CFC · California Fire Code
Which building elements must maintain a fire‑resistance rating?
If a wall, floor, shaft, exterior wall or structural member was required to be fire‑resistance‑rated when built, California law requires the owner to keep its fire rating effective: repair breaches, maintain firestops and door assemblies, and ensure supporting members have ratings at least equal to the assemblies they carry (see § 701.2 and § 704.1.1) .
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — plain English
The California Fire Code requires owners to maintain the fire‑resistance ratings of specific building elements so those assemblies continue to resist fire and limit spread. The Code explicitly lists Structural members, Exterior walls, Fire walls / Fire barriers / Fire partitions, Horizontal assemblies, and Shaft enclosures as elements whose fire‑resistance rating must be maintained (§ 701.2) .
Additionally, the fire‑resistance rating of supporting structural members must be at least the rating required for the assemblies they support (§ 704.1.1) .
The single most important rule: if a building element was required to be fire‑resistance‑rated when constructed, its required rating must be kept in service (repair/restore) — including the elements that support those assemblies.
Requirements in detail
Core list (what the owner must maintain)
- Structural members — columns, beams, trusses and other load‑carrying members required to be fire‑resistance rated must retain that rating (§ 701.2) .
- Exterior walls — walls forming the building envelope that were required to be fire‑resistance rated must keep their rating (§ 701.2) .
- Fire walls, fire barriers, fire partitions — any required rated partitions must be maintained to preserve their rating (§ 701.2) .
- Horizontal assemblies — floor/ceiling and roof assemblies that are fire‑resistance rated must be maintained (§ 701.2) .
- Shaft enclosures — rated shaft walls and doors that provide the required shaft protection must be maintained (§ 701.2) .
These maintenance obligations are tied to the assemblies that existed or were required when the building was originally constructed; the Code requires repair or restoration where elements are damaged, altered, breached or penetrated (see Sections 703–707 for details) .
Supporting members: required parity with the assemblies they carry
- Supporting construction: The fire‑resistance rating of supporting structural members and assemblies shall be not less than the rating required for the fire‑resistance‑rated assemblies they support (§ 704.1.1) .
- Exception (limited): members that support certain features (fire barriers, fire partitions, smoke barriers, horizontal assemblies per Sections 707.5, 708.4, 709.4 and 711.2) may have special treatment — see the exception text in § 704.1.1 .
Joints, voids and penetrations (how to keep the rating effective)
- Joints and voids in rated walls/floors/roof assemblies must retain their protective systems if those joints/voids were required to be protected at original construction (§ 704.1) .
- Penetrations (through‑penetrations, membrane penetrations) must be protected and repaired with appropriate tested systems (ASTM E814 / UL 1479 or the tested assembly) so the wall/floor rating is not reduced (see Section 703 and Section 714 references) .
- Opening protectives (fire doors, shutters, etc.) required in rated assemblies must be maintained per NFPA 80 / NFPA 105 and kept operable (§ 704.3, § 705.2) .
Decision table — quick reference
| Building element | What must be maintained | Key decision/value | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Structural members (columns, beams, trusses) | Retain original fire‑resistance rating; protect exposed members | Supporting members must have rating ≥ rating of assembly they support | § 701.2 ; § 704.1.1 |
| Exterior walls | Maintain the wall’s fire‑resistance rating | Applies to walls required to be rated at original construction | § 701.2 |
| Fire walls / barriers / partitions | Maintain rating and smoke characteristics where applicable | Repair breaches/penetrations per Sections 703–707 | § 701.2 ; § 701.3 |
| Horizontal assemblies (floors/ceilings/roofs) | Maintain rating; limit hanging displays on rated acoustical ceilings | Hanging goods from rated acoustical ceilings is prohibited (§ 701.2.1) | § 701.2 / § 701.2.1 |
| Shaft enclosures | Maintain fire‑resistance rating for the shaft | Includes doors and penetrations into the shaft | § 701.2 |
| Joints & voids at intersections | Maintain joint/void protection if it was required originally | Applies to joints between rated assemblies and curtain walls, etc. | § 704.1 |
| Opening protectives (doors/windows) | Maintain labeling, self‑closing / automatic closure where required | Inspect per NFPA 80 / NFPA 105 | § 705.2 / § 704.3 |
Exceptions & special cases
- If a joint, void or penetration was not required to be protected when the building was originally built, the Code does not require retroactive protection now (§ 704.1, last paragraph) .
- Supporting members exception: § 704.1.1 includes an exception for certain members that support fire barriers/partitions/ smoke barriers / horizontal assemblies (see those referenced sections for details) — read the exception text before assuming automatic parity is needed .
- For some light‑frame walls, studs and similar elements may be considered protected by the wall membrane rather than individually encased — see § 704.3.1 on light‑frame construction .
- Where listed system design numbers are available for firestops, inspections should use the listing/manufacturer instructions as the standard for compliance (Sections 703, 704) .
If a specific element or detail is not included in the retrieved texts above, state that explicitly and consult the building official or the full code text for that situation.
Common mistakes
- Assuming only visible walls/doors need maintenance — concealed rated elements still must be maintained where accessible; owners must inspect annually and keep an inventory (§ 701.6) .
- Repairing penetrations with untested materials or “patching” without using a listed penetration firestop or the tested assembly — penetrations must be restored to the tested/listed system or equal to the original rating (Sections 703, 714) .
- Removing fire protection on a supporting member while leaving the connected rated assembly in place — supporting members must have ratings at least equal to the assemblies they support (§ 704.1.1) .
- Modifying fire doors or disabling self‑closers (fusible links allowed only within specific temperatures) — opening protectives must remain operable and inspected per NFPA 80/105 (§ 704.3 / § 705.2) .
- Not keeping records of inspections and repairs — the owner’s inventory and annual visual inspections are mandatory (§ 701.6) .
Worked example — concrete scenario
Scenario: An existing commercial office has a 2‑hour fire‑resistance‑rated floor/ceiling assembly over a tenant space. Steel wide‑flange beams support that floor assembly.
- The required rating for the floor assembly = 2 hours (given). Per § 704.1.1, the supporting steel beams must have a fire‑resistance rating not less than 2 hours (they cannot be left unprotected if that would reduce the supported assembly’s rating) .
- Compliance options:
- Provide individual encasement protection on the beams (e.g., SFRM or board encasement) rated for 2 hours per tested assemblies and manufacturer listing (§ 704.2) .
- If the beam is entirely within a fire‑resistance‑rated wall membrane that was tested to provide the 2‑hour rating and the membrane covers the beam as allowed by § 704.3, membrane protection may be acceptable (verify the specific membrane/test) .
- Any penetrations (pipes, ducts) through the beam encasement or the floor membrane must be restored with a penetration firestop having an F‑rating ≥ 2 hours or the tested assembly method (see Sections 703 and 714) .
- Document the changes in the owner’s inventory and perform annual visual inspections per § 701.6 .
Related provisions (quick links)
- § 701.2 — List of construction that must maintain fire‑resistance ratings (CFC)
- § 701.6 — Owner’s responsibility and required inventory/annual inspection (CFC)
- § 703 — Penetrations: maintenance and repair requirements; test standards (CFC / CBC)
- § 704.1 — Joints and voids: locations where protection must be maintained (CFC)
- § 704.1.1 — Supporting construction must have rating ≥ assemblies they support (CBC text used here)
- § 704.2 – 704.3 — Protection of primary and secondary structural members; light‑frame exceptions (CBC)
- § 705 — Door and window opening protectives: inspection and maintenance (CFC)
- Section 714 / 715 — Through‑penetrations and joint systems testing and repair (CBC)
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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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:
Structural members.
Exterior walls.
Fire walls, fire barriers, fire partitions.
Horizontal assemblies.
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 § 1.11. High 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-
CGSFM Col5 HCD Col7 Col8 DSA Col10 OSHPD Col12 Col13 Col14 Col15 Col16 BSCC DPH AGR DWR CEC CA SL SLC Adopting Agency BSC BSC-
CGT-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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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 § 701.6.1 High relevance — show source text
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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SECTION 703—PENETRATIONS
703.1 Maintaining protection. Materials and firestop systems used to protect membrane and through penetrations in fire-resistance-rated construction and construction installed to resist the passage of smoke shall be maintained. The materials and firestop systems shall be securely attached to or bonded to the construction being penetrated with no openings visible through or into the cavity of the construction. Where the system design number is known, the system shall be inspected to the listing criteria and manufacturer’s installation instructions.
703.2 Repair of penetrations. Where damaged, materials used to protect membrane- and through-penetrations shall be replaced or restored with materials or systems that meet or exceed the code requirements applicable at the time when the assembly was constructed, remodeled or altered.
SECTION 704—JOINTS AND VOIDS
704.1 Maintaining protection. Where required when the building was originally constructed, materials and systems used to protect joints and voids in the following locations shall be maintained. The materials and systems shall be securely attached to or bonded to the adjacent construction, without openings visible through the construction.
Joints in or between fire-resistance-rated walls, floors or floor/ceiling assemblies and roof or roof/ceiling assemblies.
Joints in smoke barriers.
Voids at the intersection of a horizontal floor assembly and an exterior curtain wall.
Voids at the intersection of a horizontal smoke barrier and an exterior curtain wall.
Voids at the intersection of a nonfire-resistance-rated floor assembly and an exterior curtain wall.
Voids at the intersection of a vertical fire barrier and an exterior curtain wall.
Voids at the intersection of a vertical fire barrier and a nonfire-resistance-rated roof assembly.
Unprotected joints and voids do not need to be protected where such joints and voids were not required to be protected when the building was originally constructed. Where the system design number is known, the system shall be inspected to the listing criteria and manufacturer’s installation instructions.
CFC § 704.9 High relevance — show source text
704.9 Exterior structural members. Load-bearing structural members located within the exterior walls or on the outside of a building or structure shall be provided with the highest fire-resistance rating as determined in accordance with the following:
- As required by Table 601 for the type of building element based on the type of construction of the building.
- As required by Table 601 for exterior bearing walls based on the type of construction.
- As required by Table 705.5 for exterior walls based on the fire separation distance.
704.10 Bottom flange protection. Fire protection is not required at the bottom flange of lintels, shelf angles and plates, spanning not more than 6 feet 4 inches (1931 mm) whether part of the primary structural frame or not, and from the bottom flange of lintels, shelf angles and plates not part of the structural frame, regardless of span.
704.11 Seismic isolation systems. Fire-resistance ratings for the isolation system shall meet the fire-resistance rating required for the columns, walls or other structural elements in which the isolation system is installed in accordance with Table 601. Isolation systems required to have a fire-resistance rating shall be protected with approved materials or construction assemblies designed to provide the same degree of fire resistance as the structural element in which the system is installed when tested in accordance with ASTM E119 or UL 263 (see Section 703.2).
Such isolation system protection applied to isolator units shall be capable of retarding the transfer of heat to the isolator unit in such a manner that the required gravity load-carrying capacity of the isolator unit will not be impaired after exposure to the standard time-temperature curve fire test prescribed in ASTM E119 or UL 263 for a duration not less than that required for the fire-resistance rating of the structure element in which the system is installed.
Such isolation system protection applied to isolator units shall be suitably designed and securely installed so as not to dislodge, loosen, sustain damage or otherwise impair its ability to accommodate the seismic movements for which the isolator unit is designed and to maintain its integrity for the purpose of providing the required fire-resistance protection.
704.12 Sprayed fire-resistive materials (SFRM). Sprayed fire-resistive materials (SFRM) shall comply with Sections 704.12.1 through 704.12.5.
704.12.1 Fire-resistance rating. The application of SFRM shall be consistent with the fire-resistance rating and the listing, including, but not limited to, minimum thickness and dry density of the applied SFRM, method of application, substrate surface conditions and the use of bonding adhesives, sealants, reinforcing or other materials.
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704.12.2 Manufacturer’s installation instructions. The application of SFRM shall be in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions. The instructions shall include, but are not limited to, substrate temperatures and surface conditions and SFRM handling, storage, mixing, conveyance, method of application, curing and ventilation.
704.12.3 Substrate condition. The SFRM shall be applied to a substrate in compliance with Sections 704.12.3.1 and 704.12.3.2.
CFC § 2.5 High relevance — show source text
D102.2.5 Structural fire rating. Walls, floors, roofs and their supporting structural members shall be not less than 1-hour fireresistance-rated construction.
Exceptions:
- Buildings of Type IV-HT construction.
- Buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
- Automobile parking structures.
- Buildings surrounded on all sides by a permanently open space of not less than 30 feet (9144 mm).
- Partitions complying with Section 603.1, Item 11.
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APPENDIX D—FIRE DISTRICTS
D102.2.6 Exterior walls. Exterior load-bearing walls of Type II buildings shall have a fire-resistance rating of 2 hours or more where such walls are located within 30 feet (9144 mm) of a common property line or an assumed property line. Exterior nonloadbearing walls of Type II buildings located within 30 feet (9144 mm) of a common property line or an assumed property line shall have fire-resistance ratings as required by Table 601, but not less than 1 hour. Exterior walls located more than 30 feet (9144 mm) from a common property line or an assumed property line shall comply with Table 601. Exception: In the case of one-story buildings that are 2,000 square feet (186 m [2] ) or less in area, exterior walls located more than 15 feet (4572 mm) from a common property line or an assumed property line need only comply with Table 601.
D102.2.7 Architectural trim. Architectural trim on buildings located in the fire district shall be constructed of approved noncombustible materials or fire-retardant-treated wood.
D102.2.8 Permanent canopies. Permanent canopies are permitted to extend over adjacent open spaces provided that all of the following are met:
- The canopy and its supports shall be of noncombustible material, fire-retardant-treated wood, Type IV construction or of 1-hour fire-resistance-rated construction.
Exception: Any textile covering for the canopy shall be flame resistant as determined by tests conducted in accordance with NFPA 701 after both accelerated water leaching and accelerated weathering. 2. Any canopy covering, other than textiles, shall have a flame spread index not greater than 25 when tested in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723 in the form intended for use.
The canopy shall have one long side open.
The maximum horizontal width of the canopy shall be not greater than 15 feet (4572 mm).
The fire resistance of exterior walls shall not be reduced.
D102.2.9 Roof structures. Structures, except aerial supports 12 feet (3658 mm) high or less, flagpoles, water tanks and cooling towers, placed above the roof of any building within the fire district shall be of noncombustible material and shall be supported by construction of noncombustible material.
D102.2.10 Plastic signs. The use of plastics complying with Section 2611 for signs is permitted provided that the structure of the sign in which the plastic is mounted or installed is noncombustible.
D102.2.11 Plastic veneer. Exterior plastic veneer is not permitted in the fire district.
SECTION D103—CHANGES TO BUILDINGS
CFC § 2.1 High relevance — show source text
2.1_||||X|X||||||||||||||||||||
The state agency does not adopt sections identified with the following symbol: The Office of the State Fire Marshal’s adoption of this chapter or individual sections is applicable to structures regulated by other state agencies pursuant to Section 1.11.
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User notes:
About this chapter: Chapter 7 provides detailed requirements for fire-resistance-rated construction, including structural members, walls, partitions and horizontal assemblies. Other portions of the code describe where certain fire-resistance-rated elements are required. This chapter specifies how these elements are constructed, how openings in walls and partitions are protected and how penetrations of such elements are protected.
SECTION 701—GENERAL
701.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall govern the materials, systems and assemblies used for structural fire resistance and fire-resistance-rated construction separation of adjacent spaces to safeguard against the spread of fire and smoke within a building and the spread of fire to or from buildings.
SECTION 702—MULTIPLE-USE FIRE ASSEMBLIES
702.1 Multiple-use fire assemblies. Fire assemblies that serve multiple purposes in a building shall comply with all of the requirements that are applicable for each of the individual fire assemblies.
SECTION 703—FIRE-RESISTANCE RATINGS AND FIRE TESTS
703.1 Scope. Materials prescribed herein for fire resistance shall conform to the requirements of this chapter.
703.2 Fire resistance. The fire-resistance rating of building elements, components or assemblies shall be determined in accordance with Section 703.2.1 or 703.2.2 without the use of automatic sprinklers or any other fire suppression system being incorporated, or in accordance with Section 703.2.3.
703.2.1 Tested assemblies. A fire-resistance rating of building elements, components or assemblies shall be determined by the test procedures set forth in ASTM E119 or UL 263. The fire-resistance rating of penetrations and fire-resistant joint systems shall be determined in accordance with Sections 714 and 715, respectively.
703.2.1.1 Nonsymmetrical wall construction. Interior walls and partitions of nonsymmetrical construction shall be tested with both faces exposed to the furnace, and the assigned fire-resistance rating shall be the shortest duration obtained from the two tests conducted in compliance with ASTM E119 or UL 263. Where evidence is furnished to show that the wall was tested with the least fire-resistant side exposed to the furnace, subject to acceptance of the building official, the wall need not be subjected to tests from the opposite side (see Section 705.5 for exterior walls).
703.2.1.2 Combustible components. Combustible aggregates are permitted in gypsum and Portland cement concrete mixtures for fire-resistance-rated construction. Any component material or admixture is permitted in assemblies if the resulting tested assembly meets the fire-resistance test requirements of this code.
CFC § 703.2 High relevance — show source text
703.2 Repair of penetrations. Where damaged, materials used to protect membrane- and through-penetrations shall be replaced or restored with materials or systems that meet or exceed the code requirements applicable at the time when the assembly was constructed, remodeled or altered.
SECTION 704—JOINTS AND VOIDS
704.1 Maintaining protection. Where required when the building was originally constructed, materials and systems used to protect joints and voids in the following locations shall be maintained. The materials and systems shall be securely attached to or bonded to the adjacent construction, without openings visible through the construction.
Joints in or between fire-resistance-rated walls, floors or floor/ceiling assemblies and roof or roof/ceiling assemblies.
Joints in smoke barriers.
Voids at the intersection of a horizontal floor assembly and an exterior curtain wall.
Voids at the intersection of a horizontal smoke barrier and an exterior curtain wall.
Voids at the intersection of a nonfire-resistance-rated floor assembly and an exterior curtain wall.
Voids at the intersection of a vertical fire barrier and an exterior curtain wall.
Voids at the intersection of a vertical fire barrier and a nonfire-resistance-rated roof assembly.
Unprotected joints and voids do not need to be protected where such joints and voids were not required to be protected when the building was originally constructed. Where the system design number is known, the system shall be inspected to the listing criteria and manufacturer’s installation instructions.
704.2 Repair of joints and voids. Where damaged, materials used to protect joints and voids shall be replaced or restored with materials or systems that meet or exceed the code requirements applicable at the time when the assembly was constructed, remodeled or altered.
704.3 Opening protectives. Where openings are required to be protected, opening protectives shall be maintained self-closing or automatic-closing by smoke detection. Existing fusible-link-type automatic door-closing devices are permitted if the fusible link rating does not exceed 135°F (57°C).
SECTION 705—DOOR AND WINDOW OPENINGS
705.1 General. Where required when the building was originally constructed, opening protectives installed in fire-resistance-rated assemblies, smoke barriers and smoke partitions shall be inspected and maintained in accordance with this section.
705.2 Inspection and maintenance. Opening protectives in fire-resistance-rated assemblies shall be inspected and maintained in accordance with NFPA 80. Opening protectives in smoke barriers shall be inspected and maintained in accordance with NFPA 80 and NFPA 105. Openings in smoke partitions shall be inspected and maintained in accordance with NFPA 105. Fire doors and smoke and draft control doors shall not be blocked, obstructed, or otherwise made inoperable. Fusible links shall be replaced promptly whenever fused or damaged. Opening protectives and smoke and draft control doors shall not be modified.
705.2.1 Labeling requirements. Where approved by the fire code official, the application of field-applied labels associated with the maintenance of opening protectives shall follow the requirements of the approved third-party certification organization accredited for listing the opening protective.
705.2.2 Signs. Where required by the fire code official, a sign shall be permanently displayed on or near each fire door in letters not less than 1 inch (25 mm) high to read as follows:
- For doors designed to be kept normally open: “FIRE DOOR—DO NOT BLOCK.”
- For doors designed to be kept normally closed: “FIRE DOOR—KEEP CLOSED.”
CFC § 722.6.2.3 High relevance — show source text
722.6.2.3 Exterior walls. For an exterior wall with a fire separation distance greater than 10 feet (3048 mm), the wall is assigned a rating dependent on the interior membrane and the framing as described in Table 722.6.2(1) and Table 722.6.2(2). The membrane on the outside of the nonfire-exposed side of exterior walls with a fire separation distance greater than 10 feet (3048 mm) shall consist of sheathing, sheathing paper and siding as described in Table 722.6.2(3).
722.6.2.4 Floors and roofs. In the case of a floor or roof, the standard test provides only for testing for fire exposure from below. Except as noted in Section 703.2.3, floor or roof assemblies of wood framing shall have an upper membrane consisting of a subfloor and finished floor conforming to Table 722.6.2(4) or any other membrane that has a contribution to fire resistance of not less than 15 minutes in Table 722.6.2(1).
722.6.2.5 Additional protection. Table 722.6.2(5) indicates the time increments to be added to the fire resistance where glass fiber, rockwool, slag mineral wool or cellulose insulation is incorporated in the assembly.
722.6.2.6 Fastening. Fastening of wood frame assemblies and the fastening of membranes to the wood framing members shall be done in accordance with Chapter 23.
722.7 Fire-resistance rating for mass timber. The required fire resistance of mass timber elements in Section 602.4 shall be determined in accordance with Section 703.2 or Section 703.3 . The fire-resistance rating of building elements shall be as required in Tables
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601 and 705.5 and as specified elsewhere in this code. The fire-resistance rating of the mass timber elements shall consist of the fire resistance of the unprotected element added to the protection time of the noncombustible protection.
722.7.1 Minimum required protection. Where required by Sections 602.4.1 through 602.4.3, noncombustible protection shall be provided for mass timber building elements in accordance with Table 722.7.1(1). The rating, in minutes, contributed by the noncombustible protection of mass timber building elements, components or assemblies, shall be established in accordance with Section 703.6. The protection contributions indicated in Table 722.7.1(2) shall be deemed to comply with this requirement where installed and fastened in accordance with Section 722.7.2.
TABLE 722.7.1(1)—PROTECTION REQUIRED FROM NONCOMBUSTIBLE COVERING MATERIAL Col2 REQUIRED FIRE-RESISTANCE RATING OF
BUILDING ELEMENT PER TABLE 601 AND TABLE 705.5
(hours)MINIMUM PROTECTION REQUIRED
FROM NONCOMBUSTIBLE PROTECTION
(minutes)1 40 2 80 3 or more 120 CFC § 3.4 High relevance — show source text
FIGURE 3.4
MODIFICATION DETAILS
3/ 8"
PLYWOODCol2 For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.
4—SUMMARY
This section summarizes the various approaches and design solutions discussed in the preceding sections of the guideline. The term “structural system” includes: frames, beams, columns and other structural elements. “Cover” is a protective layer(s) of materials or membrane which slows the flow of heat to the structural elements. It cannot be stressed too strongly that the fire endurance of actual building elements can be greatly reduced or totally negated by removing part of the cover to allow pipes, ducts or conduits to pass through the element. This must be repaired in the rehabilitation process.
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RESOURCE A—GUIDELINES ON FIRE RATINGS OF ARCHAIC MATERIALS AND ASSEMBLIES
The following approaches shall be considered equivalent.
4.1 The fire resistance of a building element can be established from the Appendix tables. This is subject to the following limitations:
The building element in the rehabilitated building shall be constructed of the same materials with the same nominal dimensions as stated in the tables.
All penetrations in the building element or its cover for services such as electricity, plumbing and HVAC shall be packed with noncombustible cementitious materials and so fixed that the packing material will not fall out when it loses its water of hydration.
The effects of age and wear and tear shall be repaired so that the building element is sound and the original thickness of all components, particularly covers and floor slabs, is maintained.
This approach essentially follows the approach taken by model building codes. The assembly must appear in a table either published in or accepted by the code for a given fire-resistance rating to be recognized and accepted.
4.2 The fire resistance of a building element which does not explicitly appear in the Appendix tables can be established if one or more elements of same design but different dimensions have been listed in the tables. For walls, the existing element must be thicker than the one listed. For floor/ceiling assemblies, the assembly listed in the table must have the same or less cover and the same or thinner slab constructed of the same material as the actual floor/ceiling assembly. For other structural elements, the element listed in the table must be of a similar design but with less cover thickness. The fire resistance in all instances shall be the fire resistance recommended in the table. This is subject to the following limitations:
The actual element in the rehabilitated building shall be constructed of the same materials as listed in the table. Only the following dimensions may vary from those specified: for walls, the overall thickness must exceed that specified in the table; for floor/ceiling assemblies, the thickness of the cover and the slab must be greater than, or equal to, that specified in the table; for other structural elements, the thickness of the cover must be greater than that specified in the table.
All penetrations in the building element or its cover for services such as electricity, plumbing or HVAC shall be packed with noncombustible cementitious materials and so fixed that the packing material will not fall out when it loses its water of hydration.
The effects of age and wear and tear shall be repaired so that the building element is sound and the original thickness of all components, particularly covers and floor slabs, is maintained.
CFC § 704.3.1. High relevance — show source text
FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
Primary structural members other than columns that do not support more than two floors or one floor and roof, or a load-bearing wall or a nonload-bearing wall more than two stories high, are permitted to be protected by the membrane of a fire-resistance-rated wall or horizontal assembly where the membrane provides the required fire-resistance rating.
Columns that meet the limitations of Section 704.3.1.
704.3 Protection of secondary structural members. Secondary structural members that are required to have protection to achieve a fire-resistance rating shall be protected by individual encasement protection, or by the membrane of a fire-resistance-rated wall or horizontal assembly where the membrane provides the required fire-resistance rating.
704.3.1 Light-frame construction. Studs, columns and boundary elements that are integral elements in walls of light-frame construction and are located entirely between the top and bottom plates or tracks shall be permitted to have required fire-resistance ratings provided by the membrane protection provided for the wall.
704.3.2 Horizontal assemblies. Horizontal assemblies are permitted to be protected with a membrane or ceiling where the membrane or ceiling provides the required fire-resistance rating and is installed in accordance with Section 711.
704.4 Truss protection. The required thickness and construction of fire-resistance-rated assemblies enclosing trusses shall be based on the results of full-scale tests or combinations of tests on truss components or on approved calculations based on such tests that satisfactorily demonstrate that the assembly has the required fire resistance.
704.5 Attachments to structural members. The edges of lugs, brackets, rivets and bolt heads attached to structural members shall be permitted to extend to within 1 inch (25 mm) of the surface of the fire protection.
704.5.1 Secondary attachments to structural members. Where primary and secondary structural steel members require fire protection, any additional structural steel members having direct connection to the primary structural frame or secondary structural members shall be protected with the same fire-resistive material and thickness as required for the structural member. The protection shall extend away from the structural member a distance of not less than 12 inches (305 mm), or shall be applied to the entire length where the attachment is less than 12 inches (305 mm) long. Where an attachment is hollow and the ends are open, the fire-resistive material and thickness shall be applied to both exterior and interior of the hollow steel attachment.
704.6 Reinforcing. Thickness of protection for concrete or masonry reinforcement shall be measured to the outside of the reinforcement except that stirrups and spiral reinforcement ties are permitted to project not more than 0.5 inch (12.7 mm) into the protection.
704.7 Embedments and enclosures. Pipes, wires, conduits, ducts or other service facilities shall not be embedded in the required fire protective covering of a structural member that is required to be individually encased.
704.8 Impact protection. Where the fire protective covering of a structural member is subject to impact damage from moving vehicles, the handling of merchandise or other activity, the fire protective covering shall be protected by corner guards or by a substantial jacket of metal or other noncombustible material to a height adequate to provide full protection, but not less than 5 feet (1524 mm) from the finished floor.
Exception: Corner protection is not required on concrete columns in parking garages.
CFC § 25.4 High relevance — show source text
This table applies only to wood joist construction. It is not applicable to wood truss construction.|For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.
a. This table applies only to wood joist construction. It is not applicable to wood truss construction.|For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.
a. This table applies only to wood joist construction. It is not applicable to wood truss construction.|TABLE 722.6.2(5)—TIME ASSIGNED FOR ADDITIONAL PROTECTION Col2 DESCRIPTION OF ADDITIONAL PROTECTION FIRE RESISTANCE
(minutes)Add to the fire-resistance rating of wood stud walls if the spaces between the studs are completely filled with glass
fiber mineral wool batts weighing not less than 2 pounds per cubic foot (0.6 pound per square foot of wall surface),
or cellulose insulation having a nominal density not less than 2.6 pounds per cubic foot.15 For SI: 1 pound/cubic foot = 16.0185 kg/m3. For SI: 1 pound/cubic foot = 16.0185 kg/m3. 722.6.2.1 Fire-resistance rating of wood frame assemblies. The fire-resistance rating of a wood frame assembly is equal to the sum of the time assigned to the membrane on the fire-exposed side, the time assigned to the framing members and the time assigned for additional contribution by other protective measures such as insulation. The membrane on the unexposed side shall not be included in determining the fire resistance of the assembly.
722.6.2.2 Time assigned to membranes. Table 722.6.2(1) indicates the time assigned to membranes on the fire-exposed side.
722.6.2.3 Exterior walls. For an exterior wall with a fire separation distance greater than 10 feet (3048 mm), the wall is assigned a rating dependent on the interior membrane and the framing as described in Table 722.6.2(1) and Table 722.6.2(2). The membrane on the outside of the nonfire-exposed side of exterior walls with a fire separation distance greater than 10 feet (3048 mm) shall consist of sheathing, sheathing paper and siding as described in Table 722.6.2(3).
722.6.2.4 Floors and roofs. In the case of a floor or roof, the standard test provides only for testing for fire exposure from below. Except as noted in Section 703.2.3, floor or roof assemblies of wood framing shall have an upper membrane consisting of a subfloor and finished floor conforming to Table 722.6.2(4) or any other membrane that has a contribution to fire resistance of not less than 15 minutes in Table 722.6.2(1).
722.6.2.5 Additional protection. Table 722.6.2(5) indicates the time increments to be added to the fire resistance where glass fiber, rockwool, slag mineral wool or cellulose insulation is incorporated in the assembly.
722.6.2.6 Fastening. Fastening of wood frame assemblies and the fastening of membranes to the wood framing members shall be done in accordance with Chapter 23.
722.7 Fire-resistance rating for mass timber. The required fire resistance of mass timber elements in Section 602.4 shall be determined in accordance with Section 703.2 or Section 703.3 . The fire-resistance rating of building elements shall be as required in Tables
CFC § 4.2 High relevance — show source text
This approach essentially follows the approach taken by model building codes. The assembly must appear in a table either published in or accepted by the code for a given fire-resistance rating to be recognized and accepted.
4.2 The fire resistance of a building element which does not explicitly appear in the Appendix tables can be established if one or more elements of same design but different dimensions have been listed in the tables. For walls, the existing element must be thicker than the one listed. For floor/ceiling assemblies, the assembly listed in the table must have the same or less cover and the same or thinner slab constructed of the same material as the actual floor/ceiling assembly. For other structural elements, the element listed in the table must be of a similar design but with less cover thickness. The fire resistance in all instances shall be the fire resistance recommended in the table. This is subject to the following limitations:
The actual element in the rehabilitated building shall be constructed of the same materials as listed in the table. Only the following dimensions may vary from those specified: for walls, the overall thickness must exceed that specified in the table; for floor/ceiling assemblies, the thickness of the cover and the slab must be greater than, or equal to, that specified in the table; for other structural elements, the thickness of the cover must be greater than that specified in the table.
All penetrations in the building element or its cover for services such as electricity, plumbing or HVAC shall be packed with noncombustible cementitious materials and so fixed that the packing material will not fall out when it loses its water of hydration.
The effects of age and wear and tear shall be repaired so that the building element is sound and the original thickness of all components, particularly covers and floor slabs, is maintained.
This approach is an application of the “thickness design” concept presented in Section 3.3 of the guideline. There should be many instances when a thicker building element was utilized than the one listed in the Appendix tables. This guideline recognizes the inherent superiority of a thicker design. (Note: “Thickness design” for floor/ceiling assemblies and structural elements refers to cover and slab thickness rather than total thickness.)
The “thickness design” concept is essentially a special case of Harmathy’s Rules (specifically Rules 1 and 2). It should be recognized that the only source of data is the Appendix tables. If other data are used, it must be in connection with the approach below.
4.3 The fire resistance of building elements can be established by applying Harmathy’s Ten Rules of Fire Resistance Ratings as set forth in Section 3.2 of the guideline. This is subject to the following limitations:
The data from the tables can be utilized subject to the limitations in Section 4.2.
Test reports from recognized journals or published papers can be used to support data utilized in applying Harmathy’s Rules.
Calculations utilizing recognized and well established computational techniques can be used in applying Harmathy’s Rules. These include, but are not limited to, analysis of heat flow, mechanical properties, deflections and load bearing capacity.
2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE RESOURCE A-15
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
RESOURCE A-16 2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
APPENDIX
INTRODUCTION
The fire-resistance tables that follow are a part of Resource A and provide a tabular form of assigning fire-resistance ratings to various archaic building elements and assemblies.
Frequently asked questions
Who is responsible for maintaining fire‑resistance‑rated elements?
The building owner is responsible for maintaining an inventory and performing annual visual inspections, and for repairing/restoring damaged rated construction (§ 701.6) .
If I add a pipe through a rated wall, what must I do?
Any penetration must be protected with an approved penetration firestop system tested/installed per the tested assembly or ASTM E814 / UL 1479 with an F‑rating at least equal to the wall’s rating (see Sections 703 and 714) .
Can I cover a rated column with a non‑listed product?
No — protective coverings must meet the required fire‑resistance rating and be installed per a tested design or approved listing; otherwise the member’s required rating may be compromised (see § 704.2 and related provisions) .
Are owners required to retrofit joints or voids that were not originally required to be protected?
No — unprotected joints/voids that were not required at original construction are not required to be retroactively protected (§ 704.1) .
When can the membrane of a wall substitute for individual member protection?
In light‑frame construction, studs and boundary elements located entirely between top and bottom plates may be considered protected by the wall membrane if that membrane provides the required rating (§ 704.3.1) .
More in California Fire Code
- Administration and Definitions
- General Requirements and Emergency Planning
- Fire Service Features and Fire Department Access
- Referenced Standards and Adoptable Appendices (Chapter 80; Appendices A–Q)
- Fire and Smoke Protection Features (fire‑resistance, barriers)
- Interior Finish, Decorative Materials and Furnishings
- Fire Protection and Life‑Safety Systems (sprinklers, alarms, smoke control)
- Means of Egress (exit design and maintenance)
- Construction Requirements for Existing Buildings (retrofit rules)
- Energy Systems and Stationary Energy Storage (ESS)
- Special Occupancies and Operations (chapters 20–41, 48–49)
- Hazardous Materials — Storage, Use and Handling (Chapters 50–67)
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