Fire apparatus access roads, dimensions, dead-ends, turnarounds & security gates

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

• 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.

  2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE APPENDIX D-3

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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

  [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.

  503.2.6 Bridges and elevated surfaces. Where a bridge or an elevated surface is part of a fire apparatus access road, the bridge shall be constructed and maintained in accordance with AASHTO HB-17. Bridges and elevated surfaces shall be designed for a live load sufficient to carry the imposed loads of fire apparatus. Vehicle load limits shall be posted at both entrances to bridges where required by the fire code official. Where elevated surfaces designed for emergency vehicle use are adjacent to surfaces that are not designed for such use, approved barriers, approved signs or both shall be installed and maintained where required by the fire code official.

  503.2.7 Grade. The grade of the fire apparatus access road shall be within the limits established by the fire code official based on the fire department’s apparatus.

  503.2.8 Angles of approach and departure. The angles of approach and departure for fire apparatus access roads shall be within the limits established by the fire code official based on the fire department’s apparatus.

  503.3 Marking. Where required by the fire code official, approved signs or other approved notices or markings that include the words “NO PARKING—FIRE LANE” shall be provided for fire apparatus access roads to identify such roads or prohibit the obstruction thereof. The means by which fire lanes are designated shall be maintained in a clean and legible condition at all times and be replaced or repaired when necessary to provide adequate visibility.

  503.4 Obstruction of fire apparatus access roads. Fire apparatus access roads shall not be obstructed in any manner, including the parking of vehicles. The minimum widths and clearances established in Sections 503.2.1 and 503.2.2 shall be maintained at all times.

  503.4.1 Traffic calming devices. Traffic calming devices shall be prohibited unless approved by the fire code official.

• CFC § 1273.05 High relevance — show source text

  APPENDIX H—REFERENCED CALIFORNIA DOCUMENTS

  (d) A turnaround shall be provided on driveways over 300 feet in length and shall be within fifty (50) feet of the building. (e) Each dead-end road shall have a turnaround constructed at its terminus. Where parcels are zoned five (5) acres or larger, turn- arounds shall be provided at a maximum of 1,320-foot intervals. (f) Figure A. Turnarounds on roads with two ten-foot traffic lanes. (g) Figure B. Turnarounds on driveways with one ten-foot traffic lane.

  Note: Authority cited: Section 4290, Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 4290 and 4291, Public Resources Code.

  FIGURE FOR CCR 1273.05—TURNAROUND EXAMPLES

  1273.06 Turnouts. Turnouts shall be a minimum of twelve (12) feet wide and thirty (30) feet long with a minimum twenty-five (25) foot taper on each end.

  Note: Authority cited: Section 4290, Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 4290 and 4291, Public Resources Code.

  1273.08 Dead-end roads.

  (a) The maximum length of a dead-end road, including all Dead-end Roads accessed from that dead-end road, shall not exceed the following cumulative lengths, regardless of the number of parcels served:

  Parcels zoned for less than one acre – 800 feet

  Parcels zoned for 1 acre to 4.99 acres – 1,320 feet

  Parcels zoned for 5 acres to 19.99 acres – 2,640 feet

  Parcels zoned for 20 acres or larger – 5,280 feet All lengths shall be measured from the edge of the road surface at the intersection that begins the road to the end of the road surface at its farthest point. Where a dead-end road crosses areas of differing zoned parcel sizes requiring different length limits, the shortest allowable length shall apply. (b) See Section 1273.05 for dead-end road turnaround requirements.

  Note: Authority cited: Section 4290, Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 4290 and 4291, Public Resources Code.

  1273.09 Gate Entrances.

  (a) Gate entrances shall be at least two (2) feet wider than the width of the traffic lane(s) serving that gate and a minimum width of fourteen (14) feet unobstructed horizontal clearance and unobstructed vertical clearance of thirteen feet, six inches (13' 6”). (b) All gates providing access from a road to a driveway shall be located at least thirty (30) feet from the roadway and shall open to allow a vehicle to stop without obstructing traffic on that Road. (c) Where a one-way road with a single traffic lane provides access to a gated entrance, a forty (40) foot turning radius shall be used.

  (d) Security gates shall not be installed without approval. Where security gates are installed, they shall have an approved means of emergency operation. Approval shall be by the local authority having jurisdiction. The security gates and the emergency operation shall be maintained operational at all times.

  Note: Authority cited: Section 4290, Public Resources Code. Reference: Sections 4290 and 4291, Public Resources Code.

  2025 CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE APPENDIX H-13

• 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 § 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 § 6.1 High relevance — show source text

  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.
  8. Gates intended for automatic operation shall be designed, constructed and installed to comply with the requirements of ASTM F2200.

  D103.6 Signs. Where required by the fire code official, fire apparatus access roads shall be marked with permanent “NO PARKING— FIRE LANE” signs complying with Figure D103.6. Signs shall have a minimum dimension of 12 inches (305 mm) wide by 18 inches (457 mm) high and have red letters on a white reflective background. Signs shall be posted on one or both sides of the fire apparatus road as required by Section D103.6.1 or D103.6.2.

  FIGURE D103.6—FIRE LANE SIGNS

  SIGN TYPE "A" SIGN TYPE "C" SIGN TYPE "D"

  18 ″

  12 ″ 12 ″ 12 ″

  D103.6.1 Roads 20 to 26 feet in width. Fire lane signs as specified in Section D103.6 shall be posted on both sides of fire apparatus access roads that are 20 to 26 feet wide (6096 to 7925 mm).

  D103.6.2 Roads more than 26 feet in width. Fire lane signs as specified in Section D103.6 shall be posted on one side of fire apparatus access roads more than 26 feet wide (7925 mm) and less than 32 feet wide (9754 mm).

  SECTION D104—COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENTS

  D104.1 Buildings exceeding three stories or 30 feet in height. Buildings or facilities exceeding 30 feet (9144 mm) or three stories in height shall have not fewer than two means of fire apparatus access for each structure.

  D104.2 Buildings exceeding 62,000 square feet in area. Buildings or facilities having a gross building area of more than 62,000 square feet (5760 m [2] ) shall be provided with two separate and approved fire apparatus access roads. Exception: Projects having a gross building area of up to 124,000 square feet (11 520 m [2] ) that have a single approved fire apparatus access road where all buildings are equipped throughout with approved automatic sprinkler systems.

  D104.3 Remoteness. Where two fire apparatus access roads are required, they shall be placed a distance apart equal to not less than one half of the length of the maximum overall diagonal dimension of the lot or area to be served, measured in a straight line between

  accesses.

  SECTION D105—AERIAL FIRE APPARATUS ACCESS ROADS

• CFC § 6.1 High relevance — show source text

  18 ″

  12 ″ 12 ″ 12 ″

  D103.6.1 Roads 20 to 26 feet in width. Fire lane signs as specified in Section D103.6 shall be posted on both sides of fire apparatus access roads that are 20 to 26 feet wide (6096 to 7925 mm).

  D103.6.2 Roads more than 26 feet in width. Fire lane signs as specified in Section D103.6 shall be posted on one side of fire apparatus access roads more than 26 feet wide (7925 mm) and less than 32 feet wide (9754 mm).

  SECTION D104—COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENTS

  D104.1 Buildings exceeding three stories or 30 feet in height. Buildings or facilities exceeding 30 feet (9144 mm) or three stories in height shall have not fewer than two means of fire apparatus access for each structure.

  D104.2 Buildings exceeding 62,000 square feet in area. Buildings or facilities having a gross building area of more than 62,000 square feet (5760 m [2] ) shall be provided with two separate and approved fire apparatus access roads. Exception: Projects having a gross building area of up to 124,000 square feet (11 520 m [2] ) that have a single approved fire apparatus access road where all buildings are equipped throughout with approved automatic sprinkler systems.

  D104.3 Remoteness. Where two fire apparatus access roads are required, they shall be placed a distance apart equal to not less than one half of the length of the maximum overall diagonal dimension of the lot or area to be served, measured in a straight line between

  accesses.

  SECTION D105—AERIAL FIRE APPARATUS ACCESS ROADS

  D105.1 Where required. Where the vertical distance between the grade plane and the highest roof surface exceeds 30 feet (9144 mm), approved aerial fire apparatus access roads shall be provided. For purposes of this section, the highest roof surface shall be

  APPENDIX D-4 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE

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  APPENDIX D—FIRE APPARATUS ACCESS ROADS

  determined by measurement to the eave of a pitched roof, the intersection of the roof to the exterior wall, or the top of parapet walls, whichever is greater.

  Exception: Where approved by the fire code official, buildings of Type IA, Type IB or Type IIA construction equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 and having firefighter access through an enclosed stairway with a Class I standpipe from the lowest level of fire department vehicle access to all roof surfaces.

  D105.2 Width. Aerial fire apparatus access roads shall have a minimum unobstructed width of 26 feet (7925 mm), exclusive of shoulders, in the immediate vicinity of the building or portion thereof.

  D105.3 Proximity to building. One or more of the required access routes meeting this condition shall be located not less than 15 feet (4572 mm) and not greater than 30 feet (9144 mm) from the building, and shall be positioned parallel to one entire side of the building. The side of the building on which the aerial fire apparatus access road is positioned shall be approved by the fire code official.

• CFC § 903.3.1.1 High relevance — show source text

  accesses.

  SECTION D105—AERIAL FIRE APPARATUS ACCESS ROADS

  D105.1 Where required. Where the vertical distance between the grade plane and the highest roof surface exceeds 30 feet (9144 mm), approved aerial fire apparatus access roads shall be provided. For purposes of this section, the highest roof surface shall be

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  APPENDIX D—FIRE APPARATUS ACCESS ROADS

  determined by measurement to the eave of a pitched roof, the intersection of the roof to the exterior wall, or the top of parapet walls, whichever is greater.

  Exception: Where approved by the fire code official, buildings of Type IA, Type IB or Type IIA construction equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 and having firefighter access through an enclosed stairway with a Class I standpipe from the lowest level of fire department vehicle access to all roof surfaces.

  D105.2 Width. Aerial fire apparatus access roads shall have a minimum unobstructed width of 26 feet (7925 mm), exclusive of shoulders, in the immediate vicinity of the building or portion thereof.

  D105.3 Proximity to building. One or more of the required access routes meeting this condition shall be located not less than 15 feet (4572 mm) and not greater than 30 feet (9144 mm) from the building, and shall be positioned parallel to one entire side of the building. The side of the building on which the aerial fire apparatus access road is positioned shall be approved by the fire code official.

  D105.4 Obstructions. Overhead utility and power lines shall not be located over the aerial fire apparatus access road or between the aerial fire apparatus road and the building. Other obstructions shall be permitted to be placed with the approval of the fire code official.

  SECTION D106—MULTIPLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS

  D106.1 Projects having more than 100 dwelling units. Multiple-family residential projects having more than 100 dwelling units shall be equipped throughout with two separate and approved fire apparatus access roads.

  Exception: Projects having up to 200 dwelling units shall have not fewer than one approved fire apparatus access road where all buildings, including nonresidential occupancies, are equipped throughout with approved automatic sprinkler systems installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.

  D106.2 Projects having more than 200 dwelling units. Multiple-family residential projects having more than 200 dwelling units shall be provided with two separate and approved fire apparatus access roads regardless of whether they are equipped with an approved automatic sprinkler system.

  D106.3 Remoteness. Where two fire apparatus access roads are required, they shall be placed a distance apart equal to not less than one-half of the length of the maximum overall diagonal dimension of the property or area to be served, measured in a straight line between accesses.

  SECTION D107—ONE- OR TWO-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS

  D107.1 One- or two-family dwelling residential developments. Developments of one- or two-family dwellings where the number of dwelling units exceeds 30 shall be provided with two separate and approved fire apparatus access roads.

• 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 § 501.3.1 Medium 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 Medium relevance — show source text

  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.

  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 § 3302.1.1 Medium relevance — show source text

  3302.1.1 Components of site safety plans. Site safety plans shall include the following, as applicable:

  1. Name and contact information of site safety director.

  2. Documentation of the training of the site safety director and fire watch personnel.

  3. Procedures for reporting emergencies.

  4. Fire department vehicle access routes.

  5. Location of fire protection equipment, including portable fire extinguishers, standpipes, fire department connections and fire hydrants.

  6. Smoking and cooking policies, designated areas to be used where approved, and signage locations in accordance with the California Fire Code.

  7. Location and safety considerations for temporary heating equipment.

  8. Hot-work permit plan.

  9. Plans for control of combustible waste material.

  10. Locations and methods for storage and use of flammable and combustible liquids and other hazardous materials.

  11. Provisions for site security and, where required, for a fire watch.

  12. Changes that affect this plan.

  13. Other site-specific information required by the California Fire Code .

  2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 33-3

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

  SAFEGUARDS DURING CONSTRUCTION

  3302.2 Site safety director. The owner shall designate a person to be the site safety director. The site safety director shall be responsible for ensuring compliance with the site safety plan. The site safety director shall have the authority to enforce the provisions of this chapter and other provisions as necessary to secure the intent of this chapter. Where guard service is provided in accordance with the California Fire Code, the site safety director shall be responsible for the guard service.

  3302.3 Daily fire safety inspection. The site safety director shall be responsible for the completion of a daily fire safety inspection at the project site. Each day, all building and outdoor areas shall be inspected to ensure compliance with the inspection list in this section. The results of each inspection shall be documented and maintained on-site until a certificate of occupancy has been issued. Documentation shall be immediately available for on-site inspection and review.

  1. Any contractors entering the site to perform hot work each day have been instructed in the hot work safety requirements in the California Fire Code, and hot work is performed only in areas approved by the site safety director.

  2. Temporary heating equipment is maintained away from combustible materials in accordance with the equipment manufacturer’s instructions.

  3. Combustible debris, rubbish and waste material is removed from the building in areas where work is not being performed.

  4. Temporary wiring does not have exposed conductors.

  5. Flammable liquids and other hazardous materials are stored in locations that have been approved by the site safety director when not involved in work that is being performed.

  6. Fire apparatus access roads required by the California Fire Code are maintained clear of obstructions that reduce the width of the usable roadway to less than 20 feet (6096 mm).

  7. Fire hydrants are clearly visible from access roads and are not obstructed.

  8. The location of fire department connections to standpipe and in-service sprinkler systems are clearly identifiable from the access road and such connections are not obstructed.

  9. Standpipe systems are in service and continuous to the highest work floor, as specified in Section 3311.

  10. Portable fire extinguishers are available in locations required by Section 3309 and for roofing operations in accordance with the California Fire Code .

  11. Where a fire watch is required, fire watch records complying with the California Fire Code are up-to-date.