Fire Service Features and Fire Department Access

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

• CFC § 1.1. High relevance — show source text

  Exceptions:

  1. The fire code official is authorized to increase the dimension of 150 feet (45 720 mm) where any of the following conditions occur:

  1.1. The building is equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, 903.3.1.2 or 903.3.1.3. 1.2. Fire apparatus access roads cannot be installed because of location on property, topography, waterways, nonnegotiable grades or other similar conditions, and an approved alternative means of fire protection is provided. 1.3. There are not more than two Group R-3 or Group U occupancies. 2. Where approved by the fire code official, fire apparatus access roads shall be permitted to be exempted or modified for solar photovoltaic power generation facilities.

  2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE 5-3

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  FIRE SERVICE FEATURES

  503.1.2 Additional access. The fire code official is authorized to require more than one fire apparatus access road based on the potential for impairment of a single road by vehicle congestion, condition of terrain, climatic conditions or other factors that could limit access.

  503.1.3 High-piled storage. Fire department vehicle access to buildings used for high-piled combustible storage shall comply with the applicable provisions of Chapter 32.

  503.2 Specifications. Fire apparatus access roads shall be installed and arranged in accordance with Sections 503.2.1 through 503.2.8.

  [California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §3.05(a)] Fire Department Access and Egress. (Roads)

  (a) Roads. Required access roads from every building to a public street shall be all-weather hard-surfaced (suitable for use by fire apparatus) right-of-way not less than 20 feet in width. Such right-of-way shall be unobstructed and maintained only as access to the public street.

  Exception: The enforcing agency may waive or modify this requirement if in his opinion such all-weather hard-surfaced condition is not necessary in the interest of public safety and welfare.

  503.2.1 Dimensions. Fire apparatus access roads shall have an unobstructed width of not less than 20 feet (6096 mm), exclusive of shoulders, except for approved security gates in accordance with Section 503.6, and an unobstructed vertical clearance of not less than 13 feet 6 inches (4115 mm).

  503.2.2 Authority. The fire code official shall have the authority to require or permit modifications to the required access widths where they are inadequate for fire or rescue operations or where necessary to meet the public safety objectives of the jurisdiction.

  503.2.3 Surface. Fire apparatus access roads shall be designed and maintained to support the imposed loads of fire apparatus and shall be surfaced so as to provide all-weather driving capabilities.

  503.2.4 Turning radius. The required turning radius of a fire apparatus access road shall be determined by the fire code official.

  503.2.5 Dead ends. Dead-end fire apparatus access roads in excess of 150 feet (45 720 mm) in length shall be provided with an approved area for turning around fire apparatus.

• CFC § 701 High relevance — show source text

  PART I—ADMINISTRATIVE

  Chapter 1 Scope and Administration.

  Chapter 1 establishes the limits of applicability of the code and describes how the code is to be applied and enforced. The provisions of Chapter 1 establish the authority and duties of the code official appointed by the authority having jurisdiction and also establish the rights and privileges of the design professional, contractor and property owner.

  Chapter 2 Definitions.

  Chapter 2 is the repository of the definitions of terms used in the body of the code. The user of the code should be familiar with and consult this chapter because the definitions are essential to the correct interpretation of the code and because the user may not be aware that a term is defined.

  PART II—GENERAL SAFETY PROVISIONS

  Chapter 3 General Requirements

  General regulations contained in Chapter 3, are intended to improve premises safety for everyone, including construction workers, tenants, operations and maintenance personnel, and emergency response personnel.

  Chapter 4 Emergency Planning and Preparedness

  Chapter 4 addresses the human contribution to life safety during emergencies. Continuous training and scheduled fire, evacuation and lockdown drills can be as important as the required periodic inspections and maintenance of built-in fire protection features. The level of preparation by the occupants also improves the emergency responders’ abilities during an emergency.

  PART III—BUILDING AND EQUIPMENT DESIGN FEATURES

  Chapter 5 Fire Service Features

  The requirements of Chapter 5 apply to all buildings and occupancies and pertain to access roads, access to building openings and roofs, premises identification, key boxes, fire protection water supplies, fire command centers, fire department access to equipment, and in-building emergency responder communication system coverage.

  Chapter 6 Building Services and Systems

  Chapter 6 provides a more systematic view of building systems and services as they relate to potential safety hazards and when and how they should be installed.

  Chapter 7 Fire and Smoke Protection Features

  The maintenance of assemblies required to be fire-resistance rated is a key component in a passive fire protection philosophy. Chapter 7 sets forth requirements to maintain required fire-resistance ratings of building elements and limit fire spread. Section 701 addresses the basics of what construction elements such as fire barriers and smoke barriers need to be maintained as well as defining the owner’s responsibility. Sections 703 through 708, deals with various fire and smoke protection features that must also be maintained.

  xiv 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE

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  Chapter 8 Interior Finish, Decorative Materials and Furnishings

  The overall purpose of Chapter 8 is to regulate interior finishes, decorative materials and furnishings in new and existing buildings so that they do not significantly add to or create fire hazards within buildings. This chapter is consistent with Chapter 8 of the CBC, which regulates the interior finishes of new buildings.

  Chapter 9 Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems

  Chapter 9 prescribes the minimum requirements for active systems of fire protection equipment to perform the following functions: detect a fire, alert the occupants or fire department of a fire emergency, and control smoke and control or extinguish the fire. Generally, the requirements are based on the occupancy, the height and the area of the building because these are the factors that most affect firefighting capabilities and the relative hazard of a specific building or portion thereof. This chapter parallels and is substantially duplicated in Chapter 9 of the CBC; however, this chapter also contains periodic testing criteria that are not contained in the CBC. In addition, the special fire protection system requirements based on use and occupancy found in CBC

• CFC § 501.3.1 High relevance — show source text

  501.3.1 Site safety plan. The owner or owner’s authorized agent shall be responsible for the development, implementation and maintenance of an approved written site safety plan in accordance with Section 3303.

  501.4 Timing of installation. Where fire apparatus access roads or a water supply for fire protection are required to be installed, such protection shall be installed and made serviceable prior to and during the time of construction except where approved alternative methods of protection are provided. Temporary street signs shall be installed at each street intersection where construction of new roadways allows passage by vehicles in accordance with Section 505.2.

  SECTION 502—DEFINITIONS

  502.1 Definitions. The following terms are defined in Chapter 2:

  AGENCY.

  FIRE APPARATUS ACCESS ROAD.

  FIRE COMMAND CENTER.

  FIRE DEPARTMENT MASTER KEY.

  FIRE LANE.

  KEY BOX.

  TRAFFIC CALMING DEVICES.

  SECTION 503—FIRE APPARATUS ACCESS ROADS

  503.1 Where required. Fire apparatus access roads shall be provided and maintained in accordance with Sections 503.1.1 through 503.1.3.

  503.1.1 Buildings and facilities. Approved fire apparatus access roads shall be provided for every facility, building or portion of a building hereafter constructed or moved into or within the jurisdiction. The fire apparatus access road shall comply with the requirements of this section and shall extend to within 150 feet (45 720 mm) of all portions of the facility and all portions of the exterior walls of the first story of the building as measured by an approved route around the exterior of the building or facility.

  Exceptions:

  1. The fire code official is authorized to increase the dimension of 150 feet (45 720 mm) where any of the following conditions occur:

  1.1. The building is equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, 903.3.1.2 or 903.3.1.3. 1.2. Fire apparatus access roads cannot be installed because of location on property, topography, waterways, nonnegotiable grades or other similar conditions, and an approved alternative means of fire protection is provided. 1.3. There are not more than two Group R-3 or Group U occupancies. 2. Where approved by the fire code official, fire apparatus access roads shall be permitted to be exempted or modified for solar photovoltaic power generation facilities.

  2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE 5-3

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  FIRE SERVICE FEATURES

  503.1.2 Additional access. The fire code official is authorized to require more than one fire apparatus access road based on the potential for impairment of a single road by vehicle congestion, condition of terrain, climatic conditions or other factors that could limit access.

  503.1.3 High-piled storage. Fire department vehicle access to buildings used for high-piled combustible storage shall comply with the applicable provisions of Chapter 32.

  503.2 Specifications. Fire apparatus access roads shall be installed and arranged in accordance with Sections 503.2.1 through 503.2.8.

  [California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §3.05(a)] Fire Department Access and Egress. (Roads)

• CFC § 5-1 High relevance — show source text

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  PART III— BUILDING AND EQUIPMENT DESIGN FEATURES

  5 FIRE SERVICE FEATURES

  User notes:

  About this chapter: Chapter 5 provides requirements that apply to all buildings and occupancies and pertain to access roads, access to building openings and roofs, premises identification, key boxes, fire protection water supplies, fire command centers, fire department access to equipment and emergency responder communications enhancement coverage in buildings. Although many safety features are part of the building design, features such as proper fire department access roads and communication coverage are necessary in case of emergency and are important tools for emergency responders for public safety and their own safety.

  SECTION 501—GENERAL

  501.1 Scope. Fire service features for buildings, structures and premises shall comply with this chapter.

  501.2 Permits. A permit shall be required as set forth in Sections 105.5 and 105.6.

  501.3 Construction documents. Construction documents for proposed fire apparatus access, location of fire lanes, security gates across fire apparatus access roads and construction documents and hydraulic calculations for fire hydrant systems shall be submitted to the fire department for review and approval prior to construction.

  501.3.1 Site safety plan. The owner or owner’s authorized agent shall be responsible for the development, implementation and maintenance of an approved written site safety plan in accordance with Section 3303.

  501.4 Timing of installation. Where fire apparatus access roads or a water supply for fire protection are required to be installed, such protection shall be installed and made serviceable prior to and during the time of construction except where approved alternative methods of protection are provided. Temporary street signs shall be installed at each street intersection where construction of new roadways allows passage by vehicles in accordance with Section 505.2.

  SECTION 502—DEFINITIONS

  502.1 Definitions. The following terms are defined in Chapter 2:

  AGENCY.

  FIRE APPARATUS ACCESS ROAD.

  FIRE COMMAND CENTER.

  FIRE DEPARTMENT MASTER KEY.

  FIRE LANE.

  KEY BOX.

  TRAFFIC CALMING DEVICES.

  SECTION 503—FIRE APPARATUS ACCESS ROADS

  503.1 Where required. Fire apparatus access roads shall be provided and maintained in accordance with Sections 503.1.1 through 503.1.3.

  503.1.1 Buildings and facilities. Approved fire apparatus access roads shall be provided for every facility, building or portion of a building hereafter constructed or moved into or within the jurisdiction. The fire apparatus access road shall comply with the requirements of this section and shall extend to within 150 feet (45 720 mm) of all portions of the facility and all portions of the exterior walls of the first story of the building as measured by an approved route around the exterior of the building or facility.

  Exceptions:

  1. The fire code official is authorized to increase the dimension of 150 feet (45 720 mm) where any of the following conditions occur:
• CFC § 13.4. High relevance — show source text

  Building construction information that includes: the type of building construction including but not limited to floors, walls, columns and roof assembly. 13.4. Exit access stairway and exit stairway information that includes: number of exit access stairways and exit stairways in building; each exit access stairway and exit stairway designation and floors served; location where each exit access stairway and exit stairway discharges, interior exit stairways that are pressurized; exit stairways provided with emergency lighting; each exit stairway that allows reentry; exit stairways providing roof access; elevator information that includes: number of elevator banks, elevator bank designation, elevator car numbers and respective floors that they serve; location of elevator machine rooms, control rooms and control spaces; location of sky lobby; and location of freight elevator banks. 13.5. Building services and system information that includes: location of mechanical rooms, location of building management system, location and capacity of all fuel oil tanks, location of emergency generator and location of natural gas service.

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  FIRE SERVICE FEATURES

  13.6. Fire protection system information that includes: location of standpipes, location of fire pump room, location of fire department connections, floors protected by automatic sprinklers and location of different types of automatic sprinkler systems installed including but not limited to dry, wet and pre-action. 13.7. Hazardous material information that includes: location and quantity of hazardous material.

  14. Work table.

  15. Generator supervision devices, manual start and transfer features.

  16. Public address system, where specifically required by other sections of this code.

  17. Elevator fire recall switch in accordance with ASME A17.1/CSA B44.

  18. Elevator emergency or standby power selector switch(es) in accordance with ASME A17.1/CSA B44. 19. A master switch for unlocking elevator lobby doors permitted by Section 1010.2.12.1.

  508.1.7 Fire command center identification. The fire command center shall be identified by a permanent, easily visible sign stating “FIRE COMMAND CENTER” located on the door to the fire command center.

  508.1.8 Ventilation. The fire command center shall be provided with an independent ventilation or air-conditioning system.

  SECTION 509—FIRE PROTECTION AND UTILITY EQUIPMENT IDENTIFICATION AND ACCESS

  509.1 Identification. Fire protection equipment shall be identified in an approved manner. Rooms containing controls for air-conditioning systems or fire protection systems shall be identified for the use of the fire department. Approved signs required to identify fire protection system equipment and equipment location shall be constructed of durable materials, permanently installed and readily visible.

  509.1.1 Utility identification. Where required by the fire code official, gas shutoff valves, electric meters, service switches and other utility equipment shall be clearly and legibly marked to identify the unit or space that it serves. Identification shall be made in an approved manner, readily visible and shall be maintained.

  509.2 Equipment access. Approved access shall be provided and maintained for all fire protection system equipment to permit immediate safe operation and maintenance of such equipment. Storage, trash and other materials or objects shall not be placed or kept in such a manner that would prevent such equipment from ready access.

  SECTION 510—EMERGENCY RESPONDER COMMUNICATIONS ENHANCEMENT SYSTEMS

• CFC § 304.8 High relevance — show source text

  SECTION D102—REQUIRED ACCESS

  D102.1 Access and loading. Facilities, buildings or portions of buildings hereafter constructed shall be accessible to fire department apparatus by way of an approved fire apparatus access road with an asphalt, concrete or other approved driving surface capable of supporting the imposed load of fire apparatus weighing up to 75,000 pounds (34 050 kg).

  SECTION D103—MINIMUM SPECIFICATIONS

  D103.1 Access road width with a hydrant. Where a fire hydrant is located on a fire apparatus access road, the minimum road width shall be 26 feet (7925 mm), exclusive of shoulders (see Figure D103.1).

  FIGURE D103.1—DEAD-END FIRE APPARATUS ACCESS ROAD TURNAROUND

  60-FOOT “Y”

  MINIMUM CLEARANCE AROUND A FIRE HYDRANT

  For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm.

  D103.2 Grade. Fire apparatus access roads shall not exceed 10 percent in grade.

  Exception: Grades steeper than 10 percent as approved by the fire code official.

  D103.3 Turning radius. The minimum turning radius shall be determined by the fire code official.

  D103.4 Dead ends. Dead-end fire apparatus access roads in excess of 150 feet (45 720 mm) shall be provided with width and turnaround provisions in accordance with Table D103.4.

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  APPENDIX D—FIRE APPARATUS ACCESS ROADS

  TABLE D103.4—REQUIREMENTS FOR DEAD-END FIRE APPARATUS ACCESS ROADS	Col2	Col3
  LENGTH (feet)	WIDTH (feet)	TURNAROUNDS REQUIRED
  0–150	20	None required
  151–500	20	120-foot Hammerhead, 60-foot “Y” or 96-foot diameter cul-de-sac in accordance with Figure D103.1
  501–750	26	120-foot Hammerhead, 60-foot “Y” or 96-foot diameter cul-de-sac in accordance with Figure D103.1
  Over 750	Special approval required	Special approval required
  For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm.	For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm.	For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm.

  D103.5 Fire apparatus access road gates. Gates securing the fire apparatus access roads shall comply with all of the following criteria:

  1. Where a single gate is provided, the gate width shall be not less than 20 feet (6096 mm). Where a fire apparatus road consists of a divided roadway, the gate width shall be not less than 12 feet (3658 mm).
  2. Gates shall be of the horizontal swing, horizontal slide, vertical lift or vertical pivot type.
  3. Construction of gates shall be of materials that allow manual operation by one person.
  4. Gate components shall be maintained in an operative condition at all times and replaced or repaired when defective.
  5. Electric gates shall be equipped with a means of opening the gate by fire department personnel for emergency access. Emergency opening devices shall be approved by the fire code official.
  6. Methods of locking shall be submitted for approval by the fire code official.
  7. Electric gate operators, where provided, shall be listed in accordance with UL 325.
• CFC § 3.05 High relevance — show source text

  
  Title 19, Division 1]||||X|||||||||||||||||||| |Chapter / Section|||||||||||||||||||||||| |503|||†||||||||||||||||||||| |[T-19 §3.05 (a)]||||X|||||||||||||||||||| |503.5.2|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |[T-19 §3.05 (b)]||||X|||||||||||||||||||| |504.4|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |507.2.1|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |507.3|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |507.5|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |507.5.1|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |507.5.3|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |508.1|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |508.1.2|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |508.1.5|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |508.1.6|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |508.1.8|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |510.2|||†|||||||||||||||||||||

  • The California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 19, Division 1 provisions that are found in the California Fire Code are a reprint from the current CCR, Title 19, Division 1 text for the code user’s convenience only. The scope, applicability and appeals procedures of CCR, Title 19, Division I remain the same. The state agency does not adopt sections identified by the following symbol: The Office of the State Fire Marshal’s adoption of this chapter or individual sections is applicable to structures regulated by other state agencies pursuant to Section 1.11.

  2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE 5-1

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  5-2 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE

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  PART III— BUILDING AND EQUIPMENT DESIGN FEATURES

  5 FIRE SERVICE FEATURES

  User notes:

  About this chapter: Chapter 5 provides requirements that apply to all buildings and occupancies and pertain to access roads, access to building openings and roofs, premises identification, key boxes, fire protection water supplies, fire command centers, fire department access to equipment and emergency responder communications enhancement coverage in buildings. Although many safety features are part of the building design, features such as proper fire department access roads and communication coverage are necessary in case of emergency and are important tools for emergency responders for public safety and their own safety.

  SECTION 501—GENERAL

  501.1 Scope. Fire service features for buildings, structures and premises shall comply with this chapter.

  501.2 Permits. A permit shall be required as set forth in Sections 105.5 and 105.6.

  501.3 Construction documents. Construction documents for proposed fire apparatus access, location of fire lanes, security gates across fire apparatus access roads and construction documents and hydraulic calculations for fire hydrant systems shall be submitted to the fire department for review and approval prior to construction.

  501.3.1 Site safety plan. The owner or owner’s authorized agent shall be responsible for the development, implementation and maintenance of an approved written site safety plan in accordance with Section 3303.

• CFC § 506.1 High relevance — show source text

  SECTION 506—KEY BOXES

  506.1 Where required. Where access to or within a structure or an area is restricted because of secured openings or where immediate access is necessary for life-saving or firefighting purposes, the fire code official is authorized to require a key box to be installed in an approved location. The key box shall be of an approved type listed in accordance with UL 1037, and shall contain keys to gain necessary access as required by the fire code official.

  506.1.1 Locks. An approved lock shall be installed on gates or similar barriers where required by the fire code official.

  2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE 5-5

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  FIRE SERVICE FEATURES

  506.1.2 Key boxes for nonstandardized fire service elevator keys. Key boxes provided for nonstandardized fire service elevator keys shall comply with Section 506.1 and all of the following:

  1. The key box shall be compatible with an existing rapid entry key box system in use in the jurisdiction and approved by the fire code official.

  2. The front cover shall be permanently labeled with the words “FIRE DEPARTMENT USE ONLY—ELEVATOR KEYS.”

  3. The key box shall be mounted at each elevator bank at the lobby nearest to the lowest level of fire department access.

  4. The key box shall be mounted 5 feet 6 inches (1676 mm) above the finished floor to the right side of the elevator bank.

  5. Contents of the key box are limited to fire service elevator keys. Additional elevator access tools, keys and information pertinent to emergency planning or elevator access shall be permitted where authorized by the fire code official.

  6. In buildings with two or more elevator banks, a single key box shall be permitted to be used where such elevator banks are separated by not more than 30 feet (9144 mm). Additional key boxes shall be provided for each individual elevator or elevator bank separated by more than 30 feet (9144 mm).

  Exception: A single key box shall be permitted to be located adjacent to a fire command center or the nonstandard fire service elevator key shall be permitted to be secured in a key box used for other purposes and located in accordance with Section 506.1.

  506.2 Key box maintenance. The operator of the building shall immediately notify the fire code official and provide the new key where a lock is changed or rekeyed. The key to such lock shall be secured in the key box.

  SECTION 507—FIRE PROTECTION WATER SUPPLIES

  507.1 Required water supply. An approved water supply capable of supplying the required fire flow for fire protection shall be provided to premises on which facilities, buildings or portions of buildings are hereafter constructed or moved into or within the jurisdiction.

  507.2 Type of water supply. A water supply shall consist of reservoirs, pressure tanks, elevated tanks, water mains or other fixed systems capable of providing the required fire flow.

  507.2.1 Private fire service mains. Private fire service mains and appurtenances shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 24 as amended in Chapter 80.

  507.2.2 Water tanks. Water tanks for private fire protection shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 22.

  507.3 Fire flow. Fire-flow requirements for buildings or portions of buildings and facilities shall be determined by an approved method or Appendix B.

• CFC § 304.8 High relevance — show source text

  • The California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 19, Division 1 provisions that are found in the California Fire Code are a reprint from the current CCR, Title 19, Division 1 text for the code user’s convenience only. The scope, applicability and appeals procedures of CCR, Title 19, Division I remain the same.

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  APPENDIX D-2 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE

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  D FIRE APPARATUS ACCESS ROADS

  The provisions contained in this appendix are not mandatory unless specifically referenced in the adopting ordinance or legislation of the jurisdiction.

  User notes:

  About this appendix: Appendix D contains more detailed elements for use with the basic access requirements found in Section 503, which gives some minimum criteria, such as a maximum length of 150 feet and a minimum width of 20 feet, but in many cases does not state specific criteria. This appendix, like Appendices B and C, is a tool for jurisdictions looking for guidance in establishing access requirements and includes criteria for multiple-family residential developments, large one- and two-family subdivisions, specific examples for various types of turnarounds for fire department apparatus and parking regulatory signage.

  ICC code development note: Code change proposals to this appendix will be considered by the IFC Code Development Committee during the 2024 (Group A) Code Development Cycle.

  SECTION D101—GENERAL

  D101.1 Scope. Fire apparatus access roads shall be in accordance with this appendix and all other applicable requirements of the California Fire Code .

  SECTION D102—REQUIRED ACCESS

  D102.1 Access and loading. Facilities, buildings or portions of buildings hereafter constructed shall be accessible to fire department apparatus by way of an approved fire apparatus access road with an asphalt, concrete or other approved driving surface capable of supporting the imposed load of fire apparatus weighing up to 75,000 pounds (34 050 kg).

  SECTION D103—MINIMUM SPECIFICATIONS

  D103.1 Access road width with a hydrant. Where a fire hydrant is located on a fire apparatus access road, the minimum road width shall be 26 feet (7925 mm), exclusive of shoulders (see Figure D103.1).

  FIGURE D103.1—DEAD-END FIRE APPARATUS ACCESS ROAD TURNAROUND

  60-FOOT “Y”

  MINIMUM CLEARANCE AROUND A FIRE HYDRANT

  For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm.

  D103.2 Grade. Fire apparatus access roads shall not exceed 10 percent in grade.

  Exception: Grades steeper than 10 percent as approved by the fire code official.

  D103.3 Turning radius. The minimum turning radius shall be determined by the fire code official.

  D103.4 Dead ends. Dead-end fire apparatus access roads in excess of 150 feet (45 720 mm) shall be provided with width and turnaround provisions in accordance with Table D103.4.

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  APPENDIX D—FIRE APPARATUS ACCESS ROADS

• CFC § 907.6.4.3. High relevance — show source text

  The emergency voice/alarm communications system control unit. 2. The fire department communications system. 3. Fire alarm system zoning annunciator panel required by Section 907.6.4.3. 4. Annunciator unit visually indicating the location of the elevators and whether they are operational. 5. Status indicators and controls for air distribution systems. 6. The firefighter’s control panel required by Section 909.16 for smoke control systems installed in the building. 7. Controls for unlocking interior exit stairway doors simultaneously. 8. Sprinkler valve and water-flow detector display panels. 9. Emergency and standby power status indicators. 10. A telephone for fire department use with controlled access to the public telephone system. 11. Fire pump status indicators. 12. Schematic building plans indicating the typical floor plan and detailing the building core, means of egress, fire protection systems, firefighter air-replenishment systems, firefighting equipment and fire department access, and the location of fire walls, fire barriers, fire partitions, smoke barriers and smoke partitions. 13. An approved Building Information Card that includes, but is not limited to, all of the following information: 13.1. General building information that includes: property name, address, the number of floors in the building above and below grade, use and occupancy classification (for mixed uses, identify the different types of occupancies on each floor) and the estimated building population during the day, night and weekend. 13.2. Building emergency contact information that includes: a list of the building’s emergency contacts including but not limited to building manager, building engineer and their respective work phone number, cell phone number and email address.

  13.3. Building construction information that includes: the type of building construction including but not limited to floors, walls, columns and roof assembly. 13.4. Exit access stairway and exit stairway information that includes: number of exit access stairways and exit stairways in building; each exit access stairway and exit stairway designation and floors served; location where each exit access stairway and exit stairway discharges, interior exit stairways that are pressurized; exit stairways provided with emergency lighting; each exit stairway that allows reentry; exit stairways providing roof access; elevator information that includes: number of elevator banks, elevator bank designation, elevator car numbers and respective floors that they serve; location of elevator machine rooms, control rooms and control spaces; location of sky lobby; and location of freight elevator banks. 13.5. Building services and system information that includes: location of mechanical rooms, location of building management system, location and capacity of all fuel oil tanks, location of emergency generator and location of natural gas service.

  2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE 5-7

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  FIRE SERVICE FEATURES

  13.6. Fire protection system information that includes: location of standpipes, location of fire pump room, location of fire department connections, floors protected by automatic sprinklers and location of different types of automatic sprinkler systems installed including but not limited to dry, wet and pre-action. 13.7. Hazardous material information that includes: location and quantity of hazardous material.

  14. Work table.

  15. Generator supervision devices, manual start and transfer features.

  16. Public address system, where specifically required by other sections of this code.

  17. Elevator fire recall switch in accordance with ASME A17.1/CSA B44.

• CFC § 911.3 High relevance — show source text

  8. Discharge from vents shall not be into the interior of the building.

  911.3 Explosion prevention systems. Explosion prevention systems shall be of an approved type and installed in accordance with the provisions of this code and NFPA 69.

  911.4 Deflagration venting. Deflagration venting shall be of an approved type and installed in accordance with the provisions of this code and NFPA 68.

  911.5 Barricades. Barricades shall be designed and installed in accordance with NFPA 495.

  SECTION 912—FIRE DEPARTMENT CONNECTIONS

  912.1 Installation. Fire department connections shall be installed in accordance with the NFPA standard applicable to the system design and shall comply with Sections 912.2 through 912.7.

  912.2 Location. With respect to hydrants, driveways, buildings and landscaping, fire department connections shall be so located that fire apparatus and hose connected to supply the system will not obstruct access to the buildings for other fire apparatus. The location of fire department connections shall be approved by the fire code official.

  912.2.1 Visible location. Fire department connections shall be located on the street side of buildings or facing approved fire apparatus access roads, fully visible and recognizable from the street, fire apparatus access road or nearest point of fire department vehicle access or as otherwise approved by the fire code official.

  912.2.2 Existing buildings. On existing buildings, wherever the fire department connection is not visible to approaching fire apparatus, the fire department connection shall be indicated by an approved sign mounted on the street front or on the side of the building. Such sign shall have the letters “FDC” not less than 6 inches (152 mm) high and words in letters not less than 2 inches (51 mm) high or an arrow to indicate the location. Such signs shall be subject to the approval of the fire code official.

  912.3 Fire hose threads. Fire hose threads used in connection with standpipe systems shall be approved and shall be compatible with fire department hose threads.

  912.4 Access. Immediate access to fire department connections shall be maintained at all times and without obstruction by fences, bushes, trees, walls or any other fixed or moveable object. Access to fire department connections shall be approved by the fire code official.

  Exceptions: 1. Fences, where provided with an access gate equipped with a sign complying with the legend requirements of Section 912.5 and a means of emergency operation. The gate and the means of emergency operation shall be approved by the fire code official and maintained operational at all times. 2. When acceptable to the fire enforcing agency, fire department connections for Group I-3 detention facilities may be located inside all security walls or fences on the property.

  912.4.1 Locking fire department connection caps. The fire code official is authorized to require locking caps on fire department connections for water-based fire protection systems where the responding fire department carries appropriate key wrenches for removal.

  912.4.2 Clear space around connections. A working space of not less than 36 inches (914 mm) in width, 36 inches (914 mm) in depth and 78 inches (1981 mm) in height shall be provided and maintained in front of and to the sides of wall-mounted fire department connections and around the circumference of free-standing fire department connections, except as otherwise required or approved by the fire code official.

  912.4.3 Physical protection. Where fire department connections are subject to impact by a motor vehicle, vehicle impact protection shall be provided in accordance with Section 312.

• CFC § 9-68 High relevance — show source text

  Exception: Where sufficient exterior wall and roof venting cannot be provided because of inadequate exterior wall or roof area, deflagration venting shall be allowed by specially designed shafts vented to the exterior of the building. 3. Deflagration venting shall be designed to prevent unacceptable structural damage. Where relieving a deflagration, vent closures shall not produce projectiles of sufficient velocity and mass to cause life threatening injuries to the occupants or other persons on the property or adjacent public ways.

  9-68 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE

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

  FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS

  4. The aggregate clear area of vents and venting devices shall be governed by the pressure resistance of the construction assemblies specified in Item 1 of this section and the maximum internal pressure allowed by Item 5 of this section.
  5. Vents shall be designed to withstand loads in accordance with the California Building Code . Vents shall consist of any one or any combination of the following to relieve at a maximum internal pressure of 20 pounds per square foot (958 Pa), but not less than the loads required by the California Building Code : 5.1. Exterior walls designed to release outward.

  5.2. Hatch covers.

  5.3. Outward swinging doors. 5.4. Roofs designed to uplift. 5.5. Venting devices listed for the purpose. 6. Vents designed to release from the exterior walls or roofs of the building when venting a deflagration shall discharge directly to the exterior of the building where an unoccupied space not less than 50 feet (15 240 mm) in width is provided between the exterior walls of the building and the lot line.

  Exception: Vents complying with Item 7 of this section. 7. Vents designed to remain attached to the building when venting a deflagration shall be so located that the discharge opening shall be not less than 10 feet (3048 mm) vertically from window openings and exits in the building and 20 feet (6096 mm) horizontally from exits in the building, from window openings and exits in adjacent buildings on the same lot and from the lot line.

  8. Discharge from vents shall not be into the interior of the building.

  911.3 Explosion prevention systems. Explosion prevention systems shall be of an approved type and installed in accordance with the provisions of this code and NFPA 69.

  911.4 Deflagration venting. Deflagration venting shall be of an approved type and installed in accordance with the provisions of this code and NFPA 68.

  911.5 Barricades. Barricades shall be designed and installed in accordance with NFPA 495.

  SECTION 912—FIRE DEPARTMENT CONNECTIONS

  912.1 Installation. Fire department connections shall be installed in accordance with the NFPA standard applicable to the system design and shall comply with Sections 912.2 through 912.7.

  912.2 Location. With respect to hydrants, driveways, buildings and landscaping, fire department connections shall be so located that fire apparatus and hose connected to supply the system will not obstruct access to the buildings for other fire apparatus. The location of fire department connections shall be approved by the fire code official.

  912.2.1 Visible location. Fire department connections shall be located on the street side of buildings or facing approved fire apparatus access roads, fully visible and recognizable from the street, fire apparatus access road or nearest point of fire department vehicle access or as otherwise approved by the fire code official.