, it is recognized that the ambulatory care requirements are relatively recent additions to the California Building Code . For that reason, these requirements are presented as an appendix so that the adopting authority can exercise judgment in the adoption and application of this section. This appendix would also be useful for those local and state jurisdictions that are specifically focused on ensuring the safety of existing ambulatory care facilities by providing minimum criteria that could be used to bring older facilities into compliance with the current standards at the discretion of the adopting jurisdiction. The technical requirements are based on the current California Building Code language, which is consistent with the overall concept of the current federal requirements.
ICC code development note: Code change proposals to this appendix will be considered by the IFC Code Development Committee during the 2024 (Group A) Code Development Cycle.
SECTION K101—GENERAL
K101.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall apply to existing buildings containing ambulatory care facilities in addition to the requirements of Chapter 11. Where the provisions of this chapter conflict with either the construction requirements in Chapter 11 or the construction requirements that applied at the time of construction, the most restrictive provision shall apply.
K101.2 Intent. The intent of this appendix is to provide a minimum degree of fire and life safety to persons occupying and existing buildings containing ambulatory care facilities where such buildings do not comply with the minimum requirements of the California Building Code .
SECTION K102—FIRE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR EXISTING AMBULATORY CARE FACILITIES
K102.1 Separation. Ambulatory care facilities where the potential exists for four or more care recipients to be incapable of self-preservation at any time, whether rendered incapable by staff or staff has accepted responsibility for a care recipient already incapable, shall be separated from adjacent spaces, corridors or tenants with a fire partition installed in accordance with Section 708 of the Cali- fornia Building Code .
K102.2 Smoke compartments. Where the aggregate area of one or more ambulatory care facilities is greater than 10,000 square feet (929 m [2] ) on one story, the story shall be provided with a smoke barrier to subdivide the story into not fewer than two smoke compartments. The area of any one such smoke compartment shall be not greater than 22,500 square feet (2092 m [2] ).
CFC § 3.1 High relevance — show source text
2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE APPENDIX K-5
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
APPENDIX K—CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS FOR EXISTING AMBULATORY CARE FACILITIES
K104.3 Existing elevators. Existing elevators, escalators, dumbwaiters and moving walks shall comply with the requirements of Sections K104.3.1 and K104.3.2.
K104.3.1 Elevators, escalators, dumbwaiters and moving walks. Existing elevators, escalators, dumbwaiters and moving walks in ambulatory care facilities required to be separated by Section 422 of the California Building Code shall comply with Cali- fornia Code of Regulations, Title 8, Division 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter 6, Elevator Safety Orders.
K104.3.2 Elevator emergency operation. Existing elevators with a travel distance of 25 feet (7620 mm) or more above or below the main floor or other level of a building and intended to serve the needs of emergency personnel for firefighting or rescue purposes shall be provided with emergency operation in accordance with California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Division 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter 6, Elevator Safety Orders.
SECTION K105—REFERENCED STANDARDS
K105.1 General. See Table K105.1 for standards that are referenced in various sections of this appendix. Standards are listed by the standard identification with the effective date, standard title, and the section or sections of this appendix that reference the standard.
TABLE K105.1—REFERENCED STANDARDS Col2 Col3 STANDARD ACRONYM STANDARD NAME SECTIONS HEREIN REFERENCED CBC—25 California Building Code K101.2, K102.1, K102.2, K102.2.2, K102.2.3,
K102.2.4, K102.2.5, K102.2.6, K102.5.1,
K102.5.2.1, K102.5.2.2, K102.5.4, K102.5.5,
K103.1, K103.2, K103.4.1, K103.4.2, K104.3.1ASME A17.3—2023 California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Division 1,
Chapter 4, Subchapter 6, Elevator Safety OrdersK104.3.1, K104.3.2 APPENDIX K-6 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE
APPENDIX L – REQUIREMENTS FOR FIREFIGHTER AIR REPLENISHMENT SYSTEMS
(Matrix Adoption Tables are nonregulatory, intended only as an aid to the code user. See Chapter 1 for state agency authority and building applications.)
(Not adopted by the State Fire Marshal)
CWUIC § 202 High relevance — show source text
Appendix J Building Information Sign
Appendix J provides design, installation and maintenance requirements for a Building Information Sign (BIS), a fire service tool to be utilized in the crucial, initial response of firefighters to a structure fire. The BIS placard, which is in the shape of a fire service Maltese Cross, is designed to be utilized within the initial response time frame of an incident to assist firefighters in their tactical assessment of the construction type and hourly rating, fire protection systems, occupancy type, content hazards and special features that could affect tactical decisions and operations.
Appendix K Construction Requirements for Existing Ambulatory Care Facilities
Appendix K was created by the ICC Ad Hoc Committee on Healthcare (AHC) and is intended to provide jurisdictions with an option for assessing minimum fire and life safety requirements for buildings containing ambulatory care facilities. These requirements are presented as an appendix so that the adopting authority can exercise judgment in the adoption and application of this section since the ambulatory care facility requirements are fairly new to the codes. The technical requirements are based on the CBC language, which is consistent with the overall concept of the current federal requirements.
Appendix L Requirements for Firefighter Air Replenishment Systems
Appendix L provides for the design, installation and maintenance of permanently installed firefighter breathing air systems in buildings designated by the jurisdiction. The system has been called a “standpipe for air” and consists of stainless steel, high-pressure piping that is supplied by on-site air storage or fire department air supply units. Air-filling stations are then located throughout the building, allowing firefighters to refill breathing air cylinders inside the fire building.
Appendix M High-Rise Buildings—Retroactive Automatic Sprinkler Requirement
Appendix M was created with the intent to provide an option for adoption by jurisdictions that choose to require existing high-rise buildings to be retrofitted with automatic sprinklers.
Appendix N Indoor Trade Shows and Exhibitions
Appendix N was created to address the hazards associated with larger, more complex trade shows and exhibitions. Although many of these requirements are already included in various locations in this code, some of the more important items, such as requirements for covered booths and multiple-story booths, are not. The intent is to have the requirements covering these events in a single location. This assists those organizing exhibitions and individual exhibitors unfamiliar with the fire code.
Appendix O Valet Trash and Recycling Collection in Group R-2 Occupancies
Appendix O provides requirements to facilitate the enforcement of safety requirements for valet trash and recycling collection services in Group R-2 occupancies. These collection services are formally defined in Section 202 as “ Valet Trash Collection,” which includes recycling. Occupants receiving this service place trash and recyclables in the corridor outside of their residence for pickup by a collection service on a regularly scheduled basis in accordance with restrictions, as prescribed by this appendix.
Appendix P Temporary Haunted Houses, Ghost Walks and Similar Amusement Uses
These regulations shall apply to temporary haunted houses, ghost walks or similar amusement uses, where decorative materials and confusing sounds and/or visual effects are present and shall be in accordance with this appendix.
2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE xxi
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
Appendix Q Community Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Fire Hazard Evaluation Framework
Appendix Q is meant to be a tool to enable communities to collect, assemble and represent the associated risks within the Wildland- _Urban Interface (WUI) fire area.
CFC § 5.1 High relevance — show source text
K102.5 Waste and linen chutes. In ambulatory care facilities, existing waste and linen chutes shall comply with Sections K102.5.1 through K102.5.5.
K102.5.1 Enclosures. Chutes shall be enclosed with 1- hour fire-resistance-rated construction. Opening protectives shall be in accordance with Section 716 of the California Building Code and have a fire protection rating of not less than 1 hour.
K102.5.2 Chute intakes. Chute intakes shall comply with Section K102.5.2.1 or K102.5.2.2.
K102.5.2.1 Chute intake direct from corridor. Where intake to chutes is direct from a corridor, the intake opening shall be equipped with a chute-intake door in accordance with Section 716 of the California Building Code and have a fire protection rating of not less than 1 hour.
K102.5.2.2 Chute intake via a chute-intake room. Where the intake to chutes is accessed through a chute-intake room, the room shall be enclosed with 1-hour fire-resistance-rated construction. Opening protectives for the intake room shall be in accordance with Section 716 of the California Building Code and have a fire protection rating of not less than [3] / 4 hour. Opening protectives for the chute enclosure shall be in accordance with Section K102.5.1.
K102.5.3 Automatic sprinkler system. Chutes shall be equipped with an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.2.11.2.
K102.5.4 Chute discharge rooms. Chutes shall terminate in a dedicated chute discharge room. Such rooms shall be separated from the remainder of the building by not less than 1-hour fire-resistance-rated construction. Opening protectives shall be in accordance with Section 716 of the California Building Code and have a fire protection rating of not less than 1 hour.
K102.5.5 Chute discharge protection. Chute discharges shall be equipped with a self-closing or automatic-closing opening protective in accordance with Section 716 of the California Building Code and have a fire protection rating of not less than 1 hour.
SECTION K103—INCIDENTAL USES IN EXISTING AMBULATORY CARE FACILITIES
K103.1 General. Incidental uses associated with and located within existing ambulatory care facilities required to be separated by Section 422 in the California Building Code, and that generally pose a greater level of risk to such occupancies, shall comply with the
APPENDIX K-4 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
APPENDIX K—CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS FOR EXISTING AMBULATORY CARE FACILITIES
provisions of Sections K103.2 through K103.4.2.1. Incidental uses in ambulatory care facilities required to be separated by Section 422 of the California Building Code are limited to those listed in Table K103.1.
TABLE K103.1—INCIDENTAL USES IN EXISTING AMBULATORY CARE FACILITIES Col2 ROOM OR AREA SEPARATION AND/OR PROTECTION Furnace room where any piece of equipment is over 400, CFC § 2-1 Medium relevance — show source text
II, III_|BSE-R, S-3, N-C|BSE-C, S-5, N-D| |State-Owned [BSC]|IV|BSE-R, S-1, N-B|BSE-C, S-3, N-D| |Division of the State Architect - [DSA-SS]|I|BSE-1N, S-3, N-B|BSE-2N, S-5, N-D| |Division of the State Architect - [DSA-SS]|II, III|BSE-1N, S-2, N-B|BSE-2N, S-4, N-D| |Division of the State Architect - [DSA-SS] 4|IV|BSE-1N, S-1, N-A|BSE-2N, S-3, N-D| |Division of the State Architect - [DSA-SS/CC]|I, II|BSE-1E, S-3, N-C|BSE-2N, S-5, N-D| |Division of the State Architect - [DSA-SS/CC]|III|BSE-1E, S-3, N-B|BSE-2N, S-5, N-D| |Division of the State Architect - [DSA-SS/CC]|IV|BSE-1E, S-1, N-B|BSE-2N, S-3, N-D| |1. ASCE 41 provides acceptance criteria (e.g., m-factor, rotation) for Immediate Occupancy (S1), Life Safety (S3) and Collapse Prevention (S5), and specifies in Table 2-1 the method
to interpolate values for S-2 and S-4. When evaluating for the Hazards Reduced Nonstructural Performance Level, the requirements need not be greater than what would be
required by ASCE 7 nonstructural provisions for new construction.
2. Buildings evaluated and retrofitted to meet the structural and nonstructural requirements for a new building as given in the California Building Code as adopted by DSA or BSC, as
applicable, are deemed to meet the seismic performance requirements of this section.
3. Buildings complying with the requirements of the exception in Section 319.1 are deemed to meet the seismic performance requirements of this section.
4. State-owned and state-leased essential services buildings are subject to the regulatory authority of DSA-SS per Section 1.9.2.1.|1. ASCE 41 provides acceptance criteria (e.g., m-factor, rotation) for Immediate Occupancy (S1), Life Safety (S3) and Collapse Prevention (S5), and specifies in Table 2-1 the method
to interpolate values for S-2 and S-4. When evaluating for the Hazards Reduced Nonstructural Performance Level, the requirements need not be greater than what would be
required by ASCE 7 nonstructural provisions for new construction.
2. Buildings evaluated and retrofitted to meet the structural and nonstructural requirements for a new building as given in the California Building Code as adopted by DSA or BSC, as
applicable, are deemed to meet the seismic performance requirements of this section.
3. Buildings complying with the requirements of the exception in Section 319.1 are deemed to meet the seismic performance requirements of this section.
_4.CFC § J102 Medium relevance — show source text
to:
- Impact-resistant drywall.
- Impact-resistant glazing, such as blast or hurricane-type glass.
- All types of roof and floor structural members including but not limited to post-tension concrete, bar joists, solid wood joists, rafters, trusses, cold-formed galvanized steel, I-joists and I-beams; green roof with vegetation, soil and plants.
- Hazardous materials (such as explosives, chemicals, plastics).
- Solar panels and DC electrical energy.
- HVAC system; and smoke management system for pressurization and exhaust methods.
- Other unique characteristic(s) within the building that are ranked according to a potential risk to occupants and firefighters.
J101.8 Sign classification maintenance, building information. Sign maintenance shall comply with each of the following:
- Fire departments in the jurisdiction shall define the designations to be placed within the sign.
- Fire departments in the jurisdiction shall conduct annual inspections to verify compliance with this section of the code and shall notify the owner, or the owner’s agent, of any required updates to the sign in accordance with fire department designations and the owner, or the owner’s agent, shall comply within 30 days.
- The owner of a building shall be responsible for the maintenance and updates to the sign in accordance with fire department designations.
J101.9 Training. Jurisdictions shall train fire department personnel on Sections J101.1 through J101.8.
SECTION J102—REFERENCED STANDARDS
J102.1 General. See Table J102.1 for standards that are referenced in various sections of this appendix. Standards are listed by the standard identification with the effective date, standard title, and the section or sections of this appendix that reference the standard.
TABLE J102.1—REFERENCED STANDARDS Col2 Col3 STANDARD ACRONYM STANDARD NAME SECTIONS HEREIN REFERENCED CBC—25 California Building Code J101.3, J101.5 NFPA 13—22 Installation of Sprinkler Systems J101.6 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE APPENDIX J-5
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
APPENDIX J-6 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE
APPENDIX K – CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS FOR EXISTING AMBULATORY CARE FACILITIES
(Matrix Adoption Tables are nonregulatory, intended only as an aid to the code user. See Chapter 1 for state agency authority and building applications.)
(Not adopted by the State Fire Marshal)
Frequently asked questions
When does Appendix K apply to an existing outpatient clinic?
Appendix K applies when your jurisdiction has adopted it; where adopted it applies to existing buildings with ambulatory care facilities and supplements Chapter 11 — see § K101.1 .
What is the exact trigger that forces separation by a fire partition?
The trigger is the potential for four or more care recipients to be incapable of self‑preservation at any time (including if staff renders them incapable or accepts responsibility) — see § K102.1 .
If my ambulatory clinic is 8,000 sq ft, do I need smoke compartments?
Not by the 10,000 sq ft threshold alone — § K102.2 requires smoke barriers only where the aggregate ambulatory area on one story is greater than 10,000 sq ft . Other triggers (patient incapacity, sprinklers, local amendments) could still require work.
Are sprinklers always required for ambulatory care retrofits?
No. Sprinklers are required under specific conditions (construction types and patient location relative to exit discharge and the ≥4‑person trigger) per § K102.3 and § K102.3.1 .
Can existing ducts that penetrate smoke barriers remain if they lack dampers?
Yes — existing duct and air‑transfer openings in smoke barriers without dampers are permitted to remain, but any changes to smoke dampers must be reviewed per CBC §717 and Appendix K § K102.2.6 .
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