CFC · California Fire Code

Maintenance and required access to exterior doors and openings

If your property has doors the code requires, keep them usable and reachable for firefighters. You may not remove or block those doors without approval; if a door is rendered nonfunctional but still looks like a door it must carry a sign saying “THIS DOOR BLOCKED” with letters **6" high** and **3/4" stroke**. The fire code official decides if an access walkway from the fire apparatus road is required.

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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

What the code requires — plain English

Exterior doors and openings that the code or the California Building Code requires must be kept available for emergency entry by the fire department and may not be removed or rendered unusable without approval. An approved access walkway from a fire apparatus access road to those exterior openings must be provided when the fire code official requires it. See § 504.1 and § 504.2 of the California Fire Code.

Keep required exterior doors and openings usable and reachable for fire department access; do not block, fake, or remove them without approval.

Requirements in detail

Key duties of the owner / operator

  • Maintain exterior doors and openings so they provide ready access for emergency entry by the fire department (§ 504.1).
  • Provide an approved access walkway from fire apparatus access roads to exterior openings where the fire code official requires one (§ 504.1) — the official determines when it is required.
  • Do not eliminate exterior doors or their function without prior approval; doors made nonfunctional but left with a door-like exterior must be clearly signed as blocked (§ 504.2).
  • Required fire department access doors specifically must not be obstructed or eliminated (§ 504.2).
  • Exit and exit-access doors remain governed by Chapter 10 requirements (means of egress) even when discussing maintenance and access (§ 504.2).

Decision-relevant dimensions / values

Item Required value / action Code Reference
Approved sign text for nonfunctional door "THIS DOOR BLOCKED" § 504.2
Minimum principal stroke width of sign letters 3/4 inch (19.1 mm) § 504.2
Minimum letter height of sign 6 inches (152 mm) § 504.2
Readiness of access for fire department Maintain ready access; do not obstruct required doors § 504.1, § 504.2
Access walkway from fire apparatus access road Provide approved walkway where required by fire code official (no fixed dimension in text) § 504.1
Exit/exit-access doors Must comply with Chapter 10 (means of egress) § 504.2
Access doors for high‑piled combustible storage Must comply with Section 3206.7 § 504.2

Notes:

  • Where the code uses the term approved (for walkways, signs, etc.), approval is by the fire code official; specifics are not provided in these sections and are determined at plan review / inspection.

Exceptions & special cases

  • The text requires prior approval before eliminating a door or its function; there is no blanket allowance to remove required doors. § 504.2 makes this clear.
  • Exit and exit-access doors remain under Chapter 10 requirements — do not treat code-required means of egress doors the same as convenience doors when considering maintenance or closure (§ 504.2).
  • For roof access / rooftop obstructions, the code references roofing access and roof‑mounted obstructions in related provisions; where roof access is affected, check the adjacent roof access and rooftop obstruction rules (see § 504.3 and the referenced Title 19 rule cited in § 504.1).

If you need guidance on whether an access walkway is required in a specific project, the code delegates that determination to the fire code official (approval/requirement). The CFC text does not supply fixed walkway dimensions in § 504.1 — the official will specify the approved route.

Common mistakes

  • Thinking a door can be permanently blocked and left unlabeled — the code requires a prior approval to eliminate and, if left with a door appearance, a sign that meets the size/stroke specs (§ 504.2).
  • Blocking a required fire department access door with stored materials, fencing, or landscaping — these doors may not be obstructed or eliminated (§ 504.2).
  • Assuming "ready access" has a universal measurement (e.g., X feet of clear space) — § 504.1 requires ready access, but the specific configuration (including whether a walkway is required) is determined by the fire code official. Do not invent clearance figures without approval.
  • Removing hardware or modifying exit doors without verifying Chapter 10 compliance — exit and exit-access doors must continue to meet means-of-egress rules (§ 504.2).

Worked example

Scenario: A property owner converted a former storefront door to a decorative, inoperable façade door but left the exterior door appearance. The nearest fire apparatus access road is a private drive 60 feet from the storefront.

What the code requires and what you must do:

  1. Because the opening was originally a required exterior door/opening, you cannot eliminate its function without prior approval. Obtain approval from the fire code official before permanently eliminating it (§ 504.2).
  2. If the door remains nonfunctional but maintains a door-like exterior, affix a sign reading "THIS DOOR BLOCKED" with letters at least 6 inches (152 mm) high and a principal stroke of at least 3/4 inch (19.1 mm) on a contrasting background (§ 504.2).
    • Practical check: a 6" letter with 3/4" stroke is readily visible from the sidewalk; use a durable, contrasting sign mounted on the exterior face of the door.
  3. If the fire code official determines that the fire department requires ready access from the private drive to that exterior opening, you will need to provide an approved access walkway across the 60-foot distance; the official will approve location, width and surfacing as needed (§ 504.1). The CFC text does not prescribe the walkway dimensions — get direction from the fire code official.

Related provisions

  • § 504.3 — Stairway access to roof (new buildings four or more stories) (see CFC Section 504.3).
  • § 705.2 — Inspection and maintenance of opening protectives and signage for fire doors (fire doors must not be blocked; signs where required) (see CFC Section 705.2).
  • § 503.6 — Security gates across fire apparatus access roads (approval and emergency operation) — gates must remain operable and approved.
  • § 505.1 — Premises/address identification — related to accessibility for emergency response.
  • Chapter 10 (Means of Egress) — governs exit and exit-access door design and maintenance referenced in § 504.2.

Code references

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

  • CFC § 503.6 High relevance — show source text

    FIRE SERVICE FEATURES

    enforcement and fire-protection agencies. There shall be no less than one such access gate and there shall be as many such gates as needed to assure access to all major buildings and ground areas. If such gates are to be equipped with locks, the locking devices shall be designed to permit ready entrance by the use of the chain or bolt-cutting devices with which the local law enforcement and fire-protection agencies may be equipped.

    503.6 Security gates. The installation of security gates across a fire apparatus access road shall be approved by the fire code official. Where security gates are installed, they shall have an approved means of emergency operation. The security gates and the emergency operation shall be maintained operational at all times. Electric gate operators, where provided, shall be listed in accordance with UL 325. Gates intended for automatic operation shall be designed, constructed and installed to comply with the requirements of ASTM F2200.

    SECTION 504—ACCESS TO BUILDING OPENINGS AND ROOFS

    504.1 Required access. Exterior doors and openings required by this code or the California Building Code shall be maintained with ready access for emergency access by the fire department. An approved access walkway leading from fire apparatus access roads to exterior openings shall be provided where required by the fire code official.

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

    (b) Roofs. No person shall install or maintain any security barrier such as barbed wire fencing, razor wire fencing, chain link fencing or any other fencing material, cable, aerial, antenna or other obstruction on the roof of any commercial establishment in such a manner as to obstruct or render egress or access hazardous in the event of fire or other emergency.

    Exception: Guy wire, rods and aerial antenna masts may be attached to a roof structure having a slope of less than 30 degrees provided there is full clearance of seven feet or more between the roof and said obstruction. Guy wire or rods required to support aerial or antenna masts may be attached to a roof structure a lateral distance from the mast not in excess of one-sixth the height of the mast.

    504.2 Maintenance of exterior doors and openings. Exterior doors and their function shall not be eliminated without prior approval. Exterior doors that have been rendered nonfunctional and that retain a functional door exterior appearance shall have a sign affixed to the exterior side of the door with the words “THIS DOOR BLOCKED.” The sign shall consist of letters having a principal stroke of not less than [3] / 4 inch (19.1 mm) wide and not less than 6 inches (152 mm) high on a contrasting background. Required fire department access doors shall not be obstructed or eliminated. Exit and exit access doors shall comply with Chapter 10. Access doors for high-piled combustible storage shall comply with Section 3206.7.

    504.3 Stairway access to roof. New buildings four or more stories above grade plane, except those with a roof slope greater than 4 units vertical in 12 units horizontal (33.3-percent slope), shall be provided with a stairway to the roof. Stairway access to the roof shall be in accordance with Section 1011.12. Such stairway shall be marked at street and floor levels with a sign indicating that the stairway continues to the roof. Where the roof is a vegetative roof, includes a landscaped roof area, or is used or for other purposes, stairways shall be provided as required for such occupancy classification.

  • CFC § 703.2 High relevance — show source text

    703.2 Repair of penetrations. Where damaged, materials used to protect membrane- and through-penetrations shall be replaced or restored with materials or systems that meet or exceed the code requirements applicable at the time when the assembly was constructed, remodeled or altered.

    SECTION 704—JOINTS AND VOIDS

    704.1 Maintaining protection. Where required when the building was originally constructed, materials and systems used to protect joints and voids in the following locations shall be maintained. The materials and systems shall be securely attached to or bonded to the adjacent construction, without openings visible through the construction.

    1. Joints in or between fire-resistance-rated walls, floors or floor/ceiling assemblies and roof or roof/ceiling assemblies.

    2. Joints in smoke barriers.

    3. Voids at the intersection of a horizontal floor assembly and an exterior curtain wall.

    4. Voids at the intersection of a horizontal smoke barrier and an exterior curtain wall.

    5. Voids at the intersection of a nonfire-resistance-rated floor assembly and an exterior curtain wall.

    6. Voids at the intersection of a vertical fire barrier and an exterior curtain wall.

    7. Voids at the intersection of a vertical fire barrier and a nonfire-resistance-rated roof assembly.

    Unprotected joints and voids do not need to be protected where such joints and voids were not required to be protected when the building was originally constructed. Where the system design number is known, the system shall be inspected to the listing criteria and manufacturer’s installation instructions.

    704.2 Repair of joints and voids. Where damaged, materials used to protect joints and voids shall be replaced or restored with materials or systems that meet or exceed the code requirements applicable at the time when the assembly was constructed, remodeled or altered.

    704.3 Opening protectives. Where openings are required to be protected, opening protectives shall be maintained self-closing or automatic-closing by smoke detection. Existing fusible-link-type automatic door-closing devices are permitted if the fusible link rating does not exceed 135°F (57°C).

    SECTION 705—DOOR AND WINDOW OPENINGS

    705.1 General. Where required when the building was originally constructed, opening protectives installed in fire-resistance-rated assemblies, smoke barriers and smoke partitions shall be inspected and maintained in accordance with this section.

    705.2 Inspection and maintenance. Opening protectives in fire-resistance-rated assemblies shall be inspected and maintained in accordance with NFPA 80. Opening protectives in smoke barriers shall be inspected and maintained in accordance with NFPA 80 and NFPA 105. Openings in smoke partitions shall be inspected and maintained in accordance with NFPA 105. Fire doors and smoke and draft control doors shall not be blocked, obstructed, or otherwise made inoperable. Fusible links shall be replaced promptly whenever fused or damaged. Opening protectives and smoke and draft control doors shall not be modified.

    705.2.1 Labeling requirements. Where approved by the fire code official, the application of field-applied labels associated with the maintenance of opening protectives shall follow the requirements of the approved third-party certification organization accredited for listing the opening protective.

    705.2.2 Signs. Where required by the fire code official, a sign shall be permanently displayed on or near each fire door in letters not less than 1 inch (25 mm) high to read as follows:

    1. For doors designed to be kept normally open: “FIRE DOOR—DO NOT BLOCK.”
    2. For doors designed to be kept normally closed: “FIRE DOOR—KEEP CLOSED.”
  • CFC § 503.5.1 High relevance — show source text

    503.5.1 Secured gates and barricades. Where required, gates and barricades shall be secured in an approved manner. Roads, trails and other accessways that have been closed and obstructed in the manner prescribed by Section 503.5 shall not be trespassed on or used unless authorized by the owner and the fire code official.

    Exception: The restriction on use shall not apply to public officers acting within the scope of duty.

    503.5.2 Fences and Gates. School grounds may be fenced and gates therein may be equipped with locks, provided that safe disper- sal areas based on 3 square feet (0.28 m [2] ) per occupant are located between the school and the fence. Such required safe dispersal areas shall not be located less than 50 feet (15 240 mm) from school buildings.

    Every public and private school shall conform with Section 32020 of the Education Code which states:

    The governing board of every public school district, and the governing authority of every private school, which main- tains any building used for the instruction or housing of school pupils on land entirely enclosed (except for building walls) by fences of walls, shall, through cooperation with the local law enforcement and fire-protection agencies having jurisdiction of the area, make provision for the erection of gates in such fences or walls. The gates shall be of sufficient size to permit the entrance of the ambulances, police equipment and firefighting apparatus used by the law

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    FIRE SERVICE FEATURES

    enforcement and fire-protection agencies. There shall be no less than one such access gate and there shall be as many such gates as needed to assure access to all major buildings and ground areas. If such gates are to be equipped with locks, the locking devices shall be designed to permit ready entrance by the use of the chain or bolt-cutting devices with which the local law enforcement and fire-protection agencies may be equipped.

    503.6 Security gates. The installation of security gates across a fire apparatus access road shall be approved by the fire code official. Where security gates are installed, they shall have an approved means of emergency operation. The security gates and the emergency operation shall be maintained operational at all times. Electric gate operators, where provided, shall be listed in accordance with UL 325. Gates intended for automatic operation shall be designed, constructed and installed to comply with the requirements of ASTM F2200.

    SECTION 504—ACCESS TO BUILDING OPENINGS AND ROOFS

    504.1 Required access. Exterior doors and openings required by this code or the California Building Code shall be maintained with ready access for emergency access by the fire department. An approved access walkway leading from fire apparatus access roads to exterior openings shall be provided where required by the fire code official.

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

    (b) Roofs. No person shall install or maintain any security barrier such as barbed wire fencing, razor wire fencing, chain link fencing or any other fencing material, cable, aerial, antenna or other obstruction on the roof of any commercial establishment in such a manner as to obstruct or render egress or access hazardous in the event of fire or other emergency.

  • CFC § 1207 High relevance — show source text

    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

    Chapter 12 addresses any provisions related to energy systems found in the CFC. The expansion of such energy systems is related to meeting today’s energy, environmental and economic challenges. Ensuring appropriate criteria to address the safety of such systems in building and fire codes is an important part of protecting the public at large, building occupants and emergency responders. These requirements also facilitate the successful implementation of new technologies.

    All text in Section 1207 of the 2024 CFC with the following designation (Material based on NFPA 855 2023 Ed.) is reproduced with permission from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and is based upon NFPA 855, Standard for the Installation of Station- ary Energy Storage Systems, Copyright © 2023 NFPA. All designated text is either directly copied from the 2023 edition of NFPA 855 or as modified by the ICC Code Development Process. This material is not the complete and official position of NFPA on the referenced subject, which is represented solely by the standard in its entirety. NFPA shall not be responsible for the manner in which this information is presented, nor for any interpretations thereof.

    Chapters 13 through 19 Reserved for future use.

    PART IV—SPECIAL OCCUPANCIES AND OPERATIONS

    Chapter 20 Aviation Facilities

    Chapter 20 specifies minimum requirements for the fire-safe operation of airports, heliports and helistops. The principal nonflight operational hazards associated with aviation involve fuel, facilities and operations. Therefore, safe use of flammable and combustible liquids during fueling and maintenance operations is emphasized. Availability of portable Class B:C-rated fire extinguishers for prompt control or suppression of incipient fires is required.

    Chapter 21 Dry Cleaning

  • CFC § 504.2 High relevance — show source text

    Exception: Guy wire, rods and aerial antenna masts may be attached to a roof structure having a slope of less than 30 degrees provided there is full clearance of seven feet or more between the roof and said obstruction. Guy wire or rods required to support aerial or antenna masts may be attached to a roof structure a lateral distance from the mast not in excess of one-sixth the height of the mast.

    504.2 Maintenance of exterior doors and openings. Exterior doors and their function shall not be eliminated without prior approval. Exterior doors that have been rendered nonfunctional and that retain a functional door exterior appearance shall have a sign affixed to the exterior side of the door with the words “THIS DOOR BLOCKED.” The sign shall consist of letters having a principal stroke of not less than [3] / 4 inch (19.1 mm) wide and not less than 6 inches (152 mm) high on a contrasting background. Required fire department access doors shall not be obstructed or eliminated. Exit and exit access doors shall comply with Chapter 10. Access doors for high-piled combustible storage shall comply with Section 3206.7.

    504.3 Stairway access to roof. New buildings four or more stories above grade plane, except those with a roof slope greater than 4 units vertical in 12 units horizontal (33.3-percent slope), shall be provided with a stairway to the roof. Stairway access to the roof shall be in accordance with Section 1011.12. Such stairway shall be marked at street and floor levels with a sign indicating that the stairway continues to the roof. Where the roof is a vegetative roof, includes a landscaped roof area, or is used or for other purposes, stairways shall be provided as required for such occupancy classification.

    504.4 Roof access. No person shall install or maintain any security barrier such as barbed wire fencing, razor wire fencing, chain link fencing or any other fencing material, cable, aerial, antenna or other obstruction on the roof of any commercial establishment in such a manner as to obstruct or render egress or access hazardous in the event of fire or other emergency.

    Exception: Guy wire, rods and aerial antenna masts may be attached to a roof structure having a slope of less than 30 degrees provided there is full clearance of 7 feet or more between the roof and said obstruction. Guy wire or rods required to support aerial or antenna masts may be attached to a roof structure a lateral distance from the mast not in excess of one-sixth the height of the mast.

    SECTION 505—PREMISES IDENTIFICATION

    505.1 Address identification. New and existing buildings shall be provided with approved address identification. The address identification shall be legible and placed in a position that is visible from the street or road fronting the property. Address identification characters shall contrast with their background. Address numbers shall be Arabic numbers or alphabetical letters. Numbers shall not be spelled out. Each character shall be not less than 4 inches (102 mm) high with a minimum stroke width of [1] / 2 inch (12.7 mm). Where required by the fire code official, address identification shall be provided in additional approved locations to facilitate emergency response. Where access is by means of a private road and the building cannot be viewed from the public way, a monument, pole or other sign or means shall be used to identify the structure. Address identification shall be maintained.

  • CFC § 2025 High relevance — show source text

    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), interior finish (see Chapter 8), 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 Reserved.

    Chapter 11A Housing Accessibility. Chapter 11B Accessibility to Public Buildings, Public Accommodations, Commercial Buildings and Public Housing.

    Verify compliance with accessibility provisions. In order to be considered as accessible, buildings and their individual elements must comply with the applicable scoping and technical provisions of Chapter 11A and/or Chapter 11B.

    Chapter 12 Interior Environment.

    Chapter 12 provides minimum standards for the interior environment of a building. The standards address the minimum sizes of spaces, as well as minimums for temperature, light and ventilation. Concerns for sound transmission and acoustics are addressed. Finally, the chapter provides minimum standards for toilet and bathroom construction.

    Chapter 13 Energy Efficiency.

    Chapter 13 is not adopted in California. Refer to California Energy Code, Title 24, Part 6.

    Chapter 14 Exterior Walls.

    Chapter 14 addresses requirements for exterior walls of buildings. Minimum standards for wall covering materials, installation of wall coverings and the ability of the wall to provide weather protection are provided.

    Chapter 15 Roof Assemblies and Rooftop Structures.

    Chapter 15 provides standards for both roof assemblies and structures that sit on top of the roofs of buildings. The criteria address roof construction and covering, including the weather-protective barrier at the roof and, in most circumstances, a fire-resistant barrier.

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    Chapter 16 Structural Design.

    Chapter 16 prescribes minimum structural loading requirements for use in the design and construction of buildings and structural components. The chapter references and relies on many nationally recognized design standards, including the American Society of Civil Engineers’ Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures (ASCE 7).

    Chapter 16A Structural Design.

  • CFC § 1.5 Medium relevance — show source text
    2025 CWUIC—continued Col2 Adopted
    Yes/No    		 IWUIC
    Section    		 CBC
    Section    		 CFC
    Section    		 Title 14,
    Division 1.5
    Section    		 Title 19,
    Division 1
    Section    		 Gov Code
    Section    		 PRC
    Section    		 HSC
    Section
    Section Title Title Title Title Title Title Title Title Title Title
    Chapter 5 Special building construction regulations Special building construction regulations Special building construction regulations Special building construction regulations Special building construction regulations Special building construction regulations Special building construction regulations Special building construction regulations Special building construction regulations Special building construction regulations
    503.2.4.3.3 Plastic lumber
    materials    		 Y 703A.6
    503.2.5 Surface treatment
    protection    		 Y 703A.5.3
    503.3 Standards of quality Y 703A.1
    503.3.1 Qualification by
    testing    		 Y 703A.2
    503.3.2 Approved agency Y 703A.3
    503.3.3 Labeling Y 703A.4
    503.3.4 Fire-retardant-
    treated wood shin-
    gles and shakes    		 Y 703A.5.2.2
    504 Ignition-resistant
    construction    		 Y 704A
    504.1 General Y 705A.1
    504.2 Roof assembly Y 705A.2
    1505.2
    504.2.1 Roof covering voids Y 705A.2
    504.2.1.1 Airspace under roof
    covering    		 Y 705A.2.1
    504.2.1.2 Roof underlayment Y 705A.2.2
    504.2.2 Roof valleys Y 705A.3
    504.3 Protection of
    enclosed eaves    		 Y 707A.6
    504.3.1 Protection of open
    eaves    		 Y 707A.5
    504.4 Gutters and
    downspouts    		 Y 705A.4
    504.5 Exterior walls Y 707A.4
    504.5.1 Flashing Y 504.5.1
    504.5.2 Exterior wall covering Y 707A.3
    704A.4 #3
    504.5.2.1 Extent of exterior wall
    covering    		 Y 707A.3.1
    504.6 Underfloor enclosure Y 707A.9
    504.
  • CFC § 1019.4 Medium relevance — show source text

    MEANS OF EGRESS

    [BE] 1019.4 Group I-2, I-3 and R-2.1 occupancies. In Group I-2, I-3 and R-2.1 occupancies, floor openings between stories containing exit access stairways or ramps are required to be enclosed with a shaft enclosure constructed in accordance with Section 713 of the California Building Code .

    Exception: In Group I-3 occupancies, exit access stairways or ramps constructed in accordance with Section 408 of the California Building Code are not required to be enclosed.

    SECTION 1020—CORRIDORS

    [BE] 1020.1 General. Corridors serving as an exit access component in a means of egress system shall comply with the requirements of Sections 1020.2 and 1020.7.

    [BE] 1020.2 Construction. Corridors shall be fire-resistance rated in accordance with Table 1020.2. The corridor walls required to be fire-resistance rated shall comply with Section 708 of the California Building Code for fire partitions.

    Exceptions:

    1. A fire-resistance rating is not required for corridors in an occupancy in Group E where each room that is used for instruction has not less than one door opening directly to the exterior and rooms for assembly purposes have not less than onehalf of the required means of egress doors opening directly to the exterior. Exterior doors specified in this exception are required to be at ground level.
    2. A fire-resistance rating is not required for corridors contained within a dwelling unit or sleeping unit in an occupancy in Groups I-1 and R.
    3. A fire-resistance rating is not required for corridors in open parking garages.
    4. A fire-resistance rating is not required for corridors in an occupancy in Group B that is a space requiring only a single means of egress complying with Section 1006.2.
    5. Corridors adjacent to the exterior walls of buildings shall be permitted to have unprotected openings on unrated exterior walls where unrated walls are permitted by Table 705.5 of the California Building Code and unprotected openings are permitted by Table 705.9 of the California Building Code . 6. A fire-resistance rating is not required for corridors within suites in a Group I-2 constructed in accordance with Section 407.4.4 or 407.4.5 of the California Building Code.
  • CFC § 1.1. Medium relevance — show source text

    met:

    1.1. The doors shall be provided with vision panels of approved fire-protection-rated glazing so located as to furnish clear vision of the approach to the elevator. Such glazing shall not exceed 100 square inches (0.065 m [2] ) in area. 1.2. The doors shall be held open but be automatic-closing by activation of a fire alarm initiating device installed in accordance with the requirements of NFPA 72 as for Phase I Emergency Recall Operation, and shall be located at each floor served by the elevator; in the associated elevator machine room, control space, or control room; and in the elevator hoistway, where sprinklers are located in those hoistways. 1.3. The doors, when closed, shall have signs visible from the approach area stating: “WHEN THESE DOORS ARE CLOSED OR IN CASE OF FIRE, ELEVATORS ARE OUT OF SERVICE. USE EXIT.” 2. Buildings without occupied floors located more than 55 feet (16 764 mm) above or 25 feet (7620 mm) below the lowest level of fire department vehicle access where provided with automatic sprinkler systems installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.

    1. Freight elevators in buildings provided with both automatic sprinkler systems installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2 and not less than one ASME 17.3-compliant elevator serving the same floors.

    Elimination of previously installed Phase I emergency recall or Phase II emergency in-car systems shall not be permitted.

    1103.3.3 Medical emergency elevator. For existing hoistways with elevator alterations, or replacements, where the elevator car dimensions do not comply with Section 3002.4.1a of the California Building Code. The elevator car dimensions and/or the clear entrance opening dimensions may be altered where it can be demonstrated to the local jurisdictional authority’s satisfaction that the proposed configuration will accommodate the designated gurney or stretcher with equivalent ease to the existing car and/or clear entrance conditions. Written documentation from the local authority shall be provided to the California Occupational Safety and Health Elevator Unit.

    1103.4 Vertical openings. Interior vertical openings, including but not limited to stairways, elevator hoistways, service and utility shafts, that connect two or more stories of a building shall be enclosed or protected as specified in Sections 1103.4.1 through 1103.4.10.

    1103.4.1 Group I-2 and I-3 occupancies. In Group I-2 and I-3 occupancies, interior vertical openings connecting two or more stories shall be protected with 1-hour fire-resistance-rated construction.

    Exceptions:

    1. In Group I-2, unenclosed vertical openings not exceeding two connected stories and not concealed within the building construction shall be permitted as follows: 1.1. The unenclosed vertical openings shall be separated from other unenclosed vertical openings serving other floors by a smoke barrier. 1.2. The unenclosed vertical openings shall be separated from corridors by smoke partitions. 1.3. The unenclosed vertical openings shall be separated from other fire or smoke compartments on the same floors by a smoke barrier. 1.4. On other than the lowest level, the unenclosed vertical openings shall not serve as a required means of
  • 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.

    xiv 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE

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

    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 § 1019.4 Medium relevance — show source text

    1019.4 Group I-2, I-3 and R-2.1 occupancies. In Group I-2, I-3 and R-2.1 occupancies, floor openings between stories containing exit access stairways or ramps are required to be enclosed with a shaft enclosure constructed in accordance with Section 713.

    Exception: In Group I-3 occupancies, exit access stairways or ramps constructed in accordance with Section 408 are not required to be enclosed.

    SECTION 1020—CORRIDORS

    1020.1 General. Corridors serving as an exit access component in a means of egress system shall comply with the requirements of Sections 1020.2 through 1020.7.

    1020.2 Construction. Corridors shall be fire-resistance rated in accordance with Table 1020.2. The corridor walls required to be fireresistance rated shall comply with Section 708 for fire partitions.

    Exceptions:

    1. A fire-resistance rating is not required for corridors in an occupancy in Group E where each room that is used for instruction has not less than one door opening directly to the exterior and rooms for assembly purposes have not less than onehalf of the required means of egress doors opening directly to the exterior. Exterior doors specified in this exception are required to be at ground level.
    2. A fire-resistance rating is not required for corridors contained within a dwelling unit or sleeping unit in an occupancy in Group R.
    3. A fire-resistance rating is not required for corridors in open parking garages.
    4. A fire-resistance rating is not required for corridors in an occupancy in Group B that is a space requiring only a single means of egress complying with Section 1006.2.
    5. Corridors adjacent to the exterior walls of buildings shall be permitted to have unprotected openings on unrated exterior walls where unrated walls are permitted by Table 705.5 and unprotected openings are permitted by Table 705.9. 6. A fire-resistance rating is not required for corridors within suites in a Group I-2 constructed in accordance with Section 407.4.4 or 407.4.5.

    7. A fire-resistance rating is not required for corridors within Group I-3 occupancies that comply with intervening spaces, see Section 408.1.2.2.

    10-42 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE

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

    MEANS OF EGRESS

  • CFC § 5.2.2 Medium relevance — show source text

    5.2.2_||||||| |504|Ignition-resistant
    construction|Y||704A||||||| |504.1|General|Y||705A.1||||||| |504.2|Roof assembly|Y||705A.2
    1505.2||||||| |504.2.1|Roof covering voids|Y||705A.2||||||| |504.2.1.1|Airspace under roof
    covering|Y||705A.2.1||||||| |504.2.1.2|Roof underlayment|Y||705A.2.2||||||| |504.2.2|Roof valleys|Y||705A.3||||||| |504.3|Protection of
    enclosed eaves|Y||707A.6||||||| |504.3.1|Protection of open
    eaves|Y||707A.5||||||| |504.4|Gutters and
    downspouts|Y||705A.4||||||| |504.5|Exterior walls|Y||707A.4||||||| |504.5.1|Flashing|Y|504.5.1|||||||| |504.5.2|Exterior wall covering|Y||707A.3
    704A.4 #3||||||| |504.5.2.1|Extent of exterior wall
    covering|Y||707A.3.1||||||| |504.6|Underfloor enclosure|Y||707A.9||||||| |504.7|Projections|Y||707A.8||||||| |504.7.1|Underside of
    projections|Y||707A.9,
    707A.10||||||| |504.7.2|Conditions of accep-
    tance for ASTM E2957|Y||707A.11||||||| |504.7.3|Decks|Y||709A.1||||||| |504.7.3.1|Flashing|Y||709A.1.1||||||| |504.7.3.2|Decking surfaces|Y||709A.3||||||| |504.7.3.3|Performance require-
    ments for Section
    504.7.3.2, Item 1|Y||709A.4.2||||||| |504.7.3.3.1|Conditions of accep-
    tance for ASTM E2632|Y||709A.4.1||||||| |504.7.3.3.2|Conditions of accep-
    tance for ASTM E2726|Y||709A.4.2||||||| |504.7.3.4|Performance require-
    ments for Section
    504.7.3.2, Item 7|Y||709A.5||||||| |504.8|Exterior glazing|Y||708A.2.1||||||| |504.8.1|Structural glass
    veneer|Y||708A.2.2||||||| |504.8.2|Operable skylights|Y||708A.2.3||||||| |504.9|Exterior doors|Y||708A.3|||||||

Frequently asked questions

Can I permanently seal a required exterior door and just paint over it?

Not without prior approval — the code requires approval before eliminating an exterior door's function. If the door appearance remains, you must post the prescribed sign (“THIS DOOR BLOCKED”) meeting the size/stroke requirements. § 504.2.

What size must the “THIS DOOR BLOCKED” sign be?

Letters must be at least 6 inches (152 mm) high with a principal stroke of at least 3/4 inch (19.1 mm) on a contrasting background, and display the text exactly as required by § 504.2.

Who decides if an access walkway from the fire apparatus road is required?

The fire code official decides when an approved access walkway is required; § 504.1 mandates the walkway where the official requires it, but the section does not fix dimensions.

Can required fire department access doors be used for storage or fenced off?

No — required fire department access doors shall not be obstructed or eliminated per § 504.2. Storage or fencing that obstructs these doors is not permitted.

Are exit doors covered by this rule?

Yes — exit and exit-access doors must comply with Chapter 10 (means of egress) in addition to the maintenance/access requirements in § 504.2.

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Premises identification: address numbers and street/road signs

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Access to building openings and roofs, and premises identification

California Fire Code