CFC · California Fire Code

Automatic Sprinkler Systems

This hub summarizes the California Fire Code Chapter 9 rules for when sprinklers are required and how they must be designed, supervised, tested, and maintained.

Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

Overview

This hub covers the California Fire Code (CFC) requirements for automatic sprinkler systems — what triggers a requirement, how systems must be designed and installed, and the supervision, alarm, testing and maintenance rules that apply. The primary provisions live in Chapter 9 (notably §903, including the "where required" rules at §903.2 and the installation standards at §903.3), with supervision and alarm requirements at §903.4 and inspection/testing at §903.5.

Why this matters: sprinklers are a core life-safety and fire‑protection measure required for many occupancies and special situations (for example high‑rise buildings, Group I‑2 care occupancies, many public school projects, and certain storage and hazard areas); compliance affects design standards (NFPA 13/13R/13D as adopted/amended), retrofits in existing buildings (see Chapter 11 retrofit schedules), and coordination with fire alarm and water‑supply infrastructure. See §903.2 for situational requirements and Table 903.2.11.6 for specific occupancy triggers, and §903.3.1.1–.3 for the NFPA standards allowed.

In this section

Code references

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

  • CFC § 903.2.11.6 High relevance — show source text

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    FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS

    [F] TABLE 903.2.11.6—ADDITIONAL REQUIRED PROTECTION SYSTEMS—continued Col2
    SECTION SUBJECT
    440 Horse racing stables
    441 Pet kennels
    449 Public libraries
    453 Buildings containing_Group L occupancies_
    507 Unlimited area buildings
    508.5.7 Live/work units
    509.4 Incidental uses
    1030.6.2.3 Smoke-protected assembly seating
    CFC Automatic sprinkler system requirements as set forth in Section 903.2.11.6 of the_California Fire Code_
    California Fire Code Section 1207 Stationary and mobile energy storage systems

    [F] 903.2.12 During construction. Automatic sprinkler systems required during construction, alteration and demolition operations shall be provided in accordance with Chapter 33 of the California Fire Code .

    903.2.13 Reserved.

    903.2.14 Motion picture and television production studio sound stages, approved production facilities and production locations. 903.2.14.1 Existing sound stages and approved production facilities. All existing sound stages and approved production facili- ties equipped with an automatic fire sprinkler system shall be maintained in accordance with the provisions of California Fire Code Chapter 9. 903.2.14.2 New sound stages. All new sound stages shall be equipped with an approved automatic fire sprinkler system. The system shall be installed in accordance with the provisions of the California Fire Code Chapter 9 and shall meet the minimum design requirements of an Extra Hazard, Group 2 system. 903.2.15 Automatic sprinkler system—existing high-rise buildings. See California Fire Code Chapter 11 and California Existing Building Code. 903.2.15.1 Existing Group R-1 and R-2 high-rise buildings fire-extinguishing systems. See California Fire Code Chapter 11 and California Existing Building Code. 903.2.16 Group L occupancies. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout buildings housing Group L occupancies. Sprinkler systems for Group L occupancy shall be designed for the square footage area of the Group L occupancy based on an area of sprinkler operation of 2,500 square feet (232 m [2] ) and design density of 0.20 gpm/sf. In mixed occupancies, portions of floors with Group L occupancies, but not classified as Group L, shall be provided with a sprinkler protection system per NFPA 13. 903.2.16.1 Group L occupancies located on the 11th story and above. The automatic sprinkler system shall be designed and zoned to provide separate indication upon water-flow for each side of the 2-hour fire-smoke barrier on the 11th story and above. 903.2.17 Fixed guideway and passenger rail transit systems. _**903.2.17.1 Automatic sprinkler system.

  • CFC § 903.3.2 High relevance — show source text

    903.3.2 Quick-response and residential sprinklers. Where automatic sprinkler systems are required by this code, quickresponse or residential automatic sprinklers shall be installed in all of the following areas in accordance with Section 903.3.1 and their listings:

    1. Throughout all spaces within a smoke compartment containing care recipient sleeping units in Group I-2 in accordance with the California Building Code .

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    FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS

    1. Reserved.

    2. Throughout all spaces within a smoke compartment containing treatment rooms in ambulatory care facilities.

    3. Dwelling units and sleeping units in Group I-1 and R occupancies.

    4. Light-hazard occupancies as defined in NFPA 13.

    903.3.3 Obstructed locations. Automatic sprinklers shall be installed with regard to obstructions that will delay activation or obstruct the water distribution pattern and shall be in accordance with the applicable automatic sprinkler system standard that is being used. Automatic sprinklers shall be installed in or under covered kiosks, displays, booths, concession stands or equipment that exceeds 4 feet (1219 mm) in width. Not less than a 3-foot (914 mm) clearance shall be maintained between automatic sprinklers and the top of piles of combustible fibers.

    Exception: Kitchen equipment under exhaust hoods protected with a fire-extinguishing system in accordance with Section 904.

    903.3.4 Actuation. Automatic sprinkler systems shall be automatically actuated unless specifically provided for in this code.

    903.3.5 Water supplies. Water supplies for automatic sprinkler systems shall comply with this section and the standards referenced in Section 903.3.1. The potable water supply shall be protected against backflow in accordance with Health and Safety Code 13114.7 . For connections to public waterworks systems, the water supply test used for design of fire protection systems shall be adjusted to account for seasonal and daily pressure fluctuations based on information from the water supply authority and as approved by the fire code official.

    903.3.5.1 Domestic services. Where the domestic service provides the water supply for the automatic sprinkler system, the supply shall be in accordance with this section.

    903.3.5.2 Residential combination services. A single combination water supply shall be allowed provided that the domestic demand is added to the sprinkler demand as required by NFPA 13R.

    903.3.6 Hose threads. Fire hose threads and fittings used in connection with automatic sprinkler systems shall be as prescribed by the fire code official.

    903.3.7 Fire department connections. Fire department connections for automatic sprinkler systems shall be installed in accordance with Section 912.

    903.3.8 Limited area sprinkler systems. Limited area sprinkler systems shall be in accordance with the standards listed in Section 903.3.1 except as provided in Sections 903.3.8.1 through 903.3.8.5.

    903.3.8.1 Number of sprinklers. Limited area sprinkler systems shall not exceed six sprinklers in any single fire area.

    903.3.8.2 Occupancy hazard classification. Only areas classified by NFPA 13 as Light Hazard or Ordinary Hazard Group 1 shall be permitted to be protected by limited area sprinkler systems.

  • CFC § 903.4 Medium relevance — show source text

    903.4 Sprinkler system supervision and alarms. Automatic sprinkler system supervision and alarms shall comply with Sections 903.4.1 through 903.4.3.

    903.4.1 Electronic supervision. Valves controlling the water supply for automatic sprinkler systems, pumps, tanks, water levels and temperatures, critical air pressures and waterflow switches on all automatic sprinkler systems shall be electrically supervised by a listed fire alarm control unit.

    Exceptions:

    1. Automatic sprinkler systems protecting one- and two-family dwellings.

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    1. Limited area sprinkler systems in accordance with Section 903.3.8, provided that backflow prevention device test valves located in limited area sprinkler system supply piping shall be locked in the open position unless supplying an occupancy required to be equipped with a fire alarm system, in which case the backflow preventer valves shall be electrically supervised by a tamper switch installed in accordance with NFPA 72 and separately annunciated.
    2. Automatic sprinkler systems installed in accordance with NFPA 13R where a common supply main is used to supply both domestic water and the automatic sprinkler system, and a separate shutoff valve for the automatic sprinkler system is not provided.
    3. Jockey pump control valves that are sealed or locked in the open position.
    4. Control valves to commercial kitchen hoods, paint spray booths or dip tanks that are sealed or locked in the open position.
    5. Valves controlling the fuel supply to fire pump engines that are sealed or locked in the open position.
    6. Trim valves to pressure switches in dry, preaction and deluge sprinkler systems that are sealed or locked in the open position.
    7. Underground key or hub gate valves in roadway boxes.

    903.4.2 Monitoring. Alarm, supervisory and trouble signals shall be distinctly different and shall be automatically transmitted to an approved supervising station or, where approved by the fire code official, shall sound an audible signal at a constantly attended location.

    903.4.3 Alarms. An approved audible and visual sprinkler waterflow alarm device, located on the exterior of the building in an approved location, shall be connected to each automatic sprinkler system. Such sprinkler waterflow alarm devices shall be activated by water flow equivalent to the flow of a single sprinkler of the smallest orifice size installed in the system. Where a waterflow switch is required by Section 903.4.1 to be electrically supervised, such sprinkler waterflow alarm devices shall be powered by a fire alarm control unit or, where provided, a fire alarm system. Where a fire alarm system is provided, actuation of the automatic sprinkler system shall actuate the building fire alarm system.

    Exception: Automatic sprinkler systems protecting one- and two-family dwellings.

    903.5 Inspection, testing and maintenance. Automatic sprinkler systems shall be inspected, tested and maintained in accordance with Section 901.

    903.6 Where required in existing buildings and structures. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided in existing buildings and structures where required in Chapter 11.

    SECTION 904—ALTERNATIVE AUTOMATIC FIRE-EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS

    904.1 General. Automatic fire-extinguishing systems, other than automatic sprinkler systems, shall be designed, installed, inspected, tested and maintained in accordance with the provisions of this section and the applicable referenced standards.

  • CFC § 903.3.2 Medium relevance — show source text

    [F] 903.3.2 Quick-response and residential sprinklers. Where automatic sprinkler systems are required by this code, quickresponse or residential automatic sprinklers shall be installed in all of the following areas in accordance with Section 903.3.1 and their listings:

    1. Throughout all spaces within a smoke compartment containing care recipient sleeping units in Group I-2 in accordance with this code.

    2. Reserved.

    3. Throughout all spaces within a smoke compartment containing treatment rooms in ambulatory care facilities.

    4. Dwelling units and sleeping units in Group R occupancies.

    5. Light-hazard occupancies as defined in NFPA 13.

    [F] 903.3.3 Obstructed locations. Automatic sprinklers shall be installed with regard to obstructions that will delay activation or obstruct the water distribution pattern and shall be in accordance with the applicable automatic sprinkler system standard that is being used. Automatic sprinklers shall be installed in or under covered kiosks, displays, booths, concession stands, or equipment that exceeds 4 feet (1219 mm) in width. Not less than a 3-foot (914 mm) clearance shall be maintained between automatic sprinklers and the top of piles of combustible fibers.

    Exception: Kitchen equipment under exhaust hoods protected with a fire-extinguishing system in accordance with Section 904.

    [F] 903.3.4 Actuation. Automatic sprinkler systems shall be automatically actuated unless specifically provided for in this code.

    [F] 903.3.5 Water supplies. Water supplies for automatic sprinkler systems shall comply with this section and the standards referenced in Section 903.3.1. The potable water supply shall be protected against backflow in accordance with the Health and Safety Code Section 13114.7 . For connections to public waterworks systems, the water supply test used for design of fire protection systems shall be adjusted to account for seasonal and daily pressure fluctuations based on information from the water supply authority and as approved by the fire code official.

    [F] 903.3.5.1 Domestic services. Where the domestic service provides the water supply for the automatic sprinkler system, the supply shall be in accordance with this section.

    [F] 903.3.5.2 Residential combination services. A single combination water supply shall be allowed provided that the domestic demand is added to the sprinkler demand as required by NFPA 13R.

    [F] 903.3.6 Hose threads. Fire hose threads and fittings used in connection with automatic sprinkler systems shall be as prescribed by the fire code official.

    [F] 903.3.7 Fire department connections. Fire department connections for automatic sprinkler systems shall be installed in accordance with Section 912.

    [F] 903.3.8 Limited area sprinkler systems. Limited area sprinkler systems shall be in accordance with the standards listed in Section 903.3.1 except as provided in Sections 903.3.8.1 through 903.3.8.5.

    [F] 903.3.8.1 Number of sprinklers. Limited area sprinkler systems shall not exceed six sprinklers in any single fire area.

    [F] 903.3.8.2 Occupancy hazard classification. Only areas classified by NFPA 13 as Light Hazard or Ordinary Hazard Group 1 shall be permitted to be protected by limited area sprinkler systems.

  • CFC § 903.4 Medium relevance — show source text

    [A] 903.4 Sprinkler system supervision and alarms. Automatic sprinkler system supervision and alarms shall comply with Sections 903.4.1 through 903.4.3.

    [F] 903.4.1 Electronic supervision. Valves controlling the water supply for automatic sprinkler systems, pumps, tanks, water levels and temperatures, critical air pressures and waterflow switches on all automatic sprinkler systems shall be electrically supervised by a listed fire alarm control unit.

    Exceptions:

    1. Automatic sprinkler systems protecting one- and two-family dwellings.
    2. Limited area sprinkler systems in accordance with Section 903.3.8, provided that backflow prevention device test valves located in limited area sprinkler system supply piping shall be locked in the open position unless supplying an occupancy required to be equipped with a fire alarm system, in which case the backflow preventer valves shall be electrically supervised by a tamper switch installed in accordance with NFPA 72 and separately annunciated.
    3. Automatic sprinkler systems installed in accordance with NFPA 13R where a common supply main is used to supply both domestic water and the automatic sprinkler system, and a separate shutoff valve for the automatic sprinkler system is not provided.
    4. Jockey pump control valves that are sealed or locked in the open position.
    5. Control valves to commercial kitchen hoods, paint spray booths or dip tanks that are sealed or locked in the open position.
    6. Valves controlling the fuel supply to fire pump engines that are sealed or locked in the open position.
    7. Trim valves to pressure switches in dry, preaction and deluge sprinkler systems that are sealed or locked in the open position.
    8. Underground key or hub gate valves in roadway boxes.

    [F] 903.4.2 Monitoring. Alarm, supervisory and trouble signals shall be distinctly different and shall be automatically transmitted to an approved supervising station or, where approved by the fire code official, shall sound an audible signal at a constantly attended location.

    [F] 903.4.3 Alarms. An approved audible and visual sprinkler waterflow alarm device, located on the exterior of the building in an approved location, shall be connected to each automatic sprinkler system. Such sprinkler waterflow alarm devices shall be activated by water flow equivalent to the flow of a single sprinkler of the smallest orifice size installed in the system. Where a waterflow switch is required by Section 903.4.1 to be electrically supervised, such sprinkler waterflow alarm devices shall be powered by a fire alarm control unit or, where provided, a fire alarm system. Where a fire alarm system is provided, actuation of the automatic sprinkler system shall actuate the building fire alarm system.

    Exception: Automatic sprinkler systems protecting one- and two-family dwellings.

    [F] 903.5 Inspection, testing and maintenance. Automatic sprinkler systems shall be inspected, tested and maintained in accordance with the California Fire Code .

    SECTION 904—ALTERNATIVE AUTOMATIC FIRE-EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS

    [F] 904.1 General. Automatic fire-extinguishing systems, other than automatic sprinkler systems, shall be designed, installed, inspected, tested and maintained in accordance with the provisions of this section and the applicable referenced standards.

    [F] 904.2 Where permitted. Automatic fire-extinguishing systems installed as an alternative to the required automatic sprinkler systems of Section 903 shall be approved by the fire code official.

  • CFC § 903.2.11.5 Medium relevance — show source text

    Exception: Ducts where the largest cross-sectional diameter of the duct is less than 10 inches (254 mm).

    [F] 903.2.11.5 Commercial cooking operations. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in commercial kitchen exhaust hood and duct systems where an automatic sprinkler system is used to comply with Section 904.

    [F] 903.2.11.6 Other required fire protection systems. In addition to the requirements of Section 903.2, the provisions indicated in Table 903.2.11.6 require the installation of a fire protection system for certain buildings and areas.

    [F] TABLE 903.2.11.6—ADDITIONAL REQUIRED PROTECTION SYSTEMS Col2
    SECTION SUBJECT
    402.5, 402.6.2 Covered and open mall buildings
    403.3 High-rise buildings_ and Group I-2 occupancies having occupied floors located more than 75 feet above the_
    lowest level of fire department vehicle access
    404.3 Atriums
    405.3 Underground structures
    406.6.4 Mechanical-access enclosed parking garages
    407.7 Group I-2
    410.6 Stages
    411.3 Special amusement buildings
    412.2.4 Airport traffic control towers
    412.3.6, 412.3.6.1, 412.5.6 Aircraft hangars
    415.11.11 Group H-5 HPM exhaust ducts
    416.5 Flammable finishes
    417.4 Drying rooms
    424.3 Play structures

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    FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS

    [F] TABLE 903.2.11.6—ADDITIONAL REQUIRED PROTECTION SYSTEMS—continued Col2
    SECTION SUBJECT
    440 Horse racing stables
    441 Pet kennels
    449 Public libraries
    453 Buildings containing_Group L occupancies_
    507 Unlimited area buildings
    508.5.7 Live/work units
    509.4 Incidental uses
    1030.6.2.3 Smoke-protected assembly seating
    CFC Automatic sprinkler system requirements as set forth in Section 903.2.11.6 of the_California Fire Code_
    California Fire Code Section 1207 Stationary and mobile energy storage systems

    [F] 903.2.12 During construction. Automatic sprinkler systems required during construction, alteration and demolition operations shall be provided in accordance with Chapter 33 of the California Fire Code .

    903.2.13 Reserved.

    903.2.14 Motion picture and television production studio sound stages, approved production facilities and production locations. 903.2.14.1 Existing sound stages and approved production facilities. All existing sound stages and approved production facili- ties equipped with an automatic fire sprinkler system shall be maintained in accordance with the provisions of California Fire Code Chapter 9. 903.2.14.2 New sound stages. _All new sound stages shall be equipped with an approved automatic fire sprinkler system.

  • CFC § 3.7.5.1 Medium relevance — show source text

    3.7.5.1|Flammable and combustible liquid storage rooms| |5704.3.8.4|Flammable and combustible liquid storage warehouses| |5705.3.7.3|Flammable and combustible liquid Group H-2 or H-3 areas| |6004.1.2|Gas cabinets for highly toxic and toxic gas| |6004.1.3|Exhausted enclosures for highly toxic and toxic gas| |6004.2.2.6|Gas rooms for highly toxic and toxic gas| |6004.3.3|Outdoor storage for highly toxic and toxic gas| |6504.1.1|Pyroxylin plastic storage cabinets| |6504.1.3|Pyroxylin plastic storage vaults| |6504.2|Pyroxylin plastic storage and manufacturing| |California Building Code Section 440|Horse racing stables| |California Building Code Section 441|Pet kennels| |California Building Code Section 449|Public libraries| |For SI: 1 cubic foot = 0.023 m3.|For SI: 1 cubic foot = 0.023 m3.|

    903.2.12 During construction. Automatic sprinkler systems required during construction, alteration and demolition operations shall be provided in accordance with Section 3307.

    903.2.13 Reserved.

    903.2.14 Motion picture and television production studio sound stages, approved production facilities and production locations.

    903.2.14.1 Existing Sound Stages and Approved Production Facilities. All existing sound stages and approved production facil- ities equipped with an automatic fire sprinkler system shall be maintained in accordance with the provisions in this chapter.

    903.2.14.2 New sound stages. All new sound stages shall be equipped with an approved automatic fire sprinkler system. The system shall be installed in accordance with the provisions of the California Fire Code, Chapter 9, and shall meet the minimum design requirements of an Extra Hazard, Group 2 system.

    903.2.15 Automatic sprinkler system – existing high-rise buildings. Regardless of any other provisions of these regulations, every existing high-rise building of Type II-B, Type III-B or Type V-B construction shall be provided with an approved automatic sprinkler system conforming to NFPA 13.

    903.2.15.1 Existing R-1 and R-2 high-rise buildings fire-extinguishing systems. Automatic fire-extinguishing systems installed in any existing high-rise structure in which a Group R-1 or a Group R-2 occupancy is located shall have an approved flow indicator electrically interconnected to the required fire alarm system.

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    FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS

    903.2.16 Group L occupancies. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout buildings housing Group L occupancies. Sprinkler systems for Group L occupancy shall be designed for the square footage area of the Group L occupancy based on an area of sprinkler operation of 2,500 square feet (232 m [2] ) and design density of 0.20 gpm/sf.

    In mixed occupancies, portions of floors with Group L occupancies, but not classified as Group L, shall be provided with a sprinkler protection system per NFPA 13.

  • CFC § 1103.5.2 Medium relevance — show source text

    1103.5.2 Group I-2. In Group I-2, an automatic sprinkler system shall be provided in accordance with Section 1105.9.

    1103.5.3 Group I-2, Condition 2. In addition to the requirements of Section 1103.5.2, existing buildings of Group I-2, Condition 2 occupancy shall be equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1. The automatic sprinkler system shall be installed as established by the adopting ordinance. [ DATE BY WHICH SPRINKLER SYSTEM MUST BE

    INSTALLED ] .

    1103.5.4 High-rise buildings. Where Appendix M has not been adopted, existing high-rise buildings that do not have a previously approved automatic sprinkler system shall be equipped with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 where any of the following conditions apply:

    1. The high-rise building has an occupied floor located more than 120 feet (36 576 mm) above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access.
    2. The high-rise building has occupied floors located more than 75 feet (22 860 mm) and not more than 120 feet (36 576 mm) above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access, and the building does not have at least two interior exit stairways complying with Section 1104.10 that are separated from the building interior by fire assemblies having a fireresistance rating of not less than 2 hours with opening protection in accordance with Table 716.1(2) of the California Building Code .
    3. The high-rise building has occupied floors located more than 75 feet (22 860 mm) and not more than 120 feet (36 576 mm) above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access, and the building does not have a fire alarm system that includes smoke detection in mechanical equipment, electrical, transformer, telephone equipment and similar rooms; corridors; elevator lobbies; and at doors penetrating interior exit stairway enclosures.

    Building owners shall file a compliance schedule with the fire code official not later than 365 days after receipt of a written notice. The compliance schedule shall not exceed 12 years for completion of the automatic sprinkler system retrofit.

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    CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS FOR EXISTING BUILDINGS

    1103.5.5 Pyroxylin plastics. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout existing buildings where cellulose nitrate film or pyroxylin plastics are manufactured, stored or handled in quantities exceeding 100 pounds (45 kg). Vaults located within buildings for the storage of raw pyroxylin shall be protected with an approved automatic sprinkler system capable of discharging 1.66 gallons per minute per square foot (68 L/min/m [2] ) over the area of the vault.

    1103.6 Standpipes. Existing structures shall be equipped with standpipes installed in accordance with Section 905 where required in Sections 1103.6.1 and 1103.6.2. The fire code official is authorized to approve the installation of manual standpipe systems to achieve compliance with this section where the responding fire department is capable of providing the required hose flow at the highest standpipe outlet.

    **1103.6.1 Existing multiple-story buildings.

  • CFC § 8-409 Medium relevance — show source text

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    FIRE PROTECTION

    1. Wooden roof materials may be utilized where fire resistance is required, provided they are treated with fire-retardant treatments to achieve a Class “B” roof covering rating. Wood roofing in state designated Urban Wildland and High Fire Zones shall be permitted when installed in Class “A” assemblies.
    2. Jurisdictions that prohibit wood roofing materials for application as roof coverings and roof assemblies shall submit documentation for the adoption. Express Terms, statement of reasons and minutes of the action by the adopting authority Health and Safety Code, Section 18959(f).

    SECTION 8-409 FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS

    Every qualified historical building or property shall be provided with fire alarm systems as required for the use or occupancy by the regular code or other approved alternative.

    SECTION 8-410 AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEMS

    8-410.1 Every qualified historical building or property which cannot be made to conform to the construction requirements specified in the regular code for the occupancy or use, and which constitutes a distinct fire hazard (for definition of “Distinct Hazard,” see Chapter 8-2), shall be deemed to be in compliance if provided with an automatic sprinkler system or a life safety system or other technologies as approved by the enforcing agency. (“Automatic” is defined in the regular code. “Sprinkler System” is defined in this section.)

    8-410.2 When required by the CHBC, an automatic sprinkler system is defined by the following standards as adopted by the State Fire Marshal (for nonhazardous occupancies).

    1. Buildings of four stories or less: NFPA 13R.

    2. For floors above the fourth, NFPA 13.

    3. Buildings with floors above 75 feet, NFPA 13.

    4. When the building is free standing or with property line separation, two floors and 1500 square feet per floor or less, NFPA 13D.

    5. For exterior wall and opening protection. As required by this chapter.

    Exception: When the automatic sprinkler systems are used to reach compliance using this code, in three or more occasions, NFPA 13D standard shall be increased to NFPA 13R standard, or NFPA 13R standard shall be increased to a NFPA 13 standard.

    8-410.3 Automatic sprinkler systems shall not be used to substitute for or act as an alternate to the required number of exits from any facility. (See Chapter 8-5 for exiting requirements.)

    8-410.4 An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided in all detention facilities.

    SECTION 8-411 OTHER TECHNOLOGIES

    Fire alarm systems, smoke and heat detection systems, occupant notification and annunciation systems, smoke control systems and fire modeling, timed egress analysis and modeling, as well as other engineering methods and technologies may be accepted by the enforcing agency to address areas of nonconformance.

    SECTION 8-412 HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS

    Qualified historical buildings having floors for human occupancy located more than 75 feet above the lowest floor level having building access shall conform to the provisions of the regular code for existing high-rise buildings as amended by the CHBC.

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    8-5 MEANS OF EGRESS

  • CFC § 1009.3 Medium relevance — show source text

    1009.3 Interceptor required. If the new occupancy will produce grease or oil-laden wastes, interceptors shall be provided as required in the California Plumbing Code .

    1009.4 Chemical wastes. If the new occupancy will produce chemical wastes, the following shall apply:

    1. If the existing piping is not compatible with the chemical waste, the waste shall be neutralized prior to entering the drainage system or the piping shall be changed to a compatible material.
    2. Chemical waste shall not discharge to a public sewer system without the approval of the sewage authority.

    SECTION 1010—OTHER REQUIREMENTS

    1010.1 Light and ventilation. Light and ventilation shall comply with the requirements of the California Building Code for the new

    occupancy.

    SECTION 1011—CHANGE OF OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION

    1011.1 General. The provisions of this section shall apply to buildings or portions thereof undergoing a change of occupancy classification. This includes a change of occupancy classification within a group as well as a change of occupancy classification from one group to a different group. The provisions of this section shall also apply where there is a change of occupancy within a building or portion thereof and there is a different fire protection system threshold requirement in Chapter 9 of the current California Building Code than exists in the current building or space. Such buildings shall also comply with Sections 1002 through 1010 of this code.

    1011.2 Fire protection systems. Fire protection systems shall be provided in accordance with Sections 1011.2.1 and 1011.2.2.

    1011.2.1 Automatic sprinkler system. The installation of an automatic sprinkler system shall be required where there is a change of occupancy classification and Chapter 9 of the current California Building Code requires an automatic sprinkler system based on the new occupancy or where there is a change of occupancy within the space where there is a different fire protection system threshold requirement in Chapter 9 of the current California Building Code than exists in the current building or space . The installation of the automatic sprinkler system shall be required within the area of the change of occupancy and areas of the building not separated by a fire wall from the change of occupancy.

    1011.2.1.1 Nonrequired automatic sprinkler systems. The code official is authorized to permit the removal of an existing automatic sprinkler system where all of the following conditions exist:

    1. The system is not required for new construction.
    2. Portions of the system that are exposed to the public are removed.
    3. The system was not installed as part of any special construction features, including fire-resistance-rated assemblies and smoke-resistive assemblies, conditions of occupancy, means of egress conditions, fire code deficiencies, approved modifications or approved alternative materials, design and methods of construction, and equipment applying to the building.

    1011.2.1.1.1 Approval. Plans, investigation and evaluation reports, and other data shall be submitted documenting compliance with Section 1011.2.1.1 for review and approval in support of a determination authorizing the removal of the automatic sprinkler system by the code official.

    1011.2.2 Fire alarm and detection system. Where a change in occupancy classification occurs or where there is a change of occupancy within a space where there is a different fire protection system threshold requirement in Chapter 9 of the current Cali- fornia Building Code than exists in the current building or space that requires a fire alarm and detection system to be provided based on the new occupancy, such system shall be in accordance with Chapter 11 and Section 907 of the California Fire Code.

  • CFC § 5704.3.7.2.3 Medium relevance — show source text

    5704.3.7.2.3 Stabilizing and supports. Containers and piles shall be separated by pallets or dunnage to provide stability and to prevent excessive stress to container walls. Portable tanks stored over one tier shall be designed to nest securely without dunnage.

    Requirements for portable tank design shall be in accordance with Chapters 9 and 12 of NFPA 30. Shelving, racks, dunnage, scuffboards, floor overlay and similar installations shall be of noncombustible construction or of wood not less than a 1-inch (25 mm) nominal thickness. Adequate material-handling equipment shall be available to handle tanks safely at upper tier levels.

    5704.3.7.3 Spill control and secondary containment. Liquid storage rooms shall be provided with spill control and secondary containment in accordance with Section 5004.2.

    5704.3.7.4 Ventilation. Liquid storage rooms shall be ventilated in accordance with Section 5004.3.

    5704.3.7.5 Fire protection. Fire protection for liquid storage rooms shall comply with Sections 5704.3.7.5.1 and 5704.3.7.5.2.

    5704.3.7.5.1 Fire-protection systems. Liquid storage rooms shall be protected by automatic sprinkler systems installed in accordance with Chapter 9 and Tables 5704.3.6.3(4) through 5704.3.6.3(7) and Table 5704.3.7.5.1. In-rack sprinklers shall also comply with NFPA 13.

    Automatic foam-water systems and automatic aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) water sprinkler systems shall not be used except where approved.

    Protection criteria developed from fire modeling or full-scale fire testing conducted at an approved testing laboratory are allowed in lieu of the protection as shown in Tables 5704.3.6.3(2) through 5704.3.6.3(7) and Table 5704.3.7.5.1 where approved.

    TABLE 5704.3.7.5.1—AUTOMATIC AFFF-WATER PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS FOR
    SOLID-PILE AND PALLETIZED STORAGE OF LIQUIDS IN METAL CONTAINERS OF 5-GALLON CAPACITY OR LESSa, b
    Col2 Col3 Col4 Col5 Col6 Col7 Col8 Col9 Col10 Col11
    PACKAGE
    TYPE
    CLASS
    LIQUID
    CEILING SPRINKLER DESIGN AND DEMAND CEILING SPRINKLER DESIGN AND DEMAND CEILING SPRINKLER DESIGN AND DEMAND CEILING SPRINKLER DESIGN AND DEMAND **CEILING SPRINKLER DESIGN AND
  • CFC § 904.10.3 Medium relevance — show source text

    904.10.3 System hoses. System hoses shall be examined at 12-month intervals for damage. Damaged hoses shall be replaced or tested. All hoses shall be tested at 5-year intervals.

    904.11 Automatic water mist systems. Automatic water mist systems shall be permitted in applications that are consistent with the applicable listing or approvals and shall comply with Sections 904.11.1 through 904.11.3.

    904.11.1 Design and installation requirements. Automatic water mist systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with Sections 904.11.1.1 through 904.11.1.4.

    904.11.1.1 General. Automatic water mist systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with California Code of Regu- lations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 5 and NFPA 750 and the manufacturer’s instructions.

    904.11.1.2 Actuation. Automatic water mist systems shall be automatically actuated.

    904.11.1.3 Water supply protection. Connections to a potable water supply shall be protected against backflow in accordance with the California Plumbing Code .

    904.11.1.4 Secondary water supply. Where a secondary water supply is required for an automatic sprinkler system, an automatic water mist system shall be provided with an approved secondary water supply.

    904.11.2 Water mist system supervision and alarms. Supervision and alarms shall be provided as required for automatic sprinkler systems in accordance with Section 903.4.1.

    9-26 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE

    on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

    FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS

    904.11.2.1 Monitoring. Monitoring shall be provided as required for automatic sprinkler systems in accordance with Section 903.4.2.

    904.11.2.2 Alarms. Alarms shall be provided as required for automatic sprinkler systems in accordance with Section 903.4.3.

    904.11.2.3 Floor control valves. Floor control valves shall be provided as required for automatic sprinkler systems in accordance with Section 903.3.9.

    904.11.3 Testing and maintenance. Automatic water mist systems shall be tested and maintained in accordance with California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 5.

    904.12 Hybrid fire-extinguishing systems. Hybrid fire-extinguishing systems shall be designed, installed, maintained, periodically inspected and tested in accordance with NFPA 770. Records of inspection and testing shall be maintained.

    904.13 Aerosol fire-extinguishing systems. Aerosol fire-extinguishing systems shall be installed, maintained, periodically inspected and tested in accordance with NFPA 2010 and their listing.

    Such devices and appurtenances shall be listed and installed in compliance with manufacturer’s instructions.

    904.13.1 Maintenance. Not less than semiannually, an inspection shall be conducted by a trained person to assess whether the system is in working order. Not less than annually, a certified fire suppression contractor having knowledge of and training in the installation, operation and maintenance of the specific fire-extinguishing system shall inspect, test, service and maintain such system in accordance with this section and the manufacturer’s specifications and servicing manuals. Records of inspections and testing shall be maintained.

Frequently asked questions

When does the CFC require automatic sprinklers?

The CFC sets baseline requirements in §903.2: many new and altered occupancies must be fully sprinklered (and Table 903.2.11.6 lists additional required protections for specific occupancies and conditions). High‑rise buildings, many institutional occupancies, certain storage and hazardous operations, and numerous state‑funded school projects are examples called out in Chapter 9 and related chapters.

What design standards govern sprinkler system installation?

Sprinkler systems required by the CFC must be designed and installed to the referenced standards in §903.3.1.1 — principally NFPA 13 (as amended in the California amendments), with NFPA 13R and NFPA 13D permitted for limited residential applications per §903.3.1.3 and related California Residential Code provisions. Plans must follow the CFC’s Chapter 80 amendments to those standards where applicable.

What are the requirements for supervision, alarms, and maintenance?

The CFC requires electronic supervision of water supplies, valves, pumps and waterflow devices and distinct monitoring/transmission of supervisory and trouble signals (§903.4.1–.2), plus exterior audible/visual waterflow alarms and integration with the building fire alarm system where provided (§903.4.3). Inspection, testing and maintenance obligations are set out in §903.5 and cross‑referenced to the code’s Chapter 9 inspection/testing rules.

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