CFC · California Fire Code
Special smoke-control rules for high-rise and underground buildings
If a building is a high‑rise it must have a smoke control system designed per the California Building Code § 909 as required by CFC **§ 914.3.8.1**. Underground buildings must have the highest level of exit discharge and all lower levels sprinklered (**§ 914.5.1**) and a smoke control system that confines smoke to the fire area and keeps exits usable (**§ 914.5.2**).
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires
All portions of high‑rise buildings must have a smoke control system in accordance with the California Building Code (CBC) Section 909 as required by § 914.3.8.1.
For underground buildings, a smoke control system is required to control migration of combustion products and to keep egress usable, and the highest level of exit discharge serving underground portions must be sprinklered. See § 914.5.2 and § 914.5.1.
A fire alarm system for high‑rise buildings is required in accordance with § 914.3.3 (i.e., Section 907.2.13 alarm/detection provisions).
The single most important rule: If a building meets the high‑rise definition, or is an underground building, you cannot treat smoke control as optional — provide a smoke control system that confines smoke to the fire area and preserves means of egress. § 914.3.8.1 and § 914.5.2.
Requirements in detail
High‑rise buildings (primary requirement)
- The controlling requirement is § 914.3.8.1: "All portions of high‑rise buildings shall be provided with a smoke control system in accordance with California Building Code, Section 909." This ties CFC requirements to the CBC smoke‑control chapter (Section 909) for design, control, and testing.
- Related alarm/detection requirements: § 914.3.3 requires a fire alarm system in accordance with Section 907.2.13 (automatic detection, voice/evacuation, fire department communications for high‑rise).
Underground buildings (primary requirements)
- § 914.5.1 — Automatic sprinklers: the highest level of exit discharge serving the underground portions and all levels below must be equipped with an automatic sprinkler system per Section 903.3.1.1; waterflow switches and control valves must be supervised.
- § 914.5.2 — Smoke control: a smoke control system is required to (1) control migration of products of combustion per Section 909, (2) restrict smoke movement to the general area of fire origin, and (3) maintain means of egress in a usable condition.
- Where compartmentation is required (see Section 405.4 of the CBC), each compartment must have an independent smoke control system that is automatically activated and manually operable per the alarm requirements (this is stated in § 914.5.3).
Design, control and interface expectations (how the systems are used)
- The CFC requires the smoke control to be implemented per CBC Section 909 — that chapter contains the engineering/design, automatic sequences, firefighter's control panel requirements and testing/commissioning expectations referenced by the CFC. In practice this means the smoke control system must have documented automatic and manual sequences, a firefighter's control interface, and records/testing as required by Section 909.
Decision‑relevant dimensions and values
| Decision dimension | Value / threshold | What that triggers | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Building is a high‑rise (occupied floor > threshold per CBC) | See CBC definition (commonly > 75 ft above fire‑dept vehicle access for Group I‑2 references) | Requires smoke control system per § 914.3.8.1 and CBC § 909 design | § 914.3.8.1 ; CBC § 909 |
| Fire alarm for high‑rise | Automatic detection/voice and communications per Section 907.2.13 | Provide fire alarm and voice evac features for high‑rise | § 914.3.3 (ref. § 907.2.13) |
| Underground — sprinklers | Highest level of exit discharge serving underground + all levels below | Install automatic sprinklers per Section 903.3.1.1; supervise waterflow and control valves | § 914.5.1 |
| Underground — smoke control objective | No numeric "flow" in §; performance objective: restrict smoke to fire area and maintain egress | Provide smoke control system complying with CBC § 909 and CFC § 914.5.2 | § 914.5.2 |
| Compartmentation (underground) | Where CBC § 405.4 requires compartments | Each compartment needs an independent, auto‑activated smoke control system | § 914.5.3 |
(Notes: the exact numeric trigger used by other CFC/CBC sections — for example references to 75 feet — appear throughout the codes for high‑rise/Group I‑2 triggers; consult the CBC and Sections 907/403 for the formal high‑rise definition and related thresholds.) file
Exceptions & special cases
- Exit enclosures in high‑rise buildings must comply with the CBC provisions; there is an exception for exit enclosures that serve three or fewer adjacent floors where one adjacent floor is the level of exit discharge (see the exception to § 914.3.8.2). That exception affects which stairways must meet the smokeproof/pressurization stair‑enclosure rules.
- Smoke control for underground buildings must be coordinated with compartmentation requirements — if CBC § 405.4 requires compartments, then each compartment needs its own independent, automatically activated smoke control system (§ 914.5.3).
- The CFC ties the smoke control design to CBC § 909 — some detailed hardware, control tubing, firefighter panel, and testing requirements are in the CBC (Section 909) rather than repeated verbatim in the CFC; designers must follow CBC § 909 where the CFC references it. file
Common mistakes
- Treating smoke control as optional in a high‑rise: the CFC is explicit — all portions of high‑rise buildings need smoke control per § 914.3.8.1.
- Forgetting the sprinkler obligation for underground exit discharge levels: the highest level of exit discharge serving underground portions and all levels below must be sprinklered per § 914.5.1 (including supervision of waterflow switches and valves).
- Designing a single shared smoke control system for multiple compartments where the CBC/CFC requires independent compartment systems (see § 914.5.3). Verify compartmentation triggers in CBC § 405.4 before relying on a single system.
- Not integrating alarm/detection and firefighter controls: high‑rise alarm/detection provisions (see § 914.3.3) and CBC § 909 firefighter's control panel and control sequences must be coordinated — absence of integrated detection → improper automatic sequences. file
- Assuming “smoke control” is purely mechanical: CBC § 909 (referenced by the CFC) includes control logic, manual firefighter overrides, testing, and documentation; neglecting these non‑fan elements will fail inspection.
Worked example
Scenario: An office tower has occupied floors starting at 80 feet above the lowest level of fire‑department vehicle access. There are three basement levels (B1–B3) with retail below grade.
Application:
- The tower meets the high‑rise triggers (occupied floor > 75 ft) so all portions of the building must have a smoke control system designed per CBC § 909 as required by § 914.3.8.1. Provide automatic smoke detection and the fire alarm/voice system required via § 914.3.3 (Section 907.2.13). file
- For the basements: the highest level of exit discharge serving the underground portions (assume B1 is the highest underground exit discharge level) and all levels below must be equipped with automatic sprinklers (B1–B3) per § 914.5.1. Supervise waterflow switches and control valves.
- For smoke control in the basements: design a system that “restricts movement of smoke to the general area of fire origin and maintains means of egress in a usable condition” per § 914.5.2. If CBC § 405.4 requires compartmentation of the underground retail spaces, provide independent smoke control systems for each compartment and ensure automatic activation with manual firefighter override per § 914.5.3.
- Document control sequences, provide a firefighter’s smoke control panel and controls as required by CBC § 909, and include testing/commissioning per the referenced smoke‑control testing provisions.
Related provisions
- § 914.3.3 — Fire alarm system requirement for high‑rise (references Section 907.2.13).
- § 914.3.4 — Automatic smoke detection (see Section 907.2.13.1).
- § 914.5.3 — Compartment smoke control system requirement for underground buildings.
- California Building Code Section 909 — Smoke control design, control sequences, firefighter’s panel, and testing (CFC references CBC § 909 for detailed design).
- Sections on standby/essential power tied to smoke control and high‑rise systems (CBC § 2702.2 — standby power for smoke control systems).
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Fire Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CFC § 914.3.4 High relevance — show source text
914.3.4 Automatic smoke detection. Smoke detection shall be provided in accordance with Section 907.2.13.1.
914.3.5 Emergency voice/alarm communication system. An emergency voice/alarm communication system shall be provided in accordance with Section 907.5.2.2.
914.3.6 Emergency responder communication coverage. In-building, two-way emergency responder communication coverage shall be provided in accordance with Section 510.
914.3.7 Fire command. A fire command center complying with Section 508 shall be provided in a location approved by the fire department.
914.3.8 Smoke control.
914.3.8.1 Smoke control system. All portions of high-rise buildings shall be provided with a smoke control system in accordance with California Building Code, Section 909.
914.3.8.2 Smokeproof exit enclosures. Every exit enclosure in high-rise buildings shall comply with California Building Code, Sections 909.20 and 1023.12. Every required stairway in Group I-2 occupancies serving floors more than 75 feet (22 860 mm) above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access shall comply with Sections 909.20 and 1023.12 of the California Building Code.
Exception: In high-rise buildings, exit enclosures serving three or less adjacent floors where one of the adjacent floors is the level of exit discharge.
914.4 Atriums. Atriums shall comply with Sections 914.4.1 and 914.4.2.
914.4.1 Automatic sprinkler system. An approved automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout the entire building.
Exceptions:
- That area of a building adjacent to or above the atrium need not be sprinklered, provided that portion of the building is separated from the atrium portion by not less than a 2-hour fire barrier 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.
- Where the ceiling of the atrium is more than 55 feet (16 764 mm) above the floor, sprinkler protection at the ceiling of the atrium is not required.
914.4.2 Fire alarm system. A fire alarm system shall be provided where required by Section 907.2.14.
914.5 Underground buildings. Underground buildings shall comply with Sections 914.5.1 through 914.5.5.
914.5.1 Automatic sprinkler system. The highest level of exit discharge serving the underground portions of the building and all levels below shall be equipped with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1. Waterflow switches and control valves shall be supervised in accordance with Section 903.4.1.
914.5.2 Smoke control system. A smoke control system is required to control the migration of products of combustion in accordance with Section 909 and provisions of this section. Smoke control shall restrict movement of smoke to the general area of fire origin and maintain means of egress in a usable condition.
914.5.3 Compartment smoke control system. Where compartmentation is required by Section 405.4 of the California Building Code, each compartment shall have an independent smoke control system. The system shall be automatically activated and capable of manual operation in accordance with Section 907.2.18.
CFC § 407.5 High relevance — show source text
Construction 407.5, 709.4, 909.5 Doors 709.5, 716.2.2.1, 909.5.3 Fire-resistance rating 703, 709.3 Glazing, rated 716.3.4 Inspection 110.3.8 Joints 709.7, 715 Marking 703.4, 703.5 Materials 709.2
Opening protection 709.5, 714.4, 714.5.4, 716, 717.5.5, 909.5.3 Penetrations 709.6, 714 Smoke control 909.5
Special provisions Ambulatory care facilities 422.2, 422.3, 709.5.1 Group I-1 420.6, 709.5.1 Group I-2 407.5 Group I-3 408.6, 408.7 Underground 405.4.2, 405.4.3 Smoke Compartment 407, 408, 422 Refuge area (see Refuge Area) Smoke Control 909 Amusement areas, special 411.1 Atrium buildings 404.5 Covered and open mall building 402.7.2
Group I-3 408.9 High-rise (smoke removal) 403.4.7, 1023.12 Special inspections 1705.19 Stages 410.2.7.2 Standby power systems 909.11, 909.20.7.2, 2702.2 Underground buildings 405.5 Smoke Dampers 717.2, 717.3, 717.4, 717.5 Smoke Detectors 202 Covered and open mall building 402.8.6.1, 907.2.21 High-rise buildings 403.4.1, 907.2.14 HPM 415.11.10.3
Institutional I-2 407.8
Smoke-activated doors 716.2.6.6
Special amusement areas 411.3.3 Underground buildings 907.2.19 Smoke Development 803.1.2, Table 803.13
Smoke Exhaust Systems Underground buildings 405.5, 907.2.19, 909.2 Smoke Partitions 710
Continuity 710.4 Doors 710.5
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INDEX
Institutional 407.7, 408.11, 420.5, 903.2.6, 903.3.2 Laundry chutes, refuse chutes, termination rooms and incinerator
rooms 713.13, 903.2.11.2 Live/work units 508.5.7, 903.2.8 Mercantile 903.2.7
CFC § 914.3.1.2.1 High relevance — show source text
914.3.1.2.1 Fire pumps. Redundant fire pump systems shall be required for high-rise buildings having an occupied floor more than 200 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access. Each fire pump system shall be capable of automatically supplying the required demand for the automatic sprinkler and standpipe systems.
914.3.2 Secondary water supply. An automatic secondary on-site water supply having a usable capacity not less than the hydraulically calculated sprinkler demand, including the hose stream requirement, shall be provided for high-rise buildings and Group I-2 occupancies having occupied floors located more than 75 ft above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access assigned to Seismic Design Category C, D, E or F as determined by the California Building Code . An additional fire pump shall not be required for the secondary water supply unless needed to provide the minimum design intake pressure at the suction side of the fire pump supplying the automatic sprinkler system. The secondary water supply shall have a useable capacity of not less than the hydraulically calculated sprinkler demand plus 100 GPM for the inside hose stream, allowance for a duration of not less than 30 minutes as determined by the occupancy hazard classification in accordance with NFPA 13 , whichever is greater. The Class I stand- pipe system demand shall not be required to be included in the secondary on-site water supply calculations. In no case shall the secondary on-site water supply be less than 15,000 gallons.
914.3.3 Fire alarm system. A fire alarm system shall be provided in accordance with Section 907.2.13.
914.3.4 Automatic smoke detection. Smoke detection shall be provided in accordance with Section 907.2.13.1.
914.3.5 Emergency voice/alarm communication system. An emergency voice/alarm communication system shall be provided in accordance with Section 907.5.2.2.
914.3.6 Emergency responder communication coverage. In-building, two-way emergency responder communication coverage shall be provided in accordance with Section 510.
914.3.7 Fire command. A fire command center complying with Section 508 shall be provided in a location approved by the fire department.
914.3.8 Smoke control.
914.3.8.1 Smoke control system. All portions of high-rise buildings shall be provided with a smoke control system in accordance with California Building Code, Section 909.
914.3.8.2 Smokeproof exit enclosures. Every exit enclosure in high-rise buildings shall comply with California Building Code, Sections 909.20 and 1023.12. Every required stairway in Group I-2 occupancies serving floors more than 75 feet (22 860 mm) above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access shall comply with Sections 909.20 and 1023.12 of the California Building Code.
Exception: In high-rise buildings, exit enclosures serving three or less adjacent floors where one of the adjacent floors is the level of exit discharge.
914.4 Atriums. Atriums shall comply with Sections 914.4.1 and 914.4.2.
914.4.1 Automatic sprinkler system. An approved automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout the entire building.
CFC § 1030.10 Medium relevance — show source text
1030.10
Travel distance 1017.3.1
Treads and risers 1011.4, 1011.5 Width/capacity 1005.3.1, 1011.2 Winders 1011.4, 1011.5, 1011.10 Stairway Enclosure 713.1, 1019, 1023 Accessibility 1009.3 Construction 1019, 1023.2 Discharge 1023.3.1, 1028.2 Doors 716.2.6.1, 1010.2.6 Elevators within 1023.4, 3002.7 Exit access 1019
Exterior walls 705.2, 707.4, 708.5, 713.6, 1023.2, 1027.6 Fire-resistant construction 1019.2,
1023.2
Group I-2 1019.4 Group I-3 408.3.8, 1019.4 High-rise 403.5 Penetrations 1023.5
Pressurization 909.6, 1023.12 Smokeproof 403.5.4, 405.7.2, 909.20, 1023.12
Space below, use 1011.7.3, 1011.7.4 Ventilation 1023.6 Standards (see Referenced Standards) Standby Power 2702.1, 2702.2, 2702.4 Atriums 404.7, 2702.2 Covered and open mall buildings 402.7.3, 2702.2 Elevators 1009.4, 2702.2, 3003.1, 3007.8, 3008.8 Fuel line piping protection 2702.1.2 Hazardous occupancy 414.5.2, 415.11.11, 421.7, 2702.2 High-rise 403.4.8, 2702.2 Horizontal sliding doors 1010.3.3, 2702.2
Membrane structures 2702.2
Platform lifts 1009.5, 2702.2 Smoke control 909.11, 2702.2 Smokeproof enclosure 909.20.7.2, 2702.2 Special inspection 1705.13.6 Underground buildings 405.8, 2702.2 Standpipe and Hose Systems (see Standpipes, Required) 905, 3106.4, 3308.1.1, 3311 Cabinet locks 905.7.2
Dry 905.8 Hose connection location 905.1, 905.4, 905.5, 905.6, 912 Standpipes, Required Assembly 905.3.1, 905.3.2 Covered and open mall buildings 402.7.1, 905.3.3 During construction 905.10, 3311
Elevators, fire service access 3007.9 Helistops 905.3.5 Marinas 905.3.6 Parking garages 406.5.8 Roof gardens and landscaped roofs 905.3.7 Underground buildings 405.9 State Law 102.2
Steel Chapters 22 and 22A Anchor Rods 2201.5
CFC § 701 Medium 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 § 907.3.1 Medium relevance — show source text
audible supervisory signal at a constantly attended location. Duct smoke detectors complying with Section 907.3.1 shall be located as follows:
In the main return air and exhaust air plenum of each air-conditioning system having a capacity greater than 2,000 cubic feet per minute (cfm) (0.94 m [3] /s). Such detectors shall be located in a serviceable area downstream of the last duct inlet.
At each connection to a vertical duct or riser serving two or more stories from a return air duct or plenum of an airconditioning system. In Group R-1 and R-2 occupancies, a smoke detector is allowed to be used in each return air riser carrying not more than 5,000 cfm (2.4 m [3] /s) and serving not more than 10 air-inlet openings.
[F] 907.2.13.2 Fire department communication system. Where a wired communication system is approved in lieu of an inbuilding two-way emergency responder communication coverage system in accordance with Section 510 of the California Fire Code, the wired fire department communication system shall be designed and installed in accordance with NFPA 72 and shall operate between a fire command center complying with Section 911, elevators, elevator lobbies, emergency and standby power rooms, fire pump rooms, areas of refuge and inside interior exit stairways. The fire department communication device shall be provided at each floor level within the interior exit stairway.
[F] 907.2.13.3 Multiple-channel voice evacuation. In buildings with an occupied floor more than 120 feet (36 576 mm) above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access, voice evacuation systems for high-rise buildings shall be multiple-channel systems.
[F] 907.2.14 Atriums connecting more than two stories. A fire alarm system shall be installed in occupancies with an atrium that connects more than two stories, with smoke detection installed in locations required by a rational analysis in Section 909.4 and in accordance with the system operation requirements in Section 909.17. The system shall be activated in accordance with Section 907.5. Such occupancies in Group A, E or M shall be provided with an emergency voice/alarm communication system complying with the requirements of Section 907.5.2.2.
[F] 907.2.15 High-piled combustible storage areas. An automatic smoke detection system shall be installed throughout highpiled combustible storage areas where required by Section 3206.5 of the California Fire Code .
[F] 907.2.16 Aerosol storage uses. Aerosol product rooms and general-purpose warehouses containing aerosol products shall be provided with an approved manual fire alarm system where required by the California Fire Code .
[F] 907.2.17 Lumber, wood structural panel and veneer mills. Lumber, wood structural panel and veneer mills shall be provided with a manual fire alarm system.
[F] 907.2.18 Underground buildings with smoke control systems. Where a smoke control system is installed in an underground building in accordance with this code, automatic smoke detectors shall be provided in accordance with Section 907.2.18.1.
[F] 907.2.18.1 Smoke detectors. Not fewer than one smoke detector listed for the intended purpose shall be installed in all of the following areas:
Mechanical equipment, electrical, transformer, telephone equipment, elevator machine or similar rooms.
Elevator lobbies.
CFC § 909.12.4 Medium relevance — show source text
[F] 909.12.4 Automatic control. Where completely automatic control is required or used, the automatic-control sequences shall be initiated from an appropriately zoned automatic sprinkler system complying with Section 903.3.1.1, manual controls provided with ready access for the fire department and any smoke detectors required by engineering analysis.
[F] 909.13 Control air tubing. Control air tubing shall be of sufficient size to meet the required response times. Tubing shall be flushed clean and dry prior to final connections and shall be adequately supported and protected from damage. Tubing passing through concrete or masonry shall be sleeved and protected from abrasion and electrolytic action.
[F] 909.13.1 Materials. Control-air tubing shall be hard-drawn copper, Type L, ACR in accordance with ASTM B42, ASTM B43, ASTM B68/B68M, ASTM B88, ASTM B251 and ASTM B280. Fittings shall be wrought copper or brass, solder type in accordance with ASME B16.18 or ASME B16.22. Changes in direction shall be made with appropriate tool bends. Brass compression-type fittings shall be used at final connection to devices; other joints shall be brazed using a BCuP-5 brazing alloy with solidus above 1,100°F (593°C) and liquids below 1,500°F (816°C). Brazing flux shall be used on copper-to-brass joints only.
Exception: Nonmetallic tubing used within control panels and at the final connection to devices provided that all of the following conditions are met:
- Tubing shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 6 of the California Mechanical Code .
- Tubing and connected devices shall be completely enclosed within a galvanized or paint-grade steel enclosure having a minimum thickness of 0.0296 inch (0.7534 mm) (No. 22 gage). Entry to the enclosure shall be by copper tubing with a protective grommet of neoprene or Teflon or by suitable brass compression to male barbed adapter.
- Tubing shall be identified by appropriately documented coding.
- Tubing shall be neatly tied and supported within the enclosure. Tubing bridging cabinets and doors or moveable devices shall be of sufficient length to avoid tension and excessive stress. Tubing shall be protected against abrasion. Tubing connected to devices on doors shall be fastened along hinges.
[F] 909.13.2 Isolation from other functions. Control tubing serving other than smoke control functions shall be isolated by automatic isolation valves or shall be an independent system.
[F] 909.13.3 Testing. Control air tubing shall be tested at three times the operating pressure for not less than 30 minutes without any noticeable loss in gauge pressure prior to final connection to devices.
[F] 909.14 Marking and identification. The detection and control systems shall be clearly marked at all junctions, accesses and terminations.
[F] 909.15 Control diagrams. Identical control diagrams showing all devices in the system and identifying their location and function shall be maintained current and kept on file with the fire code official, the fire department and in the fire command center in a format and manner approved by the fire code official.
CFC § 0.94 Medium relevance — show source text
In the main return air and exhaust air plenum of each air-conditioning system having a capacity greater than 2,000 cubic feet per minute (cfm) (0.94 m [3] /s). Such detectors shall be located in a serviceable area downstream of the last duct inlet.
At each connection to a vertical duct or riser serving two or more stories from a return air duct or plenum of an airconditioning system. In Group R-1 and R-2 occupancies, a smoke detector is allowed to be used in each return air riser carrying not more than 5,000 cfm (2.4 m [3] /s) and serving not more than 10 air-inlet openings.
2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE 9-47
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FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS
907.2.13.2 Fire department communication system. Where a wired communication system is approved in lieu of an inbuilding, two-way emergency responder communication coverage system in accordance with Section 510, the wired fire department communication system shall be designed and installed in accordance with NFPA 72 and shall operate between a fire command center complying with Section 508, elevators, elevator lobbies, emergency and standby power rooms, fire pump rooms, areas of refuge and inside interior exit stairways. The fire department communication device shall be provided at each floor level within the interior exit stairway.
907.2.13.3 Multiple-channel voice evacuation. In buildings with an occupied floor more than 120 feet (36 576 mm) above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access, voice evacuation systems for high-rise buildings shall be multiple-channel systems.
907.2.14 Atriums connecting more than two stories. A fire alarm system shall be installed in occupancies with an atrium that connects more than two stories, with smoke detection in locations required by a rational analysis in Section 909.4 and in accordance with the system operation requirements in Section 909.17. The system shall be activated in accordance with Section 907.5. Such occupancies in Group A, E or M shall be provided with an emergency voice/alarm communication system complying with the requirements of Section 907.5.2.2.
907.2.15 High-piled combustible storage areas. An automatic smoke detection system shall be installed throughout high-piled combustible storage areas where required by Section 3206.5.
907.2.16 Aerosol storage uses. Aerosol product rooms and general-purpose warehouses containing aerosol products shall be provided with an approved manual fire alarm system where required by this code.
907.2.17 Lumber, wood structural panel and veneer mills. Lumber, wood structural panel and veneer mills shall be provided with a manual fire alarm system.
907.2.18 Underground buildings with smoke control systems. Where a smoke control system is installed in an underground building in accordance with the California Building Code, automatic smoke detectors shall be provided in accordance with Section 907.2.18.1.
907.2.18.1 Smoke detectors. Not fewer than one smoke detector listed for the intended purpose shall be installed in all of the following areas:
Mechanical equipment, electrical, transformer, telephone equipment, elevator machine or similar rooms.
Elevator lobbies.
The main return and exhaust air plenum of each air-conditioning system serving more than one story and located in a serviceable area downstream of the last duct inlet.
CFC § 2702.2.6 Medium relevance — show source text
[F] 2702.2.6 Exit signs. Emergency power shall be provided for exit signs as required in Section 1013.6.3. The system shall be capable of powering the required load for a duration of not less than 90 minutes.
[F] 2702.2.7 Gas detection system. Emergency or standby power shall be provided for gas detection systems in accordance with the California Fire Code .
[F] 2702.2.8 Group I-2 occupancies. Essential electrical systems for Group I-2 occupancies shall be in accordance with Section 407.11.
[F] 2702.2.9 Group I-3 occupancies. Emergency power shall be provided for power-operated doors and locks in Group I-3 occupancies as required in Section 408.4.2.
[F] 2702.2.10 Hazardous materials. Emergency or standby power shall be provided in occupancies with hazardous materials where required by the California Fire Code .
[F] 2702.2.11 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 . Emergency and standby power shall be provided in 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 as required in Section 403.4.8.
[F] 2702.2.12 Hydrogen fuel gas rooms. Standby power shall be provided for hydrogen fuel gas rooms as required by the Califor- nia Fire Code .
2702.2.13 Group L Occupancy. Secondary power shall be provided in Group L occupancies in accordance with this chapter and Section 453.4.6 and 453.4.6.1.
[F] 2702.2.14 Means of egress illumination. Emergency power shall be provided for means of egress illumination as required in Section 1008.3. The system shall be capable of powering the required load for a duration of not less than 90 minutes.
[F] 2702.2.15 Membrane structures. Standby power shall be provided for auxiliary inflation systems in permanent membrane structures as required in Section 3102.8.2. Standby power shall be provided for a duration of not less than 4 hours. Auxiliary inflation systems in temporary air-supported and air-inflated membrane structures shall be provided in accordance with Section 3103.9.4 of the California Fire Code .
[F] 2702.2.16 Semiconductor fabrication facilities. Emergency power shall be provided for semiconductor fabrication facilities as required in Section 415.11.11.
[F] 2702.2.17 Smoke control systems. Standby power shall be provided for smoke control systems as required in Sections 404.7, 909.11, 909.20.7.2 and 909.21.5.
[F] 2702.2.18 Special purpose horizontal sliding, accordion or folding doors. Standby power shall be provided for special purpose horizontal sliding, accordion or folding doors as required in Section 1010.3.3. The standby power supply shall have a capacity to operate not fewer than 50 closing cycles of the door.
[F] 2702.2.19 Underground buildings. Emergency and standby power shall be provided in underground buildings as required in Section 405.
CFC § 403.3.2.1 Medium relevance — show source text
403.3.2.1 Fire pumps. Redundant fire pump systems shall be required for high-rise buildings having an occupied floor more than 200 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access. Each fire pump system shall be capable of automatically supply- ing the required demand for the automatic sprinkler and standpipe systems.
[F] 403.3.3 Secondary water supply. An automatic secondary on-site water supply having a usable capacity of not less than the hydraulically calculated sprinkler demand, including the hose stream requirement in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, shall be provided for high-rise buildings and Group I-2 occupancies having occupied floors located more than 75 ft above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access assigned to Seismic Design Category C, D, E or F as determined by Section 1613. An additional fire pump shall not be required for the secondary water supply unless needed to provide the minimum design intake pressure at the suction side of the fire pump supplying the automatic sprinkler system. The secondary water supply shall have a duration of not less than 30 minutes as determined by the occupancy hazard classification in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1. The Class I stand-
4-10 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON OCCUPANCY AND USE
pipe system demand shall not be required to be included in the secondary on-site water supply calculations. In no case shall the secondary on-site water supply be less than 15,000 gallons.
[F] 403.3.4 Fire pump room. Fire pumps shall be located in rooms protected in accordance with Section 913.2.1.
403.3.5 Fire pumps. See Section 913.6.
[F] 403.4 Emergency systems. The detection, alarm and emergency systems of high-rise buildings shall comply with Sections 403.4.1 through 403.4.8.
[F] 403.4.1 Smoke detection. Smoke detection shall be provided in accordance with Section 907.2.13.1.
[F] 403.4.2 Fire alarm system. A fire alarm system shall be provided in accordance with Section 907.2.13.
[F] 403.4.3 Standpipe system. A high-rise building shall be equipped with a standpipe system as required by Section 905.3.
[F] 403.4.4 Emergency voice/alarm communication system. An emergency voice/alarm communication system shall be provided in accordance with Section 907.5.2.2.
[F] 403.4.5 Emergency communication coverage. In-building, two-way emergency responder communication coverage shall be provided in accordance with Section 510 of the California Fire Code.
[F] 403.4.6 Fire command. A fire command center complying with Section 911 shall be provided in a location approved by the fire code official.
403.4.7 Smoke control system. All portions of high-rise buildings shall be provided with a smoke control system in accordance with Section 909.
CFC § 17.7.3.2.4 Medium relevance — show source text
_ (8) Smoke alarms and smoke detectors shall not be installed within a 36-inch (910 mm) horizontal path from the supply regis- ters of a forced air heating or cooling system and shall be installed outside of the direct airflow from those registers. (9) Smoke alarms and smoke detectors shall not be installed within a 36-inch (910 mm) horizontal path from the tip of the blade of a ceiling-suspended (paddle) fan unless the room configuration restricts meeting this requirement. (10) Where stairs lead to other occupied levels, a smoke alarm or smoke detector shall be located so that smoke rising in the stairway cannot be prevented from reaching the smoke alarm or smoke detector by an intervening door or obstruction.
(11) For stairways leading up from a basement, smoke alarms or smoke detectors shall be located on the basement ceiling near the entry to the stairs. (12) For tray-shaped ceilings (coffered ceilings), smoke alarms and smoke detectors shall be installed on the highest portion of the ceiling or on the sloped portion of the ceiling within 12 inches (300 mm) vertically down from the highest point. (13) Smoke alarms and detectors installed in rooms with joists or beams shall comply with the requirements of 17.7.3.2.4 of NFPA 72.
(14) Heat alarms and detectors installed in rooms with joists or beams shall comply with the requirements of 17.6.3 of NFPA 72.
*For additional requirements or clarification see NFPA 72.
907.2.11.9 Existing Group R occupancies. See the California Residential Code for existing Group R-3 occupancies or Chapter 11 of the California Fire Code for all other existing Group R occupancies.
[F] 907.2.12 Special amusement areas. Fire detection and alarm systems shall be provided in special amusement areas and throughout the exit access to the point of exit discharge in accordance with Section 411.3.
[F] 907.2.13 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. 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 shall be provided with an automatic smoke detection system in accordance with Section 907.2.13.1, a fire department communication system in accordance with Section 907.2.13.2 and an emergency voice/alarm communication system in accordance with Section 907.5.2.2.
Exceptions:
- Airport traffic control towers in accordance with Sections 412 and 907.2.22.
- Open parking garages in accordance with Section 406.5.
- Buildings with an occupancy in Group A-5 in accordance with Section 303.1.
- Low-hazard special occupancies in accordance with Section 503.1.1.
- Buildings with an occupancy in Group H-1, H-2 or H-3 in accordance with Section 415.
- In Group I-2 and R-2.1 occupancies, the alarm shall sound at a constantly attended location and occupant notification shall be broadcast by the emergency voice/alarm communication system.
CFC § 909.12.4 Medium relevance — show source text
909.12.4 Automatic control. Where completely automatic control is required or used, the automatic-control sequences shall be initiated from an appropriately zoned automatic sprinkler system complying with Section 903.3.1.1, manual controls provided with ready access for the fire department and any smoke detectors required by the engineering analysis.
909.13 Control air tubing. Control air tubing shall be of sufficient size to meet the required response times. Tubing shall be flushed clean and dry prior to final connections and shall be adequately supported and protected from damage. Tubing passing through concrete or masonry shall be sleeved and protected from abrasion and electrolytic action.
909.13.1 Materials. Control air tubing shall be hard drawn copper, Type L, ACR in accordance with ASTM B42, ASTM B43, ASTM B68/B68M, ASTM B88, ASTM B251 and ASTM B280. Fittings shall be wrought copper or brass, solder type, in accordance with ASME B16.18 or ASME B16.22. Changes in direction shall be made with appropriate tool bends. Brass compression-type fittings shall be used at final connection to devices; other joints shall be brazed using a BCuP5 brazing alloy with solidus above 1,100°F (593°C) and liquidus below 1,500°F (816°C). Brazing flux shall be used on copper-to-brass joints only.
Exception: Nonmetallic tubing used within control panels and at the final connection to devices, provided that all of the following conditions are met:
- Tubing shall comply with the requirements of Section 602.3.5 of the California Mechanical Code .
- Tubing and the connected device shall be completely enclosed within a galvanized or paint-grade steel enclosure having a minimum thickness of 0.0296 inch (0.7534 mm) (No. 22 gage). Entry to the enclosure shall be by copper tubing with a protective grommet of neoprene or Teflon or by suitable brass compression to male-barbed adapter.
- Tubing shall be identified by appropriately documented coding.
- Tubing shall be neatly tied and supported within the enclosure. Tubing bridging cabinets and doors or moveable devices shall be of sufficient length to avoid tension and excessive stress. Tubing shall be protected against abrasion. Tubing connected to devices on doors shall be fastened along hinges.
909.13.2 Isolation from other functions. Control tubing serving other than smoke control functions shall be isolated by automatic isolation valves or shall be an independent system.
909.13.3 Testing. Control air tubing shall be tested at three times the operating pressure for not less than 30 minutes without any noticeable loss in gauge pressure prior to final connection to devices.
909.14 Marking and identification. The detection and control systems shall be clearly marked at all junctions, accesses and terminations.
909.15 Control diagrams. Identical control diagrams showing all devices in the system and identifying their location and function shall be maintained current and kept on file with the fire code official, the fire department and in the fire command center in a format and manner approved by the fire code official.
Frequently asked questions
Who exactly is a “high‑rise” for purposes of § 914.3.8.1?
The CFC requires smoke control for “high‑rise buildings” and ties design to CBC Section 909. The CBC defines high‑rise triggers used elsewhere in the codes (commonly occupied floors more than 75 feet above the lowest level of fire‑department vehicle access for the alarm/detection triggers); confirm the CBC definition for the specific project and occupancy. file
Must every basement level be sprinklered in an underground building?
Yes — § 914.5.1 requires the highest level of exit discharge serving the underground portions and all levels below to be equipped with an automatic sprinkler system (installed per Section 903.3.1.1) and with supervised waterflow switches and control valves.
What performance does the smoke control system have to meet for underground buildings?
Per § 914.5.2, the smoke control system must control migration of combustion products, restrict smoke movement to the general area of origin, and maintain means of egress in a usable condition; detailed design and control sequences are implemented per CBC § 909. file
Are independent smoke control systems ever required underground?
Yes — where CBC § 405.4 requires compartmentation, § 914.5.3 of the CFC requires each compartment to have an independent, automatically activated, and manually operable smoke control system.
What documentation and testing are required?
The CFC points to CBC § 909 for smoke control engineering and control sequences; that chapter (and related CFC testing sections) requires control diagrams, firefighter’s panel functionality, and commissioning/testing by qualified agencies. Expect leakage/pressure tests, flow verification, control verification, and documented control diagrams. file
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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