CFC · California Fire Code

How do fire walls, fire barriers and fire partitions differ and where are their maintenance rules?

The CFC requires owners to preserve the fire‑resistance and smoke‑resistant performance of fire walls, fire barriers and fire partitions: keep an inventory, visually inspect annually, maintain door/penetration/joint protection to NFPA standards, and repair breaches with rated systems so the assembly’s original rating is restored.

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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

What the code requires — 2–4 sentences

The California Fire Code (CFC) requires that the fire‑resistance rating of structural members, exterior walls, fire walls, fire barriers, and fire partitions be preserved for the life of the building — the owner must inspect and maintain those features so their required ratings and smoke‑resisting characteristics are not degraded (§ 701.2, § 701.3, § 701.4). Annual visual inspection by the owner and repair with materials/systems meeting the original code requirement (or better) are required; repairs and maintenance of penetrations, joints and opening protectives must follow the procedures in the referenced sections (§ 701.6, § 703, § 704, § 705).

Maintain the required fire‑resistance rating and the operability of door/window/penetration protection — these are passive fire‑protection features the owner must inventory, inspect annually, and repair so they meet the original rated performance.

Requirements in detail

Short definitions and where to look for the built‑in requirements

  • Fire wall — a wall that extends continuously from foundation to roof and is constructed to resist collapse and to separate buildings or major building areas. (Detailed construction and rating triggers are in the California Building Code (CBC) provisions referenced by the CFC; CBC §§706–708 contain the prescriptive construction/rating details.)
  • Fire barrier — a wall assembly that divides a building into separate fire areas and has a required fire‑resistance rating (varies by application). See CBC §707 for required ratings/locations.
  • Fire partition — a partition (wall) intended primarily to subdivide interior spaces; may have lower or no fire‑resistance rating depending on use. See CBC §708 for where fire partitions are required and their construction.

Note: The CFC Chapter 7 focuses on maintaining the rated performance of these assemblies; the CBC contains the construction and rating triggers. The CFC directs owners to maintain ratings and protective elements and points to specific maintenance rules in Chapters/Sections named below.

What the CFC tells owners to maintain (decision‑relevant dimensions)

Assembly / feature What CFC requires the owner to maintain Typical maintenance standard / action Code reference
Fire walls, fire barriers, fire partitions Preserve the fire‑resistance rating and repair when damaged, altered, breached or penetrated Visual inventory and annual visual inspection by the owner; repair/restore/replace with materials/systems meeting the code applicable when constructed or better § 701.2, § 701.6, § 701.6.1.
Openings (doors, windows) in rated walls Keep opening protectives in working order; do not block or modify Inspect and maintain per NFPA 80 (fire doors); NFPA 105 for smoke/smoke‑and‑draft control doors; replace fused links when fused § 705.2, § 705.2.6, § 705.2.7.
Penetrations / sleeves / firestops Maintain penetration firestopping so the assembly retains its rating Repair/restore penetrations with systems that meet or exceed the original code requirement; through‑ and membrane‑penetrations must be protected as tested (ASTM E119 / UL 263 and testing standards referenced) § 703.2, § 703.2.1.
Joints and voids at intersections Keep joint protection and void seals intact and securely attached Replace damaged joint/void protection with materials/systems meeting original listing and manufacturer’s instructions; maintain continuity of seals § 704.1, § 704.2.
Ducts and air transfer openings through rated walls Maintain protection of ducts / air transfer openings so smoke/fire resistance is preserved Follow the specific duct/air‑transfer opening requirements and maintain any automatic or self‑closing devices used to protect openings § 706 (Duct and air transfer openings maintenance).

(References above are the CFC maintenance requirements; for the specific required ratings and construction methods that determine whether a wall is a fire wall, fire barrier or fire partition and what rating it must have, consult the CBC §§706–708.)

Inspection, testing, and documentation highlights

  • Owners must keep an inventory of all required fire‑resistance‑rated construction and visually inspect it annually; concealed elements are exempt from routine visual inspection unless accessible without destructive removal (§ 701.6).
  • Opening protectives (fire doors, rolling/vertical doors, smoke doors) must be inspected and maintained to NFPA standards — rolling/vertical doors require annual testing and records of inspection/testing must be kept (§ 705.2.6, § 705.2.7).
  • Repairs to penetrations, joints, and opening protectives must restore the assembly to meet the original code under which it was constructed, remodeled, or altered (or better) (§ 703.2, § 704.2).

Exceptions & special cases

  • Concealed elements: the owner is not required to visually inspect concealed rated elements unless the space is accessible by removal or movement of an access panel, ceiling tile, etc. (exception to annual visual inspection) (§ 701.6).
  • Fusible links and existing devices: existing fusible‑link closing devices are permitted if the fusible link rating does not exceed 135°F (57°C); smoke‑activated/hold‑open doors are permitted only where code allows and must close on smoke detection (§ 704.3, § 705.2.5).
  • Repair standard: where damaged, materials used to protect penetrations, joints, or openings shall meet or exceed the requirements applicable at the time the assembly was constructed, remodeled or altered — do not substitute non‑rated patching materials that reduce rating (§ 703.2, § 704.2).
  • Smoke barriers and smoke partitions: the CFC separately requires maintenance of smoke‑resistant characteristics; smoke barriers have a 1‑hour fire‑resistance requirement in the CBC, and special maintenance/closing requirements apply to their doors — consult CBC §709 and CFC §705 for door maintenance rules.

Common mistakes

  • Blocking or wedging fire doors open (code forbids blocking doors that are designed to be closed) — §705 requires doors not be blocked or obstructed, and signage may be required.
  • Using non‑rated caulk/patches for penetrations or joints so the assembly no longer meets its tested system — repairs must restore the assembly rating per § 703.2 and § 704.2.
  • Not keeping inspection/testing records — CFC mandates recordkeeping for required system inspections, testing, repairs and maintenance per § 701.6.1 (and cross‑reference § 110.3 for recordkeeping).
  • Assuming a visual look is sufficient for concealed penetrations — concealed assemblies need not be inspected visually unless accessible, but penetrations discovered or opened must be repaired to rating (§ 701.6, § 703.2).
  • Relying on field‑applied labels without approval — labeling of opening protectives and field‑applied labels must follow approved procedures and the listing organization criteria (§ 705.2.1).

Worked example — tenant modification of a rated wall (concrete scenario)

Scenario: A landlord has a separation wall between two tenant spaces that, per the building’s construction documents, is a 1‑hour fire barrier. A tenant installs a new 4‑inch metallic pipe through the wall.

Step 1 — Inventory & inspection: The owner’s annual visual inspection (required by § 701.6) detects the new penetration.
Step 2 — Repair standard: The penetration must be restored so the wall’s 1‑hour rating is preserved. The CFC requires that penetration protection be replaced or restored with materials/systems that meet or exceed the code in force when constructed/remodeled — do not use generic non‑rated filler (§ 703.2).
Step 3 — Acceptable solution: Install a listed through‑penetration firestop system tested to the applicable standard (per the tested assembly and listing) with an F rating at least equal to the wall rating. Ensure the installer follows the listing/manufacturer instructions and document the repair. (CFC points to the testing/repair requirement in § 703.2 and maintenance of penetrations/openings in § 704 and § 705.)
Step 4 — Documentation: Update the inventory and maintenance records and retain inspection/test/repair records as required by § 701.6.1 and § 110.3.

Related provisions (quick reference)

  • § 701.2 — Fire‑resistance‑rated construction shall be maintained (lists assemblies to maintain).
  • § 701.5 — Materials/systems used to repair/protect breaches/openings shall be maintained in accordance with Sections 703–707.
  • § 701.6 & § 701.6.1 — Owner’s responsibility, annual visual inspection, inventory and recordkeeping.
  • § 703 — How fire‑resistance ratings are determined and rule that repairs must meet the applicable code (testing references such as ASTM E119 / UL 263).
  • § 704 — Maintenance of joints, voids and opening protectives (including requirement that opening protectives be self‑closing or smoke‑activated).
  • § 705 — Inspection and maintenance of door and window opening protectives; NFPA 80/NFPA 105 references; testing frequency for doors.
  • § 706 — Duct and air transfer opening protection and maintenance (CFC maintenance rules for HVAC penetrations/openings).
  • CBC §§ 706–708 — Prescriptive construction and required fire‑resistance ratings for fire walls, fire barriers, and fire partitions (consult these CBC provisions to know when a wall is a wall, barrier or partition and what rating is required).

Code references

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

  • CFC § 1.11. High relevance — show source text
    • The California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 19, Division 1 provisions that are found in the California Fire Code are a reprint from the current CCR, Title 19, Division 1 text for the code user’s convenience only. The scope, applicability and appeals procedures of CCR, Title 19, Division I remain the same. The state agency does not adopt sections identified by the following symbol: The Office of the State Fire Marshal’s adoption of this chapter or individual sections is applicable to structures regulated by other state agencies pursuant to Section 1.11.

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    7 FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES

    User notes:

    About this chapter: Chapter 7 provides requirements to maintain the fire-resistance ratings of building elements and to limit fire spread. Section 701 addresses the maintenance of and owner’s responsibility for construction elements such as fire barriers and smoke barriers. The rest of the chapter deals with various aspects that also must be maintained to achieve overall fire resistance of the main fire- and smoke-resistive features. These include penetrations, joint protection, door and window openings, and duct and air transfer opening protection.

    SECTION 701—GENERAL

    701.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall govern the inspection and maintenance of the materials, systems and assemblies used for structural fire resistance, fire-resistance-rated construction separation of adjacent spaces and construction installed to resist the passage of smoke to safeguard against the spread of fire and smoke within a building and the spread of fire to or from buildings. New buildings shall comply with the California Building Code.

    701.2 Fire-resistance-rated construction. The fire-resistance rating of the following fire-resistance-rated construction shall be maintained:

    1. Structural members.

    2. Exterior walls.

    3. Fire walls, fire barriers, fire partitions.

    4. Horizontal assemblies.

    5. Shaft enclosures.

    701.2.1 Hanging displays. The hanging and displaying of salable goods and other decorative materials from acoustical ceiling systems that are part of a fire-resistance-rated horizontal assembly shall be prohibited.

    701.3 Smoke barriers. The fire-resistance rating and smoke-resistant characteristics of smoke barriers shall be maintained.

    701.4 Smoke partitions. The smoke-resistant characteristics of smoke partitions shall be maintained.

    701.5 Maintaining protection. Materials, systems and devices used to repair or protect breaches and openings in fire-resistance-rated construction and construction installed to resist the passage of smoke shall be maintained in accordance with Sections 703 through 707.

    701.6 Owner’s responsibility. The owner shall maintain an inventory of all required fire-resistance-rated construction, construction installed to resist the passage of smoke and the construction included in Sections 703 through 707 and Sections 602.4.1 and 602.4.2 of the California Building Code . Such construction shall be visually inspected by the owner annually and properly repaired, restored or replaced where damaged, altered, breached or penetrated. Where concealed, such elements shall not be required to be visually inspected by the owner unless the concealed space is accessible by the removal or movement of a panel, access door, ceiling tile or similar movable entry to the space.

  • CFC § 701 High relevance — show source text

    Chapter 7 Fire and Smoke Protection Features

    The maintenance of assemblies required to be fire-resistance rated is a key component in a passive fire protection philosophy. Chapter 7 sets forth requirements to maintain required fire-resistance ratings of building elements and limit fire spread. Section 701 addresses the basics of what construction elements such as fire barriers and smoke barriers need to be maintained as well as defining the owner’s responsibility. Sections 703 through 708, deals with various fire and smoke protection features that must also be maintained.

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    Chapter 8 Interior Finish, Decorative Materials and Furnishings

    The overall purpose of Chapter 8 is to regulate interior finishes, decorative materials and furnishings in new and existing buildings so that they do not significantly add to or create fire hazards within buildings. This chapter is consistent with Chapter 8 of the CBC, which regulates the interior finishes of new buildings.

    Chapter 9 Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems

    Chapter 9 prescribes the minimum requirements for active systems of fire protection equipment to perform the following functions: detect a fire, alert the occupants or fire department of a fire emergency, and control smoke and control or extinguish the fire. Generally, the requirements are based on the occupancy, the height and the area of the building because these are the factors that most affect firefighting capabilities and the relative hazard of a specific building or portion thereof. This chapter parallels and is substantially duplicated in Chapter 9 of the CBC; however, this chapter also contains periodic testing criteria that are not contained in the CBC. In addition, the special fire protection system requirements based on use and occupancy found in CBC Chapter 4 are duplicated in CFC Chapter 9 as a user convenience.

    Chapter 10 Means of Egress

    The criteria in Chapter 10 regulating the design of the means of egress system are established as the primary method for protection of occupants by allowing timely relocation or evacuation. Both prescriptive and performance language is utilized for determination of a safe exiting system. It addresses all portions of the means of egress system (i.e., exit access, exits and exit discharge) and includes design requirements as well as provisions regulating individual components. The requirements detail the size, arrangement, number and protection of means of egress components. The means of egress protection requirements work in coordination with other sections of the code, such as protection of vertical openings (see Chapter 7 of the CBC), interior finish (see Chapter 8 of the CBC), fire suppression and detection systems (see Chapter 9) and numerous others, all having an impact on life safety. Chapter 10 of the CBC is duplicated in Chapter 10 of the CFC; however, the CFC contains one additional section on the maintenance of the means of egress system in existing buildings.

    Chapter 11 Construction Requirements for Existing Buildings

    Chapter 11 applies to existing buildings constructed prior to the adoption of the code and intends to provide a minimum degree of fire and life safety to persons occupying existing buildings by providing for retroactive requirements to install or upgrade fire safety features to such buildings that do not comply with the minimum requirements of the CBC. Prior to the 2009 edition, its content existed in the CFC but in a random manner that was neither efficient nor user-friendly. In the 2007/2008 International Code Council (ICC) code development cycle, a code change (F294-07/ 08) was approved that consolidated the retroactive elements of CFC into a single chapter for easier and more efficient reference and application to existing buildings.

    Chapter 12 Energy Systems

  • CFC § 701.2 High relevance — show source text

    701.2 Fire-resistance-rated construction. The fire-resistance rating of the following fire-resistance-rated construction shall be maintained:

    1. Structural members.

    2. Exterior walls.

    3. Fire walls, fire barriers, fire partitions.

    4. Horizontal assemblies.

    5. Shaft enclosures.

    701.2.1 Hanging displays. The hanging and displaying of salable goods and other decorative materials from acoustical ceiling systems that are part of a fire-resistance-rated horizontal assembly shall be prohibited.

    701.3 Smoke barriers. The fire-resistance rating and smoke-resistant characteristics of smoke barriers shall be maintained.

    701.4 Smoke partitions. The smoke-resistant characteristics of smoke partitions shall be maintained.

    701.5 Maintaining protection. Materials, systems and devices used to repair or protect breaches and openings in fire-resistance-rated construction and construction installed to resist the passage of smoke shall be maintained in accordance with Sections 703 through 707.

    701.6 Owner’s responsibility. The owner shall maintain an inventory of all required fire-resistance-rated construction, construction installed to resist the passage of smoke and the construction included in Sections 703 through 707 and Sections 602.4.1 and 602.4.2 of the California Building Code . Such construction shall be visually inspected by the owner annually and properly repaired, restored or replaced where damaged, altered, breached or penetrated. Where concealed, such elements shall not be required to be visually inspected by the owner unless the concealed space is accessible by the removal or movement of a panel, access door, ceiling tile or similar movable entry to the space.

    701.6.1 Recordkeeping. Records of all required system inspections, testing, repairs and maintenance shall be maintained in accordance with Section 110.3.

    701.7 Unsafe conditions. Where any components in this chapter are not maintained and do not function as intended or do not have the fire resistance or the resistance to the passage of smoke required by the code under which the building was constructed, remodeled or altered, such component(s) or portion thereof shall be deemed an unsafe condition, in accordance with Section 115.1.1. Components or portions thereof determined to be unsafe shall be repaired or replaced to conform to that code under which the building was constructed, remodeled or altered or this chapter, as deemed appropriate by the fire code official.

    Where the condition of components is such that any building, structure or portion thereof presents an imminent danger to the occupants of the building, structure or portion thereof, the fire code official shall act in accordance with Section 115.2.

    SECTION 702—DEFINITIONS

    702.1 Definitions. The following terms are defined in Chapter 2:

    DRAFTSTOP.

    FIREBLOCKING.

    MEMBRANE-PENETRATION FIRESTOP SYSTEM.

    OPENING PROTECTIVE.

    SMOKE BARRIER.

    SMOKE PARTITION.

    THROUGH-PENETRATION FIRESTOP SYSTEM.

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    FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES

    SECTION 703—PENETRATIONS

  • CFC § 716.2.5.1.2. High relevance — show source text

    See Section 716.2.5.1.2.
    h. Fire-protection-rated glazing is not permitted for fire barriers required by Section 1207 of the_California Fire Code_ to enclose energy storage systems. Fire-resistance-rated glaz-
    ing assemblies tested to ASTM E119 or UL 263, as specified in Section 716.1.2.3, shall be permitted.
    i. Two doors, each with a fire rating of 20 minutes, installed on opposite sides of the same opening in a fire partition, shall be deemed equivalent in fire protection rating to one
    45-minute fire door.|For SI: 1 square inch = 645.2 mm.
    a. Fire-resistance-rated glazing tested to ASTM E119 in accordance with Section 716.1.2.3 shall be permitted, in the maximum size tested.
    b. Under the column heading “Fire-rated glazing marking door vision panel,” W refers to the fire-resistance rating of the glazing, not the frame.
    c. See Section 716.1.2.2.1 and Table 716.1(1) for additional permitted markings.
    d. Two doors, each with a fire protection rating of 11/2 hours, installed on opposite sides of the same opening in a fire wall, shall be deemed equivalent in fire protection rating to
    one 3-hour fire door.
    e. As required in Section 706.4.
    f. As allowed in Section 4.6 of NFPA 221.
    g. See Section 716.2.5.1.2.
    h. Fire-protection-rated glazing is not permitted for fire barriers required by Section 1207 of the_California Fire Code_ to enclose energy storage systems. Fire-resistance-rated glaz-
    ing assemblies tested to ASTM E119 or UL 263, as specified in Section 716.1.2.3, shall be permitted.
    i. Two doors, each with a fire rating of 20 minutes, installed on opposite sides of the same opening in a fire partition, shall be deemed equivalent in fire protection rating to one
    45-minute fire door.|

    TABLE 716.1(3)—FIRE WINDOW ASSEMBLY FIRE PROTECTION RATINGS Col2 Col3 Col4
    TYPE OF WALL ASSEMBLY REQUIRED WALL ASSEMBLY
    RATING (hours)    		 MINIMUM FIRE WINDOW
    ASSEMBLY RATING (hours)    		 FIRE-RATED GLAZING
    MARKING
    Interior walls
    Fire walls All NPa W-XXXb
    Fire barriers >1 NPa W-XXXb
    Fire barriers 1 NPa W-XXXb
    Atrium separations (Section 707.3.6),
    Incidental use areas (Section 707.3.7),c
    Mixed occupancy separations (Section 707.3.9)    		 1 3/4 OH-45 or W-60
    Fire partitions 1 3/4 OH-45 or W-60
    Fire partitions 0.5 1/3 OH-20 or W-30
    Smoke barriers 1 3/4 OH-45 or W-60
    Exterior walls >1 11/2 OH-90 or W-XXXb
    Exterior walls 1 3/4 OH-45 or W-60
    Exterior walls 0.
  • CFC § 708.4.3 High relevance — show source text

    Exception: In buildings of Types IIB, IIIB and VB construction, the supporting construction requirement shall not apply to fire partitions separating tenant spaces in covered and open mall buildings, fire partitions separating dwelling units, fire partitions separating sleeping units, fire partitions serving as corridor walls, fire partitions separating ambulatory care facilities from adjacent spaces or corridors, fire partitions separating dwelling and sleeping units from Group R-1 and R-2 occupancies and fire partitions separating vestibules from the level of exit discharge.

    708.4.3 Fireblocks and draftstops in combustible construction. In combustible construction where fire partitions do not extend to the underside of the floor or roof sheathing, deck or slab above, the space above and along the line of the fire partition shall be provided with one of the following:

    1. Fireblocking up to the underside of the floor or roof sheathing, deck or slab above using materials complying with Section 718.2.1.

    2. Draftstops up to the underside of the floor or roof sheathing, deck or slab above using materials complying with Section 718.3.1 for floors or Section 718.4.1 for attics.

    Exceptions:

    1. Buildings equipped with an automatic sprinkler system installed throughout in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, or in accordance with Section 903.3.1.2 provided that protection is provided in the space between the top of the fire partition and underside of the floor or roof sheathing, deck or slab above as required for systems complying with Section 903.3.1.1.

    2. Where corridor walls provide a sleeping unit or dwelling unit separation, draftstops shall only be required above one of the corridor walls.

    3. In Group R-2 occupancies with fewer than four dwelling units, fireblocking and draftstops shall not be required.

    4. In Group R-2 occupancies up to and including four stories in height in buildings not exceeding 60 feet (18 288 mm) in height above grade plane, the attic space shall be subdivided by draftstops into areas not exceeding 3,000 square feet (279 m [2] ) or above every two dwelling units, whichever is smaller.

    5. In Group R-3 occupancies with fewer than three dwelling units, fireblocking and draftstops shall not be required in floor assemblies.

    708.5 Exterior walls. Where exterior walls serve as a part of a required fire-resistance-rated separation, such walls shall comply with the requirements of Section 705 for exterior walls, and the fire-resistance-rated separation requirements shall not apply.

    Exception: Exterior walls required to be fire-resistance rated in accordance with Section 1021.2 for exterior egress balconies, Section 1023.7 for interior exit stairways and ramps and Section 1027.6 for exterior exit stairways and ramps.

    708.6 Openings. Openings in a fire partition shall be protected in accordance with Section 716.

    708.7 Penetrations. Penetrations of fire partitions shall comply with Section 714.

    708.8 Joints. Joints made in or between fire partitions shall comply with Section 715.

    708.9 Ducts and air transfer openings. Penetrations in a fire partition by ducts and air transfer openings shall comply with Section 717.

    SECTION 709—SMOKE BARRIERS

    709.1 General. Vertical and horizontal smoke barriers shall comply with this section.

    709.2 Materials. Smoke barriers shall be of materials permitted by the building type of construction.

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  • CFC § 708.5 High relevance — show source text

    708.5 Exterior walls. Where exterior walls serve as a part of a required fire-resistance-rated separation, such walls shall comply with the requirements of Section 705 for exterior walls, and the fire-resistance-rated separation requirements shall not apply.

    Exception: Exterior walls required to be fire-resistance rated in accordance with Section 1021.2 for exterior egress balconies, Section 1023.7 for interior exit stairways and ramps and Section 1027.6 for exterior exit stairways and ramps.

    708.6 Openings. Openings in a fire partition shall be protected in accordance with Section 716.

    708.7 Penetrations. Penetrations of fire partitions shall comply with Section 714.

    708.8 Joints. Joints made in or between fire partitions shall comply with Section 715.

    708.9 Ducts and air transfer openings. Penetrations in a fire partition by ducts and air transfer openings shall comply with Section 717.

    SECTION 709—SMOKE BARRIERS

    709.1 General. Vertical and horizontal smoke barriers shall comply with this section.

    709.2 Materials. Smoke barriers shall be of materials permitted by the building type of construction.

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    FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES

    709.3 Fire-resistance rating. A 1-hour fire-resistance rating is required for smoke barriers.

    Exception: Smoke barriers constructed of minimum 0.10-inch-thick (2.5 mm) steel in Group I-3 buildings.

    709.4 Continuity. Smoke barriers shall form an effective membrane continuous from the top of the foundation or floor/ceiling assembly below to the underside of the floor or roof sheathing, deck or slab above, including continuity through concealed spaces, such as those found above suspended ceilings, and interstitial structural and mechanical spaces. The supporting construction shall be protected to afford the required fire-resistance rating of the wall or floor supported in buildings of other than Type IIB, IIIB or VB construction. Smoke-barrier walls used to separate smoke compartments shall comply with Section 709.4.1. Smoke-barrier walls used to enclose areas of refuge in accordance with Section 1009.6.4 or to enclose elevator lobbies in accordance with Section 405.4.3, 3007.6.2, or 3008.6.2 shall comply with Section 709.4.2.

    Exception: Smoke-barrier walls are not required in interstitial spaces where such spaces are designed and constructed with ceilings or exterior walls that provide resistance to the passage of fire and smoke equivalent to that provided by the smoke-barrier walls.

    709.4.1 Smoke-barrier assemblies separating smoke compartments. Smoke-barrier assemblies used to separate smoke compartments shall form an effective membrane enclosure that is continuous from an outside wall or smoke barrier wall to an outside wall or another smoke barrier wall and to the horizontal assemblies.

  • CFC § 701 Medium relevance — show source text

    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

    The requirements of Chapter 5 apply to all buildings and occupancies and pertain to access roads, access to building openings and roofs, premises identification, key boxes, fire protection water supplies, fire command centers, fire department access to equipment, and in-building emergency responder communication system coverage.

    Chapter 6 Building Services and Systems

    Chapter 6 provides a more systematic view of building systems and services as they relate to potential safety hazards and when and how they should be installed.

    Chapter 7 Fire and Smoke Protection Features

    The maintenance of assemblies required to be fire-resistance rated is a key component in a passive fire protection philosophy. Chapter 7 sets forth requirements to maintain required fire-resistance ratings of building elements and limit fire spread. Section 701 addresses the basics of what construction elements such as fire barriers and smoke barriers need to be maintained as well as defining the owner’s responsibility. Sections 703 through 708, deals with various fire and smoke protection features that must also be maintained.

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    Chapter 8 Interior Finish, Decorative Materials and Furnishings

    The overall purpose of Chapter 8 is to regulate interior finishes, decorative materials and furnishings in new and existing buildings so that they do not significantly add to or create fire hazards within buildings. This chapter is consistent with Chapter 8 of the CBC, which regulates the interior finishes of new buildings.

    Chapter 9 Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems

    Chapter 9 prescribes the minimum requirements for active systems of fire protection equipment to perform the following functions: detect a fire, alert the occupants or fire department of a fire emergency, and control smoke and control or extinguish the fire. Generally, the requirements are based on the occupancy, the height and the area of the building because these are the factors that most affect firefighting capabilities and the relative hazard of a specific building or portion thereof. This chapter parallels and is substantially duplicated in Chapter 9 of the CBC; however, this chapter also contains periodic testing criteria that are not contained in the CBC. In addition, the special fire protection system requirements based on use and occupancy found in CBC

  • CFC § 1305.2.4 Medium relevance — show source text
    TABLE 1305.2.4—SEPARATION VALUES Col2 Col3 Col4 Col5 Col6
    OCCUPANCY CATEGORIES CATEGORIES CATEGORIES CATEGORIES CATEGORIES
    OCCUPANCY a b c d e
    A-1 0 0 0 0 1
    A-2 -5 -3 0 1 3
    R -4 -2 0 2 4
    A-3, A-4, B, E, F, M, S-1 -4 -3 0 2 4
    I-2 0 1 2 3 4
    S-2 -5 -2 0 2 4

    1305.2.4.1 Categories. The categories for tenant and dwelling unit separations are:

    1. Category a—No fire partitions; incomplete fire partitions; no doors; doors not self-closing or automatic-closing.

    2. Category b—Fire partitions or floor assemblies with less than 1-hour fire-resistance ratings or not constructed in accordance with Section 708 or 711 of the International Building Code, respectively.

    3. Category c—Fire partitions with 1-hour or greater fire-resistance ratings constructed in accordance with Section 708 of the International Building Code and floor assemblies with 1-hour but less than 2-hour fire-resistance ratings constructed in accordance with Section 711 of the International Building Code or with only one tenant within the floor

    area.

    1. Category d—Fire barriers with 1-hour but less than 2-hour fire-resistance ratings constructed in accordance with Section 707 of the International Building Code and floor assemblies with 2-hour or greater fire-resistance ratings constructed in accordance with Section 711 of the International Building Code .

    2. Category e—Fire barriers and floor assemblies with 2-hour or greater fire-resistance ratings and constructed in accordance with Sections 707 and 711 of the International Building Code, respectively.

    1305.2.5 Corridor walls. Evaluate the fire-resistance rating and degree of completeness of walls which create corridors serving the floor and that are constructed in accordance with Section 1020 of the International Building Code . This evaluation shall not include the wall elements considered under Sections 1305.2.3 and 1305.2.4. Under the categories and groups in Table 1305.2.5, determine the appropriate value and enter that value into Table 1306.1 under Safety Parameter 1305.2.5, Corridor Walls, for fire safety, means of egress and general safety.

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    PERFORMANCE COMPLIANCE METHODS

  • CFC § 1.11. Medium relevance — show source text

    CHAPTER 7 – FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES

    (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
    Adopt Entire Chapter as
    amended (amended sections
    listed below)    		 X
    Adopt only those sections that
    are listed below
    [California Code of Regulations,
    Title 19, Division 1]
    Chapter / Section
    709 X
    • The California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 19, Division 1 provisions that are found in the California Fire Code are a reprint from the current CCR, Title 19, Division 1 text for the code user’s convenience only. The scope, applicability and appeals procedures of CCR, Title 19, Division I remain the same. The state agency does not adopt sections identified by the following symbol: The Office of the State Fire Marshal’s adoption of this chapter or individual sections is applicable to structures regulated by other state agencies pursuant to Section 1.11.

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    7 FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES

    User notes:

    About this chapter: Chapter 7 provides requirements to maintain the fire-resistance ratings of building elements and to limit fire spread. Section 701 addresses the maintenance of and owner’s responsibility for construction elements such as fire barriers and smoke barriers. The rest of the chapter deals with various aspects that also must be maintained to achieve overall fire resistance of the main fire- and smoke-resistive features. These include penetrations, joint protection, door and window openings, and duct and air transfer opening protection.

    SECTION 701—GENERAL

  • CFC § 1010.1.1. Medium relevance — show source text

    Positive latching devices are not required. Factory-applied or field-applied protective plates are not required to be labeled. Doors installed across corridors shall comply with Section 1010.1.1. 2. In Group I- 2, R-2.1 and ambulatory care facilities, special purpose horizontal sliding, accordion or folding doors installed in accordance with Section 1010.3.3 and protected in accordance with Section 716. Doors installed across corridors shall comply with Section 1010.1.1.

    709.5.1 Group I-2, R-2.1 and ambulatory care facilities. In Group I-2, R-2.1 and ambulatory care facilities, where doors protecting openings in smoke barriers are installed across a corridor and have hold-open devices, the doors shall be automatic-closing in accordance with Section 716.2.6.6. Such doors shall have a vision panel with fire-protection-rated glazing materials in fire-protection-rated frames, the area of which shall not exceed that tested. In Group I-2, where swinging doors are installed across a corridor, such doors shall be opposite swinging pairs.

    709.6 Penetrations. Penetrations of smoke barriers shall comply with Section 714.

    709.7 Joints. Joints made in or between smoke barriers shall comply with Section 715.

    709.8 Ducts and air transfer openings. Penetrations in a smoke barrier by ducts and air transfer openings shall comply with Section 717.

    SECTION 710—SMOKE PARTITIONS

    710.1 General. Smoke partitions installed as required elsewhere in the code shall comply with this section.

    710.2 Materials. The walls shall be of materials permitted by the building type of construction. In Group I-2, smoke partitions shall have framing covered with noncombustible materials having an approved thermal barrier with an index of not less than 15 in accor- dance with FM 4880, UL 1040, NFPA 286 or UL 1715.

    710.3 Fire-resistance rating. Unless required elsewhere in the code, smoke partitions are not required to have a fire-resistance rating.

    710.4 Continuity. Smoke partitions shall extend from the top of the foundation or floor below to the underside of the floor or roof sheathing, deck or slab above or to the underside of the ceiling above where the ceiling membrane is constructed to limit the transfer of smoke.

    Exception: In Group I-2, a lay-in ceiling system shall be considered capable of limiting the transfer of smoke where the ceiling tiles weigh not less than 1 pound per square foot (4.882 kg/m2) and where the HVAC system is fully ducted in accordance with the Cali- fornia Mechanical Code.

    710.4.1 Smoke partition walls enclosing elevator lobbies. Smoke partition walls used to enclose elevator lobbies in accordance with Section 3006.3 shall form an enclosure that terminates at a fire barrier having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1 hour, another smoke partition or an outside wall.

    710.5 Openings. Openings in smoke partitions shall comply with Sections 710.5.1 through 710.5.3.

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    FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES

  • CFC § 7-3 Medium relevance — show source text

    702 Multiple-Use Fire Assemblies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3

    703 Fire-Resistance Ratings and Fire Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3

    704 Fire-Resistance Rating of Structural Members . . . . . 7-4

    705 Exterior Walls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-6

    706 Fire Walls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-12

    707 Fire Barriers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-14

    708 Fire Partitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-16

    709 Smoke Barriers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-17

    710 Smoke Partitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-18

    711 Floor and Roof Assemblies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-19

    712 Vertical Openings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-20

    713 Shaft Enclosures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-21

    714 Penetrations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-23

    715 Joints and Voids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-26

    716 Opening Protectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-27

    717 Ducts and Air Transfer Openings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-34

    718 Concealed Spaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-40

    719 Fire-Resistance Requirements for Plaster . . . . . . . . 7-42

    720 Thermal- and Sound-Insulating Materials . . . . . . . . 7-42

    721 Prescriptive Fire Resistance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-43

    722 Calculated Fire Resistance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-66

    CHAPTER 7A [SFM] MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION

    METHODS FOR EXTERIOR WILDFIRE EXPOSURE . . . . . . . 7A-1

  • CFC § 716.1.2.3 Medium relevance — show source text

    Fire-resistance-rated glaz-
    ing assemblies tested to ASTM E119 or UL 263, as specified in Section 716.1.2.3, shall be permitted.
    i. Two doors, each with a fire rating of 20 minutes, installed on opposite sides of the same opening in a fire partition, shall be deemed equivalent in fire protection rating to one
    45-minute fire door.|

    TABLE 716.1(3)—FIRE WINDOW ASSEMBLY FIRE PROTECTION RATINGS Col2 Col3 Col4
    TYPE OF WALL ASSEMBLY REQUIRED WALL ASSEMBLY
    RATING (hours)    		 MINIMUM FIRE WINDOW
    ASSEMBLY RATING (hours)    		 FIRE-RATED GLAZING
    MARKING
    Interior walls
    Fire walls All NPa W-XXXb
    Fire barriers >1 NPa W-XXXb
    Fire barriers 1 NPa W-XXXb
    Atrium separations (Section 707.3.6),
    Incidental use areas (Section 707.3.7),c
    Mixed occupancy separations (Section 707.3.9)    		 1 3/4 OH-45 or W-60
    Fire partitions 1 3/4 OH-45 or W-60
    Fire partitions 0.5 1/3 OH-20 or W-30
    Smoke barriers 1 3/4 OH-45 or W-60
    Exterior walls >1 11/2 OH-90 or W-XXXb
    Exterior walls 1 3/4 OH-45 or W-60
    Exterior walls 0.5 1/3 OH-20 or W-30
    Party wall All NP Not Applicable
    NP = Not Permitted.
    a. Not permitted except fire-resistance-rated glazing assemblies tested to ASTM E119 or UL 263, as specified in Section 716.1.2.3.
    b. XXX = The fire rating duration period in minutes, which shall be equal to the fire-resistance rating required for the wall assembly.
    c. Fire-protection-rated glazing is not permitted for fire barriers required by Section 1207 of the_California Fire Code_ to enclose energy storage systems. Fire-resistance-rated
    glazing assemblies tested to ASTM E119 or UL 263, as specified in Section 716.1.2.3, shall be permitted.    		 NP = Not Permitted.
    a. Not permitted except fire-resistance-rated glazing assemblies tested to ASTM E119 or UL 263, as specified in Section 716.1.2.3.
    b. XXX = The fire rating duration period in minutes, which shall be equal to the fire-resistance rating required for the wall assembly.
    c. Fire-protection-rated glazing is not permitted for fire barriers required by Section 1207 of the_California Fire Code_ to enclose energy storage systems. Fire-resistance-rated
    glazing assemblies tested to ASTM E119 or UL 263, as specified in Section 716.1.2.3, shall be permitted.    		 NP = Not Permitted.
    a. Not permitted except fire-resistance-rated glazing assemblies tested to ASTM E119 or UL 263, as specified in Section 716.1.2.3.
    b. XXX = The fire rating duration period in minutes, which shall be equal to the fire-resistance rating required for the wall assembly.
    c.

Frequently asked questions

What is the single most important maintenance action an owner must do?

Visually inventory and inspect annually the building’s required fire‑resistance‑rated assemblies and promptly repair any breach, penetration or damaged opening protective so the assembly’s required rating is restored (§ 701.6, § 703.2).

Are fire doors allowed to be propped open?

No. Doors required to protect openings in rated assemblies or smoke barriers shall not be blocked, obstructed or otherwise made inoperable, and hold‑open devices must be maintained per the code; where allowed, smoke‑activated or sprinkler‑release hold‑opens must close on activation (§ 705.2, § 704.3).

Can I repair a penetration with ordinary caulking?

Not if that caulk reduces the tested/required rating. Repairs must restore the protection using materials/systems that meet or exceed the code applicable when the assembly was constructed or last altered (§ 703.2, § 704.2).

Do smoke barriers differ from fire barriers for maintenance?

Yes. The CFC requires maintenance of both fire‑resistance and smoke‑resistant characteristics where applicable; smoke barriers (CBC §709) have specific 1‑hour requirements and their doors/closures follow NFPA 80/105 as referenced by the CFC (§ 701.3, § 705.2).

Where do I find the details that tell me whether a wall is a fire wall, fire barrier or fire partition?

The CFC requires you to maintain whatever rated elements exist, but the prescriptive definitions, required ratings and when each type is required are in the California Building Code (CBC §§706–708). Check those CBC sections for the construction/rating triggers.

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