CFC · California Fire Code
What fire‑resistance and smoke‑resistive elements must the owner maintain?
As an owner you must keep an inventory of fire‑resistive and smoke‑resistive building elements, visually inspect them at least once per year, and promptly repair, restore or replace any damaged, altered, breached or penetrated elements so the building retains its required fire and smoke resistance (see §§ 701.1–701.6) .
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — 2–4 sentences
The property owner is responsible for keeping required fire‑resistance‑rated construction and smoke‑resistive elements in service, visually inspecting them annually, and repairing, restoring or replacing them when damaged, altered, breached or penetrated (see § 701.6). The chapter’s scope requires maintenance of structural fire resistance and assemblies that prevent the spread of fire and smoke (see § 701.1) and explicitly lists the types of construction that must be maintained (see § 701.2). Materials and systems used to protect breaches and openings must also be preserved in accordance with the related protection sections (see § 701.5) .
Owners must inventory required fire‑ and smoke‑resistive elements, inspect them at least once a year, and promptly repair or restore any that are damaged, altered, breached, or penetrated (see § 701.6) .
Requirements in detail
Scope and purpose
- § 701.1: Chapter 7 governs inspection and maintenance of materials, systems and assemblies used for structural fire resistance, fire‑resistance‑rated construction, and construction installed to resist the passage of smoke to safeguard against the spread of fire and smoke within and between buildings .
What specific elements must be maintained
The code lists the specific kinds of fire‑resistance rated construction that owners must maintain (bold = defined/important term; code reference shown):
| Element (bold = defined term) | What to maintain (plain English) | Inspection / action required | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Structural members | Maintain the fire‑resistance rating of columns, beams, load‑bearing elements | Keep protective materials intact; repair where damaged/penetrated | § 701.2 |
| Exterior walls | Maintain rated exterior wall construction and assemblies | Prevent and repair breaches/penetrations that reduce rating | § 701.2 |
| Fire walls, fire barriers, fire partitions | Maintain full function and rated integrity of walls/partitions that separate fire areas | Inventory, annual visual inspection, timely repair/restore | § 701.2; § 701.6 |
| Horizontal assemblies (floors/ceilings) | Maintain rated floor/ceiling assemblies (including ceiling systems that are part of horizontal assemblies) | Do not hang displays from rated acoustical ceilings; repair breaches | § 701.2, § 701.2.1 |
| Shaft enclosures | Maintain shafts that protect vertical openings (elevators, ducts, chases) | Keep enclosure integrity; repair penetrations | § 701.2 |
| Smoke barriers | Maintain fire‑resistance rating and smoke‑resistant characteristics of smoke barriers | Inventory, annual visual inspection, repair as needed | § 701.3; § 701.6 |
| Smoke partitions | Maintain the smoke‑resistant characteristics of smoke partitions | Same duties as smoke barriers for smoke resistance | § 701.4; § 701.6 |
| Materials/systems for repairing breaches/openings | Maintain materials, systems and devices used to repair/protect penetrations, joints and openings | Maintain in accordance with Sections 703–707 (see § 701.5) | § 701.5; related §§ 703–707 |
Notes:
- The code expressly prohibits the hanging of salable goods and decorative materials from acoustical ceiling systems that are part of a fire‑resistance‑rated horizontal assembly (see § 701.2.1) .
- The owner must maintain an inventory of all required rated construction and related protective construction (see § 701.6) .
Inspection frequency, recordkeeping, and concealed spaces
- Annual visual inspection: The owner shall visually inspect required elements annually and properly repair, restore or replace where damaged, altered, breached or penetrated (§ 701.6) .
- Recordkeeping: Records of required inspections, testing, repairs and maintenance must be kept in accordance with § 110.3 (see § 701.6.1) .
- Concealed spaces: Concealed rated elements are not required to be visually inspected unless the concealed space is accessible by removal or movement of a panel, access door, ceiling tile or similar movable entry (see § 701.6) .
Exceptions & special cases
- Concealed assemblies: no visual inspection required unless the concealed space is accessible by removal/movement of a panel, access door, ceiling tile or similar movable entry (see § 701.6) .
- Historical or previously constructed assemblies: Where repairs or replacements are required, the code indicates components deemed unsafe must be repaired or replaced to conform to the code under which the building was constructed, remodeled or altered—or to this chapter as deemed appropriate by the fire code official (see § 701.7 — related; referenced in the same files) .
- Hanging displays: specifically prohibited from rated acoustical ceiling systems that form part of a horizontal assembly (§ 701.2.1) — this is a targeted prohibition rather than a maintenance allowance .
Common mistakes
- No inventory: Failing to keep the required inventory of rated assemblies and related protection systems (required by § 701.6) .
- Skipping annual checks: Treating inspections as “one‑and‑done” instead of performing annual visual inspections and documenting them (§ 701.6, § 701.6.1) .
- Ignoring concealed breaches: Assuming concealed-rated elements never need inspection; they do if the space becomes accessible (see § 701.6) .
- Improper repairs: Repairing penetrations or joints with non‑listed materials or methods instead of restoring with systems that meet the applicable requirements (see § 701.5 directing maintenance per Sections 703–707) .
- Blocking or modifying opening protectives: Allowing fire doors or smoke/draft control doors to be blocked or modified — opening protectives must be kept functional (see related provisions in Sections 704–705) .
Worked example — practical application with numbers
Scenario: You own a 3‑story office building with several rated fire barriers, two rated horizontal floor/ceiling assemblies, and a smoke barrier around a corridor. The building was originally constructed in 2010.
Actions you must take:
- Create an inventory listing each rated element by location (e.g., “Second‑floor fire barrier between Suite 200 and 201 — 2‑hour rating”) — required by § 701.6 .
- Conduct a visual inspection of each listed element once every 12 months (annual) and record the inspection per § 701.6.1 (records per § 110.3) .
- If you discover a conduit penetration (e.g., 2‑in. diameter conduit) through a 1‑hour fire barrier that is now unprotected:
- Stop work and classify the condition as a breach.
- Repair using a listed through‑penetration firestop system or materials that restore the assembly’s rating — maintain per § 701.5 (refer to Sections 703–707 for the required systems and testing) .
- Document the repair in your maintenance records and note date/personnel/action — per § 701.6.1 .
- If you find an acoustical ceiling (part of a rated horizontal assembly) being used to hang product displays, remove the displays immediately — hanging from rated acoustical ceilings is prohibited (§ 701.2.1) .
Outcome: By following steps above you satisfy the owner’s duties to inventory, inspect annually, repair breaches with appropriate systems, and keep records — all explicit duties in § 701.6, § 701.5 and § 701.2 .
Related provisions
(These sections provide detail on how repairs, penetrations, joints, openings and door/window protectives are maintained; owners should consult them when implementing § 701 requirements.)
- § 703 — Penetrations and requirements for maintaining penetration protection
- § 704 — Joints and voids protection and maintenance; opening protective rules (e.g., fusible link ratings)
- § 705 — Door and window opening protectives; inspection and maintenance (NFPA 80/105 referenced)
- § 706 — (fire walls / related construction details as referenced in Chapter 7)
- § 707 — Fire barriers (construction and maintenance context)
- § 110.3 — Recordkeeping requirements referenced by § 701.6.1 for inspection/testing/repair records
(Primary source for the statements above: Chapter 7—Section 701, California Fire Code: § 701.1 through § 701.6)
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 § 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:
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.
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
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 § 701 High 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 § 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 § 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 § 5-8 High relevance — show source text
505 Mezzanines and Equipment Platforms. . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8
506 Building Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
507 Unlimited Area Buildings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-13
508 Mixed Use and Occupancy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-15
509 Incidental Uses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-18
510 Special Provisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-19
CHAPTER 6 TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
601 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
602 Construction Classification. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
603 Combustible Material in Types I and II Construction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7
CHAPTER 7 FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES. . 7-1
701 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3
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
CFC § 910.4.3.1 High relevance — show source text
910.4.3.1 Makeup air. Makeup air openings shall be provided within 6 feet (1829 mm) of the floor level. Operation of makeup air openings shall be manual or automatic. The minimum gross area of makeup air inlets shall be 8 square feet per 1,000 cubic feet per minute (0.74 m [2] per 0.4719 m [3] /s) of smoke exhaust.
910.4.4 Activation. The mechanical smoke removal system shall be activated by manual controls only.
910.4.5 Manual control location. Manual controls shall be located where they are able to be accessed by the fire service from an exterior door of the building and separated from the remainder of the building by not less than 1-hour fire barriers constructed in accordance with Section 707 of the California Building Code or horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711 of the California Building Code, or both.
910.4.6 Control wiring. Wiring for operation and control of mechanical smoke removal systems shall be connected ahead of the main disconnect in accordance with Section 701.12E of the California Electrical Code and be protected against interior fire exposure to temperatures in excess of 1,000°F (538°C) for a period of not less than 15 minutes.
910.4.7 Controls. Where building air-handling and mechanical smoke removal systems are combined or where independent building air-handling systems are provided, fans shall automatically shut down in accordance with the California Mechanical Code . The manual controls provided for the smoke removal system shall have the capability to override the automatic shutdown of fans that are part of the smoke removal system.
910.5 Maintenance and testing. Maintenance and testing of smoke and heat vents and mechanical smoke removal systems shall be in accordance with Sections 910.5.1 and 910.5.2. A written record of inspection, testing and maintenance that includes the date, identification of personnel involved, any unsatisfactory result, corrective action taken and replaced parts shall be maintained on the premises.
910.5.1 Smoke and heat vents. Smoke and heat vents shall be maintained in an operative condition. Inspection, testing and maintenance shall be in accordance with NFPA 204 except as follows:
- Mechanically operated smoke and heat vents shall be inspected annually and operationally tested not less than every 5
years. 2. Gravity dropout smoke and heat vents shall be inspected annually. 3. Fused, damaged or painted fusible links shall be replaced.
910.5.2 Mechanical smoke removal systems. Mechanical smoke removal systems shall be maintained in accordance with NFPA 204 and the equipment manufacturer’s instructions except as follows:
- Systems shall be inspected and operationally tested annually.
- Testing shall include the operation of all system components, controls and ancillary equipment, such as makeup air openings.
- A written schedule for routine maintenance and operational testing shall be established and testing shall be conducted in accordance with the schedule.
SECTION 911—EXPLOSION CONTROL
911.1 General. Explosion control shall be provided in the following locations:
- Where a structure, room or space is occupied for purposes involving explosion hazards as identified in Table 911.1.
- Where quantities of hazardous materials specified in Table 911.1 exceed the maximum allowable quantities in Table 5003.1.1(1).
CFC § 901.5.1 High relevance — show source text
901.5.1 Occupancy. It shall be unlawful to occupy any portion of a building or structure until the required fire protection and life safety systems have been tested and approved.
901.6 Inspection, testing and maintenance. Fire protection and life safety systems shall be maintained in an operative condition at all times, and shall be replaced or repaired where defective. Nonrequired fire protection and life safety systems and equipment shall be inspected, tested and maintained or removed in accordance with Section 901.8.
All fire alarm systems, fire detection systems, automatic sprinkler or extinguishing systems, communication systems, and all other equipment, material or systems required by these regulations shall be maintained in an operable condition at all times in accordance with this code and California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1. Upon disruption or diminishment of the fire protective qualities of such equipment, material or systems, immediate action shall be instituted to affect a reestablishment of such equipment, material or systems to their original normal and operational condition.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §1.14] Maintenance.
Every fire alarm system or device, sprinkler system, fire extinguisher, fire hose, fire-resistive assembly or any other fire safety assembly, device, material or equipment installed and retained in service in any building or structure subject to California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1 regulations shall be maintained in an operable condition at all times in accordance with California Code of Regula- tions, Title 19, Division 1 regulations and with their intended use.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §3.24] Maintenance of Equipment.
All fire alarm systems, fire detection systems, automatic sprinkler or extinguishing systems, communication systems, and all other equip- ment, material or systems required by California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1 shall be maintained in an operable condition at all times. Upon disruption or diminishment of the fire protective qualities of such equipment, material or systems, immediate action shall be instituted to affect a reestablishment of such equipment material or systems to their original normal and operational condition.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §904(a)] Required Inspection, Testing and Maintenance Frequencies.
(a) All automatic fire extinguishing systems, including systems installed as an alternate to other building requirements, shall be inspected, tested and maintained in accordance with the following frequencies. Local authorities may require more frequent inspec- tion, testing and maintenance and additional procedures.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §904(a)(1)] Required Inspection, Testing and Maintenance Frequencies.
(1) Water-based fire protection systems shall be inspected, tested and maintained in accordance with the frequencies required by NFPA 25 (2011 edition) including Annexes A, B, C, D and G as amended by the State of California. (Published as NFPA 25, 2013 Califor- nia Edition.)
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §904(b)] Required Inspection, Testing and Maintenance Frequencies.
(b) When proof of the installation date of standpipe systems or automatic fire sprinkler systems cannot be furnished, such systems shall receive initial testing and maintenance by July 1, 1985.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §904.2(a)] Testing and Maintenance Requirements.
CFC § 803.13 High relevance — show source text
Aluminum composite material (ACM) meeting the requirements of Class A interior finish in accordance with Chapter 8 when tested as an assembly in the maximum thickness intended for use.
Textiles and films complying with the fire propagation performance criteria contained in Test Method 1 or Test Method 2, as appropriate, of NFPA 701.
Plastic materials used to construct rigid components of soft-contained play equipment structures (such as tubes, windows, panels, junction boxes, pipes, slides and decks) exhibiting a peak rate of heat release not exceeding 400 kW/ m [2] when tested in accordance with ASTM E1354 at an incident heat flux of 50 kW/m [2] in the horizontal orientation at a thickness of 6 mm.
Ball pool balls, used in soft-contained play equipment structures, having a maximum heat-release rate not greater than 100 kilowatts when tested in accordance with UL 1975 or when tested in accordance with NFPA 289, using the 20 kW ignition source. The minimum specimen test size shall be 36 inches by 36 inches (914 mm by 914 mm) by an average of 21 inches (533 mm) deep, and the balls shall be held in a box constructed of galvanized steel poultry netting wire mesh.
Foam plastics shall be covered by a fabric, coating or film meeting the fire propagation performance criteria contained in Test Method 1 or Test Method 2, as appropriate, of NFPA 701.
The floor covering placed under the play structure shall exhibit a Class I interior floor finish classification, as described in Section 804, when tested in accordance with ASTM E648 or NFPA 253.
Interior finishes for structures exceeding 600 square feet (56 m [2] ) in area or 10 feet (3048 mm) in height shall have a flame spread index not greater than that specified in Table 803.13 for the occupancy group and location designated. Interior wall and ceiling finish materials tested in accordance with NFPA 286 and meeting the acceptance criteria of Section 803.1.1.1, shall be permitted to be used where a Class A classification in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723 is required.
[F] 424.3 Fire protection. Play structures shall be provided with the same level of approved fire suppression and detection devices required for other structures in the same occupancy.
[BF] 424.4 Separation. Play structures shall have a horizontal separation from building walls, partitions and from elements of the means of egress of not less than 5 feet (1524 mm). Play structures shall have a horizontal separation from other play structures of not less than 20 feet (6090 mm).
[BF] 424.5 Area limits. Play structures shall be not greater than 600 square feet (56 m [2] ) in area, unless a special investigation, acceptable to the building official, has demonstrated adequate fire safety.
[BF] 424.5.1 Design. Play structures exceeding 600 square feet (56 m [2] ) in area or 10 feet (3048 mm) in height shall be designed in accordance with Chapter 16.
SECTION 425—HYPERBARIC FACILITIES
425.1 Hyperbaric facilities. Hyperbaric facilities shall meet the requirements contained in Chapter 14 of NFPA 99.
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SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON OCCUPANCY AND USE
CFC § 2.1 High relevance — show source text
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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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7 FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
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.
Frequently asked questions
What exactly must I inventory for my building?
You must inventory all required fire‑resistance‑rated construction and construction installed to resist the passage of smoke, plus items referenced in Sections 703–707 and CBC Sections 602.4.1 and 602.4.2 — as the owner, that inventory is required by § 701.6 .
How often do I have to inspect these elements?
The owner must visually inspect the required elements annually and repair/restore/replace any that are damaged, altered, breached or penetrated (§ 701.6) .
Do concealed rated assemblies require inspection?
Not unless the concealed space is accessible by removal or movement of a panel, access door, ceiling tile or similar movable entry; otherwise visual inspection is not required for concealed spaces (see § 701.6) .
Can I patch penetrations myself with any caulk?
No — repairs must restore the required rating. Materials/systems used to repair or protect breaches and openings must be maintained in accordance with Sections 703–707 (see § 701.5) and with listed systems where the system design number is known .
What records do I need to keep?
Keep records of all required inspections, testing, repairs and maintenance in accordance with § 110.3, as required by § 701.6.1 .
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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