CFC · California Fire Code

What are the standpipe, fire pump and secondary water supply requirements (including high-rise)?

Q: When exactly is a standpipe required?

A standpipe is required where the triggers in § 905.3.1 apply (e.g., highest floor > 30 ft above fire‑department vehicle access, 4 or more stories , certain below‑grade conditions). Exceptions allow Class I in specific sprinklered buildings/occupancies.

Q: Is an extra fire pump required to feed the secondary tank?

Not automatically. § 914.3.2 says an additional pump is only required if necessary to achieve the minimum design intake pressure at the suction side of the fire pump that supplies the sprinkler system.

Q: For very tall buildings, how many risers do I need?

Buildings over 420 feet require not fewer than two standpipes or sprinkler express risers per vertical water supply zone, supplying alternating floors; buildings 420 ft or less may use a single riser per zone (see § 914.3.1.1.1–1.2 ).

Q: Do I include standpipe demand when sizing the secondary on‑site water?

No. § 914.3.2 explicitly states that the Class I standpipe system demand is not required to be included in the secondary on‑site water supply calculations.

If a building meets height or occupancy triggers the California Fire Code requires standpipes and—when occupied floors are high—redundant water supplies and fire pumps. High‑rise buildings must meet specific riser, pump‑supply redundancy and secondary on‑site water‑supply sizing rules (including a **30‑minute** or hydraulically calculated volume and a **15,000‑gallon** minimum) per **§ 905**, **§ 914.3.1.2.1** and **§ 914.3.2**.

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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

What the code requires — 2-4 sentences

The California Fire Code requires buildings that meet specified height or occupancy triggers to have a standpipe system and to provide protected fire pump supply connections when required; high‑rise buildings have additional redundancy and secondary on‑site water supply requirements. The controlling standpipe rules are in § 905 , the fire pump redundancy requirement for tall high‑rises is § 914.3.1.2.1 , and the secondary water supply rule is § 914.3.2 .

Most important rule: provide the right class of standpipe where the building height/occupancy trigger applies, and for high‑rise buildings make fire‑pump supply and secondary on‑site water capacity redundant and sized to the hydraulically calculated sprinkler + hose demand. (See § 905, § 914.3.1.2.1, § 914.3.2.)

Requirements in detail

Standpipes — when and what

Required where specified triggers occur (height, number of stories, below‑grade conditions): see § 905.3.1 (height/story triggers) and related subsections. Class III standpipes are generally required for floors where triggers apply unless an exception allows Class I standpipes in sprinklered buildings or certain occupancies. § 905 is the controlling section.
Key design/install reference: standpipe systems are installed in accordance with NFPA 14 as adopted by the CFC (see § 905.2).
Additional standpipe rules that commonly apply in high‑rise settings (floor control valves and FDCs): see the requirements for floor‑level control valves and fire department connections in § 903.3.9 and § 912 (as they tie to sprinkler/standpipe supervision and FDC signage).

Fire pumps — when multiple supplies / redundancy are required

If a building has an occupied floor more than 120 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access, required fire pumps must be supplied by connections to not fewer than two water mains on different streets, with separate supply piping to each pump connection; each connection and piping must be sized to the pump demand (§ 914.3.1.2).
If a high‑rise has an occupied floor more than 200 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access, redundant fire pump systems are required — each pump system must be capable of automatically supplying the required demand for the sprinkler and standpipe systems (§ 914.3.1.2.1).
Protection of the pump room and of pump-related circuits is required per the fire‑pump provisions in Chapter 9 / Section 913 (pump rooms separated by fire barriers, survivable circuits, temperature control, supervision of pump valves, etc.) — see § 913.2.1, § 913.2.2, § 913.3 and § 913.4.

Secondary on‑site water supply (high‑rise and some I‑2)

For high‑rise buildings and certain Group I‑2 occupancies (occupied floors > 75 ft above lowest fire‑department vehicle access and assigned to specified seismic design categories), an automatic secondary on‑site water supply is required with a usable capacity not less than the hydraulically calculated sprinkler demand including the hose stream requirement — see § 914.3.2. The calculation method references NFPA 13 and the sprinkler demand and hose allowance described in that section.
Minimum capacity / duration specifics in § 914.3.2:
- Secondary supply must equal the hydraulically calculated sprinkler demand plus 100 GPM for the inside hose stream (or the hose stream allowance required by the sprinkler design), for a duration of not less than 30 minutes, as determined by occupancy hazard per NFPA 13 — whichever is greater. The Class I standpipe demand is not required to be included.
- In no case shall the secondary on‑site water supply be less than 15,000 gallons.
An additional fire pump is not automatically required to serve the secondary supply unless needed to provide the minimum design intake pressure at the suction side of the primary fire pump serving the sprinkler system (§ 914.3.2).

High‑rise sprinkler riser redundancy and riser arrangement

In buildings 420 feet or less, a single riser per vertical water supply zone is permitted; in buildings over 420 feet, not fewer than two standpipes or sprinkler express risers are required per vertical water supply zone and must supply alternating floors (two adjacent floors cannot be fed from the same riser). Riser placement must be in interior exit stairways/ramps as required (§ 914.3.1.1.1–1.3).

Decision‑relevant values (quick table)

Situation / trigger	Requirement (decision action)	Minimum value / threshold	Code Reference
Building floor > 30 ft above lowest FD access or 4+ stories	Install Class III standpipe (unless exception)	30 ft / 4 stories	§ 905.3.1
Nonsprinklered Group A, occupant load >1000	Class I automatic wet standpipe	Occupant load >1,000	§ 905.3.2
Fire pump supply for buildings with occupied floor >120 ft	Two water‑main connections on different streets; separate piping	120 ft	§ 914.3.1.2
Redundant fire pump systems	Required when occupied floor >200 ft	200 ft	§ 914.3.1.2.1
Secondary on‑site water supply	Usable capacity = hydraulically calculated sprinkler demand + hose allowance; ≥30 min duration; min 15,000 gal	+100 GPM hose allowance, 30 minutes, 15,000 gal min	§ 914.3.2
Riser redundancy for very tall buildings	Not fewer than two risers per vertical zone; alternating floors	420 ft threshold	§ 914.3.1.1.2

Exceptions & special cases

Two connections to the same water main are permitted for the pump supply if the main can be valved so that an interruption can be isolated but the supply continues through at least one connection (exception to § 914.3.1.2).
Class I standpipes may substitute for Class III in certain sprinklered buildings and in certain occupancies (Group B, E, parking garages, some basements) — see Class I exceptions under § 905.3.1.
The Class I standpipe demand is explicitly excluded from the secondary on‑site water supply calculation in § 914.3.2 (i.e., you do not have to include Class I standpipe demand when sizing the secondary tank).
An additional fire pump for the secondary water supply is only required if necessary to meet the minimum design intake pressure at the suction side of the pump that supplies the sprinkler system; otherwise a pump is not automatically required for the secondary supply (§ 914.3.2).

Common mistakes

Assuming the secondary tank must always be ≥15,000 gallons: 15,000 gallons is the absolute minimum; the required volume may be larger based on the hydraulically calculated sprinkler demand + hose allowance and duration (see § 914.3.2).
Forgetting riser redundancy for buildings > 420 ft. The riser rule is separate from pump redundancy and triggers different design responses (see § 914.3.1.1.2 and § 914.3.1.2.1).
Including Class I standpipe flow demand in the secondary water supply calculation despite the explicit exclusion in § 914.3.2.
Not providing separate supply piping from each water‑main connection to the fire pumps (required by § 914.3.1.2).
Overlooking pump room protection and survivability requirements (fire‑resistance separation, protected circuits, room temperature/fuel supply for engine pumps) in Chapter 9 / Section 913 that apply when pumps are provided.

Worked example — concrete scenario

Scenario: A mixed‑use, fully sprinklered high‑rise has its highest occupied floor at 230 ft above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access. Hydraulically calculated sprinkler demand = 2,000 GPM; NFPA 13 hose allowance (inside hose) = 100 GPM; occupancy hazard yields 30‑minute duration.

Applying the code:

Fire pump redundancy: Occupied floor > 200 ft → redundant fire pump systems required; each pump must automatically supply required sprinkler + standpipe demand (§ 914.3.1.2.1).
Water mains: Because an occupied floor > 120 ft, pumps must be supplied by connections to not fewer than two water mains on different streets with separate supply piping sized to the pump demand (§ 914.3.1.2).
Secondary supply sizing: Secondary on‑site water supply usable capacity must be at least the hydraulically calculated sprinkler demand plus hose allowance for 30 minutes OR the minimum 15,000 gallons, whichever is greater. Compute:
- Required flow = 2,000 GPM (sprinkler) + 100 GPM (hose) = 2,100 GPM.
- For 30 minutes → 2,100 GPM × 30 min = 63,000 gallons.
- 63,000 gallons > 15,000 gallons, so the secondary on‑site supply must be sized to 63,000 gallons (per § 914.3.2).
Additional pump for secondary supply: Only required if that secondary source cannot meet minimum design intake pressure at the primary pump suction; otherwise the tank and valving arrangement may suffice (see § 914.3.2).

Related provisions

§ 905 — Standpipe systems (installation standard, required installations, classes)
§ 914.3.1.2 — Water supply to required fire pumps (two mains for >120 ft)
§ 914.3.1.2.1 — Fire pump redundancy (required >200 ft)
§ 914.3.2 — Secondary on‑site water supply sizing and minimums for high‑rise / certain I‑2 occupancies
§ 903.3.9 — Floor control valves for high‑rise sprinklers (supervised indicating valves at each floor riser connection)
§ 913 (esp. § 913.2.1, § 913.2.2, § 913.3, § 913.6) — Fire pump room protection, survivability of circuits, pump fuel/emergency power requirements for high‑rise pumps
§ 912 — Fire department connections, signage and required pressure indication for FDCs serving sprinklers/standpipes

Code references

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

CFC § 914.3.1.1.1 High relevance — show source text
914.3.1.1.1 Buildings 420 feet or less in height. In buildings 420 feet (128 m) or less in height, sprinkler systems shall be supplied by a single standpipe or sprinkler express riser within each vertical water supply zone.

914.3.1.1.2 Buildings over 420 feet in height. In buildings more than 420 feet (128 m) in height, not fewer than two standpipes or sprinkler express risers shall supply automatic sprinkler systems within each vertical water supply zone. Each standpipe or sprinkler express riser shall supply automatic sprinkler systems on alternating floors within the vertical water supply zone such that two adjacent floors are not supplied from the same riser.

914.3.1.1.3 Riser location. Standpipe or sprinkler express risers shall be placed in interior exit stairways and ramps that are remotely located in accordance with Section 1007.

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FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS

914.3.1.2 Water supply to required fire pumps. In all buildings having an occupied floor that is more than 120 feet ( 36 576 mm ) above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access, required fire pumps shall be supplied by connections to not fewer than two water mains located in different streets. Separate supply piping shall be provided between each connection to the water main and the pumps. Each connection and the supply piping between the connection and the pumps shall be sized to supply the flow and pressure required for the pumps to operate.

Exception: Two connections to the same main shall be permitted provided that the main is valved such that an interruption can be isolated so that the water supply will continue without interruption through not fewer than one of the connections.

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.
CFC § 403.3.1.2 High relevance — show source text
[F] 403.3.1.2 Buildings more than 420 feet in height. In buildings more than 420 feet (128 m) in height, not fewer than two standpipes or sprinkler express risers or combination standpipe system risers shall supply automatic sprinkler systems within each vertical water supply zone and located in separate shafts . Each standpipe or sprinkler express riser or combination stand- pipe system riser shall supply automatic sprinkler systems on alternating floors within the vertical water supply zone such that two adjacent floors are not supplied from the same riser. Each sprinkler system shall be hydraulically designed so that when one connection is shut down, the other connection shall be capable of supplying the sprinkler system design demand.

[F] 403.3.1.3 Riser location. Standpipes or sprinkler express risers shall be placed in interior exit stairways and ramps that are remotely located in accordance with Section 1007.1.

[F] 403.3.2 Water supply to required fire pumps. In all buildings having an occupied floor that is more than 120 feet ( 36 576 mm ) above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access, in building height and buildings of Type IV-A and IV-B construction that are more than 120 feet (36 576 mm) in building height, required fire pumps shall be supplied by connections to not fewer than two water mains located in different streets. Separate supply piping shall be provided between each connection to the water main and the pumps. Each connection and the supply piping between the connection and the pumps shall be sized to supply the flow and pressure required for the pumps to operate.

Exception: Two connections to the same main shall be permitted provided that the main is valved such that an interruption can be isolated so that the water supply will continue without interruption through not fewer than one of the connections.

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-

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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.
CFC § 403.3.2.1 High 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-

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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 § 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 § 914.2.4 High relevance — show source text
914.2.4 Fire department access to equipment. Rooms or areas containing controls for air-conditioning systems or fire protection systems shall be identified for use by the fire department.

914.3 High-rise buildings. 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 comply with Sections 914.3.1 through 914.3.7.

914.3.1 Automatic sprinkler system. Buildings and structures shall be equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 and a secondary water supply where required by Section 914.3.2. A sprinkler water-flow alarm-initiating device and a control valve with a supervisory signal-initiating device shall be provided at the lateral connection to the riser on each floor.

Exception: An automatic sprinkler system shall not be required in spaces or areas of telecommunications equipment buildings used exclusively for telecommunications equipment, associated electrical power distribution equipment, batteries and standby engines, provided that those spaces or areas are equipped throughout with an automatic fire detection system in accordance with Section 907.2 and are 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 not less than 2-hour horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711 of the California Building Code, or both.

914.3.1.1 Number of sprinkler system risers and system design. The number of sprinkler risers and design shall comply with Section 914.3.1.1.1 or 914.3.1.1.2 based on building height.

914.3.1.1.1 Buildings 420 feet or less in height. In buildings 420 feet (128 m) or less in height, sprinkler systems shall be supplied by a single standpipe or sprinkler express riser within each vertical water supply zone.

914.3.1.1.2 Buildings over 420 feet in height. In buildings more than 420 feet (128 m) in height, not fewer than two standpipes or sprinkler express risers shall supply automatic sprinkler systems within each vertical water supply zone. Each standpipe or sprinkler express riser shall supply automatic sprinkler systems on alternating floors within the vertical water supply zone such that two adjacent floors are not supplied from the same riser.

914.3.1.1.3 Riser location. Standpipe or sprinkler express risers shall be placed in interior exit stairways and ramps that are remotely located in accordance with Section 1007.

2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE 9-71

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914.3.1.2 Water supply to required fire pumps. In all buildings having an occupied floor that is more than 120 feet ( 36 576 mm ) above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access, required fire pumps shall be supplied by connections to not fewer than two water mains located in different streets. Separate supply piping shall be provided between each connection to the water main and the pumps. Each connection and the supply piping between the connection and the pumps shall be sized to supply the flow and pressure required for the pumps to operate.
CFC § 6306.6 High relevance — show source text
Oxygen in home health care 6306.6 Shaftways 316.2.1, 316.2.2 Warrants 104.4.1 Waste Materials, Combustible 105.5.53, 304, 3304.1 Waste Oil 605.1.3, 2311.2.2 Wastebaskets and Waste Containers

304.3, 304.3.6, 808.1, 3304.1.3 Watch, Fire (see Fire Watch) Water Mist System (see Automatic Water Mist System) Water Supply Buildings under construction or demolition, standpipes 3314 Fire protection 507, 3313 Required 507.1 Secondary for high-rise 914.3.2 Sprinklers 903.3.5 Standpipes 3314 Test 507.4 Water-Reactive Material Chapter 67 Defined 202 Indoor storage 6704.1 Outdoor storage 6704.2 Requirements 6703 Use 6705

Weather Protection 5004.13, 5005.3.9, 5608.5.2, 5704.4.7, 5705.3.8.4, 5706.5.1.2, 6003.2.5, 6404.2.2, 6405.2 Welding and Other Hot Work Chapter 35 Cutting 3505 Defined 202

Electric arc 3506 Flammable and combustible liquid tanks 3504.1.7, 3510, 5704.2.7.6

Gas 3505

Permit 105.5.12, 105.5.25 Requirements 3503, 3504 Tire storage yards 3404.2 Warning signs in flammable finish operations 2403.2.7 Well Drilling 5706.3 Wet Fueling (see Mobile Fueling) Wet Hosing (see Mobile Fueling) Wet-Chemical Extinguishing Agent 202, 904.5 Wharves

202, 2310.3.1, 2310.5.5, 5706.4.7 Wildfire Risk Area 202, 308.1.5, 308.2 Winder 202, 1011.5.3, 1011.9 Window Wells 1031.5

Windowless Stories or Areas 903.2.11.1 Wireless Protection System 202, 907.6.1 Wiring, Electrical Abandoned in plenums 603.9 Hazards 603

Wood Products 105.5.54, 2807, 2808 Wood Veneers 803.12 Woodworking Facilities (see Lumber Yards and Woodworking Facilities) 903.2.4.1 Workstation (semiconductor manufacturing) 202 Automatic sprinkler system 2703.10.1, 2703.10.4.3

Construction 2705.2.3.1, 2705.2.3.2 Drainage and containment 2705.2.3.3 Electrical 2703.7.2

HPM 2704.2.1, 2705.2.1
CFC § 6003.2 High relevance — show source text
1 Outdoor storage and use 6003.2 Solids and liquids 6003 High-Piled Combustible Storage 202, Chapter 32 Aisles 3206.9 Automated storage 3209 Automatic sprinklers 3206.4, 3209.2 Classifications, commodities 3203 Fire protection 3206, Table 3206.2 Housekeeping 3205 Pallets 3206.4.1 Plastic pallets 3206.4.1.1 High-Piled Storage Area 202 Designations 3204 Permit 105.5.24 High-Rise Building 202 Automatic sprinkler system 903.2.11.3, 914.3.1 Automatic sprinkler system, floor control valves required 903.3.9 Automatic sprinkler system, secondary water supply required 914.3.2 Emergency voice/alarm communications system 907.2.13, 914.3.5 Fire alarm system 907.2.13, 914.3.3 Fire alarm system zoning 907.6.4.2 Fire command center 508.1, 914.3.7 Fire department communications system 907.2.13.2 Fire safety and evacuation plans 403.10.2 In-building, two-way emergency responder communication 914.3.6 Smokeproof exit stairway enclosures 1023.12 Standby power system 1203.2.11 Standpipe system 905.3.1 High-Voltage Transmission Line 202 Storage under 315.5, 316.6 Historic Buildings 102.6 Defined 202 Hogged Materials 2807, 2808 Defined 202

Hood 202, 606 Horizontal Assembly Defined 202

Horizontal Exit 202, 1026 Accessible means of egress 1009.2, 1009.2.1, 1009.3, 1009.4, 1009.6,

1009.6.2 Horizontal Projections 1003.3.3 Hose 2307.6.2, 2310.3.3 Aircraft fueling 2006 Conductive 2006.5.2.1 Connections for standpipes 905.3.4.1, 905.4, 905.5, 905.6 Dispensing 2006.3.3, 2306.7.5 Protection 2006.7, 5706.6.1.11 Removal of occupant hose lines 901.8.2

System 904.8.4, 904.9.3, 904.10.3 Threads 903.3.6, 912.3 Hot Work (see Welding and Other Hot Work) 202

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INDEX

Fuel piping 3004 Interlocks 3005

Location 3003 Operation and maintenance 3007 Permit 105.5.27, 105.6.15 Inert Gas 2501.1, 2906.4, Table 5003.1.1(1), Table 5003.1.1(3), 5305.8, 5703.6.3.1,
CFC § 5003.12 High relevance — show source text
Outdoor control areas 5003.12 Performance-based design alternative 5001.3

Permit 105.5.22, 105.6.13 Personnel training 407.4 Power systems 1203.2.10 Storage 5004 Use, dispensing and handling 5005 Hazardous Materials Inventory Statement 407.5, 5001.5.2, Appendix H Hazardous Materials Management Plan 407.6, 5001.5.1, Appendix H Hazardous Production Material (HPM)

202

Permit 105.5.23 Hazards to Firefighters 316 Health Hazard 202, 5001.2.2.2, Table 5003.1.1(2), Table 5003.1.1(4)

Heat Vents (see Smoke and Heat Vents) Heaters, Patio (see Portable Outdoor Gas- Fired Heating Appliances) Heaters, Portable Electric Space 4102.1 Heaters, Portable Unvented 4103.1 Heating Appliances 605.5 Heating Equipment, Temporary, During Construction 3303 Heliport 202, 2007 Permit for rooftop heliport 105.5.48 Helistop 202, 2007 Hi-Boy 202 Construction 303.7 Higher Education Laboratories Existing sprinklered laboratories 3806 General safety provisions 3803 Laboratory suite construction 3804 Nonsprinklered laboratories 3805

Highly Toxic and Toxic Materials 202, Chapter 60 Compressed gases 6004 Indoor storage and use 6003.1 Outdoor storage and use 6003.2 Solids and liquids 6003 High-Piled Combustible Storage 202, Chapter 32 Aisles 3206.9 Automated storage 3209 Automatic sprinklers 3206.4, 3209.2 Classifications, commodities 3203 Fire protection 3206, Table 3206.2 Housekeeping 3205 Pallets 3206.4.1 Plastic pallets 3206.4.1.1 High-Piled Storage Area 202 Designations 3204 Permit 105.5.24 High-Rise Building 202 Automatic sprinkler system 903.2.11.3, 914.3.1 Automatic sprinkler system, floor control valves required 903.3.9 Automatic sprinkler system, secondary water supply required 914.3.2 Emergency voice/alarm communications system 907.2.13, 914.3.5 Fire alarm system 907.2.13, 914.3.3 Fire alarm system zoning 907.6.4.2 Fire command center 508.1, 914.3.7 Fire department communications system 907.2.13.2 Fire safety and evacuation plans 403.10.2 In-building, two-way emergency responder communication 914.3.6 Smokeproof exit stairway enclosures 1023.12 Standby power system 1203.2.11 Standpipe system 905.3.1 High-Voltage Transmission Line 202 Storage under 315.5, 316.6 Historic Buildings 102.
CFC § 903.3.8.3 Medium relevance — show source text
903.3.8.3 Piping arrangement. Where a limited area sprinkler system is installed in a building with an automatic wet standpipe system, sprinklers shall be supplied by the standpipe system. Where a limited area sprinkler system is installed in a building without an automatic wet standpipe system, water shall be permitted to be supplied by the plumbing system provided that the plumbing system is capable of simultaneously supplying domestic and sprinkler demands.

903.3.8.4 Supervision. Control valves shall not be installed between the water supply and sprinklers unless the valves are of an approved indicating type that are supervised or secured in the open position.

903.3.8.5 Calculations. Hydraulic calculations in accordance with NFPA 13 shall be provided to demonstrate that the available water flow and pressure are adequate to supply all sprinklers installed in any single fire area with discharge densities corresponding to the hazard classification.

903.3.9 High-rise building floor control valves. Approved supervised indicating control valves shall be provided at the point of connection to the riser on each floor 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.

903.3.10 Floor control valves. Floor control valves and waterflow detection assemblies shall be installed at each floor where any of the following occur: 1. Buildings where the floor level of the highest story is located more than 30 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access.

2. Buildings that are four or more stories in height. 3. Buildings that are two or more stories below the highest level of fire department vehicle access.

Exception: Group R-3 and R-3.1 occupancies floor control valves and waterflow detection assemblies shall not be required.

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.
2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE 9-23

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

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FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS
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.
CFC § 903.3.5 Medium relevance — show source text
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.

903.3.8.3 Piping arrangement. Where a limited area sprinkler system is installed in a building with an automatic wet standpipe system, sprinklers shall be supplied by the standpipe system. Where a limited area sprinkler system is installed in a building without an automatic wet standpipe system, water shall be permitted to be supplied by the plumbing system provided that the plumbing system is capable of simultaneously supplying domestic and sprinkler demands.

903.3.8.4 Supervision. Control valves shall not be installed between the water supply and sprinklers unless the valves are of an approved indicating type that are supervised or secured in the open position.

903.3.8.5 Calculations. Hydraulic calculations in accordance with NFPA 13 shall be provided to demonstrate that the available water flow and pressure are adequate to supply all sprinklers installed in any single fire area with discharge densities corresponding to the hazard classification.

903.3.9 High-rise building floor control valves. Approved supervised indicating control valves shall be provided at the point of connection to the riser on each floor 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.

903.3.10 Floor control valves. Floor control valves and waterflow detection assemblies shall be installed at each floor where any of the following occur: 1. Buildings where the floor level of the highest story is located more than 30 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access.

2. Buildings that are four or more stories in height. 3. Buildings that are two or more stories below the highest level of fire department vehicle access.
CFC § 403.3.4 Medium relevance — show source text
[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.

[F] 403.4.8 Standby and emergency power. A standby power system complying with Section 2702 and Section 3003 shall be provided for the standby power loads specified in Section 403.4.8.3. An emergency power system complying with Section 2702 shall be provided for the emergency power loads specified in Section 403.4.8.4.

[F] 403.4.8.1 Equipment room. If the standby or emergency power system includes a generator set inside a building, the system shall be located in a separate room enclosed with 2-hour fire barriers constructed in accordance with Section 707 or horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711, or both. System supervision with manual start and transfer features shall be provided at the fire command center.

Exception: In Group I-2, Condition 2, manual start and transfer features for the critical branch of the emergency power are not required to be provided at the fire command center.

[F] 403.4.8.2 Fuel line piping protection. Fuel lines supplying a generator set inside a building shall be separated from areas of the building other than the room the generator is located in by one of the following methods:
1. A fire-resistant pipe-protection system that has been tested in accordance with UL 1489. The system shall be installed as tested and in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions, and shall have a rating of not less than 2 hours. Where the building is protected throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, the required rating shall be reduced to 1 hour.
2. An assembly that has a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 hours. Where the building is protected throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2, the required fire-resistance rating shall be reduced to 1 hour.
CFC § 1207.6.1 Medium relevance — show source text
Battery systems 1207.6.1 Defined 202 Dry cleaning 2104.2.1, 2105.2.3, 2106.3.3 Electrostatic equipment 2406.7 Exhaust 2703.14, 2703.15.2 Floor surfacing 2410.5 Hazardous materials 5003.8.4.2, 5003.8.5.2, 5003.8.6.2, 5005.2.1.1,

5005.2.2.1 Indoor dispensing 5005.1.9 Indoor storage areas 5004.3 Industrial ovens 3003.1

Powered industrial trucks 309.4

Process structures 2905.5 Refrigeration machinery room 608.14 Reinforced plastics manufacturing 2409.6

Repair garages 2311.4.3, 2311.8.8 Spray finishing 2404.9, 2404.9.4, 2406.7

Vents, Smoke and Heat (see Smoke and Heat Vents) Violation Penalties 113.4

Violations 113 Visible Alarm Notification Appliance 202,

907.5.2.3

Warehouse

Aerosol 5102.1, 5104.3, Table 5104.3.2, 5104.4 Liquid 5104.6, Table 5704.3.6(2), Table 5704.3.6.3(3), 5704.3.8,

5704.3.8.5 Warning Signs Compressed gas vaults 5303.16.13 Explosives 5604.10.5, 5605.8.2 Fire-extinguishing systems 904.3.4 Flammable and combustible liquid vaults 5704.2.8.15 Flammable finish operations 2403.2.7 Flammable liquids storage 5703.5 Fruit and crop ripening 2507 Fuel dispensing 2305.6 Fumigation and insecticidal fogging 2603.3.1 Hazard communication (haz-mat) 407.3, 5003.5

Oxygen in home health care 6306.6 Shaftways 316.2.1, 316.2.2 Warrants 104.4.1 Waste Materials, Combustible 105.5.53, 304, 3304.1 Waste Oil 605.1.3, 2311.2.2 Wastebaskets and Waste Containers

304.3, 304.3.6, 808.1, 3304.1.3 Watch, Fire (see Fire Watch) Water Mist System (see Automatic Water Mist System) Water Supply Buildings under construction or demolition, standpipes 3314 Fire protection 507, 3313 Required 507.1 Secondary for high-rise 914.3.2 Sprinklers 903.3.5 Standpipes 3314 Test 507.4 Water-Reactive Material Chapter 67 Defined 202 Indoor storage 6704.1 Outdoor storage 6704.2 Requirements 6703 Use 6705

Frequently asked questions

When exactly is a standpipe required?

A standpipe is required where the triggers in § 905.3.1 apply (e.g., highest floor > 30 ft above fire‑department vehicle access, 4 or more stories, certain below‑grade conditions). Exceptions allow Class I in specific sprinklered buildings/occupancies.

Do I always need a secondary water tank for a high‑rise?

Yes for high‑rise buildings and qualifying Group I‑2 occupancies per § 914.3.2 — the secondary on‑site supply must meet the hydraulically calculated sprinkler demand + hose allowance or at least 15,000 gallons, and provide 30 minutes (or the duration required by hazard classification), whichever requires more volume.

Is an extra fire pump required to feed the secondary tank?

Not automatically. § 914.3.2 says an additional pump is only required if necessary to achieve the minimum design intake pressure at the suction side of the fire pump that supplies the sprinkler system.

For very tall buildings, how many risers do I need?

Buildings over 420 feet require not fewer than two standpipes or sprinkler express risers per vertical water supply zone, supplying alternating floors; buildings 420 ft or less may use a single riser per zone (see § 914.3.1.1.1–1.2).

Do I include standpipe demand when sizing the secondary on‑site water?

No. § 914.3.2 explicitly states that the Class I standpipe system demand is not required to be included in the secondary on‑site water supply calculations.

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