CFC · California Fire Code

Fire command center location, separation, minimum size and required equipment

If your building requires a fire command center (high‑rise, certain I‑2 floors, or very large F‑1/S‑1 buildings), the California Fire Code requires the room be approved by the fire code official, separated from the rest of the building by a 2‑hour rated assembly, sized at **0.015% of building area or 200 sq ft (whichever is greater)** with minimum dimension rules, and equipped with the specific alarm, communications, system indicators and building information items listed in the Code; layouts must be submitted for approval.

Ask a question free See coverage

Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

What the code requires — 2–4 sentences

A fire command center must be provided where required by the Code (high‑rise buildings, certain Group I‑2 floors and large F‑1/S‑1 footprints) and its location and access must be approved by the fire code official. The room must be separated from the building by a 2‑hour fire barrier (or horizontal assembly), meet the minimum area and dimension rules (percent-of‑building or absolute minimums), and contain the enumerated required features for fire department operations. See § 508.1, § 508.1.1, § 508.1.2 and § 508.1.3 for the controlling requirements.

The single most important rule: the fire command center must be sited where the fire code official approves it, be properly separated by a 2‑hour assembly, sized to the percent/absolute minimums in the Code, and equipped with the features required for fire department operations. § 508.1.

Requirements in detail

Where a command center is required

  • A fire command center is required where other sections call for it and specifically for:
    • High‑rise buildings (per the California Building Code references in the CFC),
    • Group I‑2 occupancies with occupied floors more than 75 feet above the lowest level of fire‑department vehicle access,
    • Group F‑1 and S‑1 occupancies with building footprints greater than 500,000 sq ft. See § 508.1.

Location and access

  • Location and access must be approved by the fire code official (no prescriptive location in the Code). See § 508.1.1.

Separation

  • The fire command center must be separated from the remainder of the building by not less than a 2‑hour fire barrier (constructed per CBC §707) or a 2‑hour horizontal assembly (CBC §711), or both. See § 508.1.2. 2‑hour rating is mandatory per this section.

Minimum size and dimensions

  • Size rule (pick the larger): 0.015 percent of total building area OR 200 sq ft (19 m2), whichever is greater.
  • Minimum room dimension: 0.7 × (square root of the room area) OR 10 ft (3048 mm), whichever is greater.
  • Special approved alternative: where required for Group F‑1 and S‑1 occupancies with a building footprint > 500,000 sq ft, a minimum size of 96 sq ft (9 m2) with minimum dimension 8 ft (2438 mm) may be allowed where approved by the fire code official. See § 508.1.3.

Decision‑relevant dimensions and values

Requirement Value / formula When it applies Code Reference
Minimum area (general) 0.015% of total building area OR 200 sq ft — whichever is greater All buildings where a command center is required § 508.1.3
Minimum room dimension 0.7 × sqrt(room area) OR 10 ft — whichever is greater Applies with the minimum area rule above § 508.1.3
F‑1 / S‑1 special minimum 96 sq ft with 8 ft minimum dimension (if approved) F‑1 / S‑1 with footprint > 500,000 sq ft (subject to approval) § 508.1.3
Separation 2‑hour fire barrier or 2‑hour horizontal assembly Separation between command center and remainder of building § 508.1.2
Location approval Approved by fire code official All command centers § 508.1.1

Required equipment / features (high level)

The fire command center must comply with NFPA 72 and contain the listed features required for fire department operations. The Code enumerates specific items (not exhaustive here — see the section for the full list), including but not limited to:

  • Emergency voice/alarm communications control unit and fire department communications system. § 508.1.6.
  • Fire alarm zoning annunciator (as required by § 907.6.4.3). § 508.1.6.
  • Elevator annunciator indicating elevator locations and operational status; elevator recall and selector switches where required. § 508.1.6.
  • Status indicators and controls for air distribution / smoke control systems and the firefighter’s smoke‑control panel. § 508.1.6 and cross‑references to § 909 and § 909.16.
  • Sprinkler valve/water‑flow displays, fire pump indicators, emergency/standby power status indicators, and telephone for fire department use. § 508.1.6.
  • Schematic building plans and an approved Building Information Card (building layout, egress, system locations, emergency contacts, etc.). § 508.1.6.

Note: The Code requires submission of the fire command center layout and all required features for approval prior to installation. § 508.1.4.

Exceptions & special cases

  • F‑1 and S‑1 occupancies with very large footprints (> 500,000 sq ft) may be permitted a smaller command center (96 sq ft, 8 ft min dimension) if the fire code official approves that arrangement. § 508.1.3.
  • The Code does not prescribe a fixed, universal location — the fire code official’s approval governs siting (this allows adaptation to building layout, access, and fire department operations). § 508.1.1.
  • Storage of unrelated items is prohibited; the command center must not house boilers, generators, combustible storage or similar hazards. § 508.1.5.
  • Ventilation: an independent ventilation or air‑conditioning system is required for the command center. § 508.1.8.

If a feature or dimensional requirement is unclear in application to an unusual building, the Code gives the fire code official authority to approve alternatives or modifications through the plan review/approval process. § 508.1.1 and § 508.1.4.

Common mistakes

  • Misreading 0.015 percent as 0.015 (i.e., 1.5%) — it is 0.015%, which is 0.00015 in decimal form. Use the formula correctly: building area × 0.00015. § 508.1.3.
  • Forgetting the minimum room dimension rule — even when the computed area meets the minimum, the room must also meet the 0.7 × √area or 10 ft minimum dimension requirement. § 508.1.3.
  • Assuming a 1‑hour separation is sufficient. This section requires a 2‑hour rated assembly for the command center. § 508.1.2.
  • Installing unrelated storage or equipment in the command center (e.g., combustible storage, generators, boilers) — expressly prohibited. § 508.1.5.
  • Not submitting the layout and equipment list for approval prior to installation. § 508.1.4.

Worked example — concrete scenario

Scenario: A proposed high‑rise office building has a total gross building area of 400,000 sq ft and therefore requires a fire command center.

  1. Compute 0.015% of building area:
    • 400,000 × 0.00015 = 60 sq ft.
  2. Compare to absolute minimum: 200 sq ft is greater, so the required minimum area is 200 sq ft. § 508.1.3.
  3. Minimum room dimension:
    • 0.7 × sqrt(200) = 0.7 × 14.142 = 9.9 ft → compare to 10 ft; the Code requires the greater, so 10 ft minimum dimension applies. § 508.1.3.
  4. Separation: provide a 2‑hour fire barrier or a 2‑hour horizontal assembly between the command center and the rest of the building. § 508.1.2.
  5. Equipment: include the NFPA 72–required alarm/voice control equipment, fire department communications, annunciators, plans, sprinkler/flow and pump indicators, emergency power indicators, telephone for fire department use, etc., per § 508.1.6. Submit the layout and equipment list for approval prior to installation. §§ 508.1.4, 508.1.6.

Related provisions

  • § 508.1 — General (where required; scope).
  • § 508.1.1 — Location and access (approval by fire code official).
  • § 508.1.2 — Separation (2‑hour fire barrier or horizontal assembly).
  • § 508.1.3 — Size (0.015%, 200 sq ft cap, min dimension rules, F‑1/S‑1 exception).
  • § 508.1.4 — Layout approval (submit layout prior to installation).
  • § 508.1.5 — Storage prohibited (no unrelated storage or hazardous equipment).
  • § 508.1.6 — Required features and NFPA 72 compliance (list of required equipment and information).
  • § 508.1.7 — Fire command center identification (permanent “FIRE COMMAND CENTER” sign).
  • § 508.1.8 — Ventilation (independent ventilation/air‑conditioning system).
  • Cross references: § 909 / § 909.16 (smoke control panels and firefighter’s control panel requirements), and sections governing alarm zoning (§ 907.6.4.3) — cited within the required features.

If you want, I can:

  • compute the exact required command‑center area and minimum dimension for your building (provide total building area and occupancy type), or
  • produce a checklist (drawings and equipment list) you can submit with the plan set for fire code official review.

Code references

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

  • CFC § 508.1.1 High relevance — show source text

    508.1.1 Location and access. The location and access to the fire command center shall be approved by the fire code official.

    508.1.2 Separation. The fire command center shall be separated from the remainder of the building by not less than a 2-hour fire barrier constructed in accordance with Section 707 of the California Building Code or horizontal assembly constructed in accordance with Section 711 of the California Building Code, or both.

    508.1.3 Size. The fire command center shall be not less than 0.015 percent of the total building area of the facility served or 200 square feet (19 m [2] ) in area, whichever is greater, with a minimum dimension of 0.7 times the square root of the room area or 10 feet (3048 mm), whichever is greater.

    Where a fire command center is required for Group F-1 and S-1 occupancies with a building footprint greater than 500,000 square feet (46 452 m [2] ), the fire command center shall have a minimum size of 96 square feet (9 m [2] ) with a minimum dimension of 8 feet (2438 mm) where approved by the fire code official.

    508.1.4 Layout approval. A layout of the fire command center and all features required by this section to be contained therein shall be submitted for approval prior to installation.

    508.1.5 Storage. Storage unrelated to operation of the fire command center shall be prohibited. Fire command centers shall not be used for the housing of any boiler, heating unit, generator, combustible storage or similar hazardous equipment or storage.

    508.1.6 Required features. The fire command center shall comply with NFPA 72 and shall contain the following features:

    1. 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.

  • CFC § 911.1.3 High relevance — show source text

    [F] 911.1.3 Size. The fire command center shall be not less than 0.015 percent of the total building area of the facility served or 200 square feet (19 m [2] ) in area, whichever is greater, with a minimum dimension of 0.7 times the square root of the room area or 10 feet (3048 mm), whichever is greater. Where a fire command is required for Group F-1 and S-1 occupancies with a building footprint greater than 500,000 square feet (46 452 m [2] ) in area, the fire command center shall have a minimum size of 96 square feet (9 m [2] ) with a minimum dimension of 8 feet (2348 mm) where approved by the fire code official.

    [F] 911.1.4 Layout approval. A layout of the fire command center and all features required by this section to be contained therein shall be submitted for approval prior to installation.

    [F] 911.1.5 Storage. Storage unrelated to operation of the fire command center shall be prohibited.

    [F] 911.1.6 Required features. The fire command center shall comply with NFPA 72 and shall contain all of the following features:

    1. The emergency voice/alarm communication 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 waterflow 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 system, 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 contains, but is not limited to, 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 and building engineer and their respective work phone number, cell phone number, e-mail address. 13.3. Building construction information that includes: the type of building construction including but not limited to floors, walls, columns, and roof assembly.

    2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 9-53

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

    FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS

    13.4.

  • CFC § 910.4.6 High relevance — show source text

    [F] 910.4.6 Control wiring. Wiring for operation and control of mechanical smoke removal systems shall be connected ahead of the main disconnect in accordance with Section 701.12E of the California Electrical Code and be protected against interior fire exposure to temperatures in excess of 1,000°F (538°C) for a period of not less than 15 minutes.

    [F] 910.4.7 Controls. Where building air-handling and mechanical smoke removal systems are combined or where independent building air-handling systems are provided, fans shall automatically shut down in accordance with the California Mechanical Code . The manual controls provided for the smoke removal system shall have the capability to override the automatic shutdown of fans that are part of the smoke removal system.

    [F] 910.5 Maintenance. Smoke and heat vents and mechanical smoke removal systems shall be maintained in accordance with the California Fire Code .

    SECTION 911—FIRE COMMAND CENTER

    [F] 911.1 General. Where required by other sections of this code, in buildings classified as high-rise buildings by this code and in all F-1 and S-1 occupancies with a building footprint of over 500,000 square feet (46 452 m [2] ) and Group I-2 occupancies having occupied floors located more than 75 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access, a fire command center for fire department operations shall be provided and shall comply with Sections 911.1.1 through 911.1.7.

    [F] 911.1.1 Location and access. The location and access to the fire command center shall be approved by the fire code official.

    [F] 911.1.2 Separation. The fire command center shall be separated from the remainder of the building by not less than a 1-hour fire barrier constructed in accordance with Section 707 or horizontal assembly constructed in accordance with Section 711, or both.

    [F] 911.1.3 Size. The fire command center shall be not less than 0.015 percent of the total building area of the facility served or 200 square feet (19 m [2] ) in area, whichever is greater, with a minimum dimension of 0.7 times the square root of the room area or 10 feet (3048 mm), whichever is greater. Where a fire command is required for Group F-1 and S-1 occupancies with a building footprint greater than 500,000 square feet (46 452 m [2] ) in area, the fire command center shall have a minimum size of 96 square feet (9 m [2] ) with a minimum dimension of 8 feet (2348 mm) where approved by the fire code official.

    [F] 911.1.4 Layout approval. A layout of the fire command center and all features required by this section to be contained therein shall be submitted for approval prior to installation.

    [F] 911.1.5 Storage. Storage unrelated to operation of the fire command center shall be prohibited.

    [F] 911.1.6 Required features. The fire command center shall comply with NFPA 72 and shall contain all of the following features:

    1. The emergency voice/alarm communication 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.
  • CFC § 507.5.2 High relevance — show source text

    507.5.2 Inspection, testing and maintenance. Fire hydrant systems shall be subject to periodic tests as required by the fire code official. Fire hydrant systems shall be maintained in an operative condition at all times and shall be repaired where defective. Additions, repairs, alterations and servicing shall comply with approved standards. Records of tests and required maintenance shall be maintained.

    507.5.3 Private fire service mains and water tanks. Private fire service mains and water tanks shall be periodically inspected, tested and maintained in accordance with California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 5.

    1. Private fire hydrants of all types: Inspection annually and after each operation; flow test and maintenance annually.
    2. Fire service main piping: Inspection of exposed, annually; flow test every 5 years.
    3. Fire service main piping strainers: Inspection and maintenance after each use.

    Records of inspections, testing and maintenance shall be maintained.

    507.5.4 Obstruction. Unobstructed access to fire hydrants shall be maintained at all times. The fire department shall not be deterred or hindered from gaining immediate access to fire protection equipment or fire hydrants.

    507.5.5 Clear space around hydrants. A 3-foot (914 mm) clear space shall be maintained around the circumference of fire hydrants, except as otherwise required or approved.

    5-6 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE

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

    FIRE SERVICE FEATURES

    507.5.6 Physical protection. Where fire hydrants are subject to impact by a motor vehicle, guard posts or other approved means shall comply with Section 312.

    SECTION 508—FIRE COMMAND CENTER

    508.1 General. Where required by other sections of this code and in all buildings classified as high-rise buildings by the California Building Code and Group I-2 occupancies having occupied floors located more than 75 feet (23 m) above the lowest level of fire depart- ment vehicle access and in all F-1 and S-1 occupancies with a building footprint greater than 500,000 square feet (46 451 m [2] ), a fire command center for fire department operations shall be provided and shall comply with Sections 508.1.1 through 508.1.7.

    508.1.1 Location and access. The location and access to the fire command center shall be approved by the fire code official.

    508.1.2 Separation. The fire command center shall be separated from the remainder of the building by not less than a 2-hour fire barrier constructed in accordance with Section 707 of the California Building Code or horizontal assembly constructed in accordance with Section 711 of the California Building Code, or both.

    508.1.3 Size. The fire command center shall be not less than 0.015 percent of the total building area of the facility served or 200 square feet (19 m [2] ) in area, whichever is greater, with a minimum dimension of 0.7 times the square root of the room area or 10 feet (3048 mm), whichever is greater.

    Where a fire command center is required for Group F-1 and S-1 occupancies with a building footprint greater than 500,000 square feet (46 452 m [2] ), the fire command center shall have a minimum size of 96 square feet (9 m [2] ) with a minimum dimension of 8 feet (2438 mm) where approved by the fire code official.

  • CFC § 914.3.1.2.1 High relevance — show source text

    914.3.1.2.1 Fire pumps. Redundant fire pump systems shall be required for high-rise buildings having an occupied floor more than 200 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access. Each fire pump system shall be capable of automatically supplying the required demand for the automatic sprinkler and standpipe systems.

    914.3.2 Secondary water supply. An automatic secondary on-site water supply having a usable capacity not less than the hydraulically calculated sprinkler demand, including the hose stream requirement, shall be provided for high-rise buildings and Group I-2 occupancies having occupied floors located more than 75 ft above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access assigned to Seismic Design Category C, D, E or F as determined by the California Building Code . An additional fire pump shall not be required for the secondary water supply unless needed to provide the minimum design intake pressure at the suction side of the fire pump supplying the automatic sprinkler system. The secondary water supply shall have a useable capacity of not less than the hydraulically calculated sprinkler demand plus 100 GPM for the inside hose stream, allowance for a duration of not less than 30 minutes as determined by the occupancy hazard classification in accordance with NFPA 13 , whichever is greater. The Class I stand- pipe system demand shall not be required to be included in the secondary on-site water supply calculations. In no case shall the secondary on-site water supply be less than 15,000 gallons.

    914.3.3 Fire alarm system. A fire alarm system shall be provided in accordance with Section 907.2.13.

    914.3.4 Automatic smoke detection. Smoke detection shall be provided in accordance with Section 907.2.13.1.

    914.3.5 Emergency voice/alarm communication system. An emergency voice/alarm communication system shall be provided in accordance with Section 907.5.2.2.

    914.3.6 Emergency responder communication coverage. In-building, two-way emergency responder communication coverage shall be provided in accordance with Section 510.

    914.3.7 Fire command. A fire command center complying with Section 508 shall be provided in a location approved by the fire department.

    914.3.8 Smoke control.

    914.3.8.1 Smoke control system. All portions of high-rise buildings shall be provided with a smoke control system in accordance with California Building Code, Section 909.

    914.3.8.2 Smokeproof exit enclosures. Every exit enclosure in high-rise buildings shall comply with California Building Code, Sections 909.20 and 1023.12. Every required stairway in Group I-2 occupancies serving floors more than 75 feet (22 860 mm) above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access shall comply with Sections 909.20 and 1023.12 of the California Building Code.

    Exception: In high-rise buildings, exit enclosures serving three or less adjacent floors where one of the adjacent floors is the level of exit discharge.

    914.4 Atriums. Atriums shall comply with Sections 914.4.1 and 914.4.2.

    914.4.1 Automatic sprinkler system. An approved automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout the entire building.

  • CFC § 3104.2 High relevance — show source text

    Flame Retardant (see Fire-Retardant Coatings) Tents, air-supported, air-inflated and tensioned membrane structures

    3104.2

    Flame Spread Defined 202

    Flame Spread Index Defined 202 Flaming Foods and Beverages 308.1.10 Flammable Cryogenic Fluid Defined 202 Flammable Finishes Chapter 24 Defined 202

    Dipping operations 2405 Electrostatic apparatus 2407 Floor surfacing 2410 Powder coating 2406 Protection of operations 2403 Spray finishing 2404 Ventilation 2404.9, 2405.7, 2406.7, 2407.7, 2409.6, 2410.5 Flammable Gas Chapter 58

    Fire and Smoke Protection Features

    Chapter 7 Fire Apparatus Access Road 202, 503, Appendix D Aerial fire apparatus D105 Fire lane D103.6, 202, 503.3 Gates and barricades D103.5, 503.5,

    503.6

    Obstructions 503.4 Specifications D103, 503.2 Fire Area 901.4.4

    Defined 202

    Fire Barrier

    Defined 202

    Maintenance 704.1 Fire Chief 104.11, 907.6.6.1, 2603.3, 3303.4,

    5706.6.2.1

    Defined 202

    Fire Code Official

    Defined 202

    Duties and powers 104 Fire Command Center 508

    Defined 202 Required features 508.1.6 Separation 508.1.2 Size 508.1.3 Storage prohibited 315.3.3, 508.1.5 Fire Damper Defined 202 Fire Department Communication System

    907.2.13.2 Fire Department Connections 903.3.7, 905.2, 912 Fire Department Master Key Defined 202 Fire Department Notification

    [see Notification (of fire department)] Fire Department Operations 104.11, 401.4 Fire Detector, Automatic Defined 202 Fire Door Assembly Defined 202 Fire Drill (see Emergency Evacuation Drill) Fire Equipment, Tampering with 901.8 Fire Escape Stairways 1104.16 Fire Exit Hardware 1010.2.8

    Defined 202 Fire Extinguishers, Portable 906 Asphalt kettles 303.5 Aviation facilities 2005 Buildings under construction or demolition 3316 Commercial cooking equipment 906.4 Dry cleaning plants 2108.4 Flammable finishes 2404.6.1, 2405.4.2, 2406.4.2 Lumber yards 2804.2, 2808.8 Fire Flow for Buildings 507, 3307, Appendix B Fire Hydrant Distribution Appendix C Location Appendix C Obstruction 507.5.4

    Permit 105.5.17, 105.5.43, 105.6.19 Standpipe system 507.5.1.1 Tampering 901.8 Testing 507.5.2, 901.5 Fire Investigations 104.10

    Fire Partition

    Defined 202

    Maintenance 01.2

  • CFC § 412.2.2.3 Medium relevance — show source text

    [BE] 412.2.2.3 Number of exits. Not less than one exit stairway shall be permitted for airport traffic control towers of any height provided that the occupant load per floor is not greater than 15 and the area per floor does not exceed 1,500 square feet (140 m [2] ).

    [BE] 412.2.2.3.1 Interior finish. Where an airport traffic control tower is provided with only one exit stairway, interior wall and ceiling finishes shall be either Class A or Class B.

    [BE] 412.2.2.3.2 Exit separation. Where an airport traffic control tower is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 and two exits are required, the exit separation distance required by Section 1007 shall be not less than one-fourth of the length of the maximum overall dimension of the area served.

    [F] 412.2.3 Emergency systems. The detection, alarm and emergency systems of airport traffic control towers shall comply with Sections 412.2.3.1 through 412.2.3.3.

    [F] 412.2.3.1 Automatic smoke detection systems. Airport traffic control towers shall be provided with an automatic smoke detection system installed in accordance with Section 907.2.22.

    [F] 412.2.3.2 Fire command center. A fire command center shall be provided in airport traffic control towers where the control cab is located more than 75 feet (22 860 mm) above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access. The fire command center shall comply with Section 911.

    Exceptions:

    1. The fire command center shall be located in the airport control tower or an adjacent contiguous building where building functions are interdependent.
    2. The room shall be not less than 150 square feet (14 m [2] ) in area with a minimum dimension of 10 feet (3048 mm).
    3. The following features shall not be required in an airport traffic control tower fire command center. 3.1. Emergency voice/alarm control unit. 3.2. Public address system.

    3.3. Status indicators and controls for the air distributions centers.

    3.4. Generator supervision devices, manual start and transfer features. 3.5. Elevator emergency or standby power switches where emergency or standby power is provided.

    [F] 412.2.3.3 Smoke removal. Smoke removal in airport traffic control towers shall be provided in accordance with Section 403.4.7.

    4-34 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE

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

    SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON OCCUPANCY AND USE

    [F] 412.2.4 Automatic sprinkler system. Where an occupied floor is located more than 35 feet (10 668 mm) above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access, airport traffic control towers shall be equipped with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.

    [F] 412.2.4.1 Fire pump room. Fire pumps shall be located in rooms that are separated from all other areas of the building by 2-hour fire barriers constructed in accordance with Section 707 or 2-hour horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711, or both.

    Exception: Separation is not required for fire pumps physically separated in accordance with NFPA 20.

  • CFC § 11.5 Medium relevance — show source text

    5-foot
    level of storage
    3.
    Locate in
    longitudinal flue
    space,
    staggered
    vertical
    4.
    Shields required
    where multiple-
    level|1.
    Ordinary
    temperature,
    quick-response
    sprinklers,
    maximum 8 feet
    3 inches
    horizontal
    spacing
    2.
    One line of
    sprinklers at the
    6-foot level and
    the 11.5-foot
    level of storage
    3.
    Locate in
    longitudinal flue
    space,
    staggered
    vertical
    4.
    Shields required
    where multiple-
    level| |TABLE 5704.3.6.3(8)—AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS FOR
    CLASS I LIQUID STORAGE IN METAL CONTAINERS OF 1-GALLON CAPACITY OR LESS WITH UNCARTONED
    OR CASE-CUT SHELF DISPLAY UP TO 6.5 FEET, AND PALLETIZED STORAGE ABOVE IN A DOUBLE-ROW RACK ARRAYa|CEILING SPRINKLER DESIGN AND DEMAND|Maximum
    spacing|Maximum
    spacing|100 ft2/head|100 ft2/head| |TABLE 5704.3.6.3(8)—AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS FOR
    CLASS I LIQUID STORAGE IN METAL CONTAINERS OF 1-GALLON CAPACITY OR LESS WITH UNCARTONED
    OR CASE-CUT SHELF DISPLAY UP TO 6.5 FEET, AND PALLETIZED STORAGE ABOVE IN A DOUBLE-ROW RACK ARRAYa|CEILING SPRINKLER DESIGN AND DEMAND|Area
    (square feet)|Ordinary
    temperature|Not
    Applicable|Not
    Applicable| |TABLE 5704.3.6.3(8)—AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS FOR
    CLASS I LIQUID STORAGE IN METAL CONTAINERS OF 1-GALLON CAPACITY OR LESS WITH UNCARTONED
    OR CASE-CUT SHELF DISPLAY UP TO 6.5 FEET, AND PALLETIZED STORAGE ABOVE IN A DOUBLE-ROW RACK ARRAYa|CEILING SPRINKLER DESIGN AND DEMAND|Area
    (square feet)|High
    temperature|2,000b|2,000b| |TABLE 5704.3.6.3(8)—AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS FOR
    CLASS I LIQUID STORAGE IN METAL CONTAINERS OF 1-GALLON CAPACITY OR LESS WITH UNCARTONED
    OR CASE-CUT SHELF DISPLAY UP TO 6.5 FEET, AND PALLETIZED STORAGE ABOVE IN A DOUBLE-ROW RACK ARRAYa|CEILING SPRINKLER DESIGN AND DEMAND|Density
    (gpm/ft2)|Density
    (gpm/ft2)|0.60|0.60| |**TABLE 5704.3.6.

  • CFC § 403.3.4 Medium relevance — show source text

    [F] 403.3.4 Fire pump room. Fire pumps shall be located in rooms protected in accordance with Section 913.2.1.

    403.3.5 Fire pumps. See Section 913.6.

    [F] 403.4 Emergency systems. The detection, alarm and emergency systems of high-rise buildings shall comply with Sections 403.4.1 through 403.4.8.

    [F] 403.4.1 Smoke detection. Smoke detection shall be provided in accordance with Section 907.2.13.1.

    [F] 403.4.2 Fire alarm system. A fire alarm system shall be provided in accordance with Section 907.2.13.

    [F] 403.4.3 Standpipe system. A high-rise building shall be equipped with a standpipe system as required by Section 905.3.

    [F] 403.4.4 Emergency voice/alarm communication system. An emergency voice/alarm communication system shall be provided in accordance with Section 907.5.2.2.

    [F] 403.4.5 Emergency communication coverage. In-building, two-way emergency responder communication coverage shall be provided in accordance with Section 510 of the California Fire Code.

    [F] 403.4.6 Fire command. A fire command center complying with Section 911 shall be provided in a location approved by the fire code official.

    403.4.7 Smoke control system. All portions of high-rise buildings shall be provided with a smoke control system in accordance with Section 909.

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

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

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

    [F] 403.4.8.2 Fuel line piping protection. Fuel lines supplying a generator set inside a building shall be separated from areas of the building other than the room the generator is located in by one of the following methods:

    1. A fire-resistant pipe-protection system that has been tested in accordance with UL 1489. The system shall be installed as tested and in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions, and shall have a rating of not less than 2 hours. Where the building is protected throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, the required rating shall be reduced to 1 hour.
    2. An assembly that has a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 hours. Where the building is protected throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2, the required fire-resistance rating shall be reduced to 1 hour.
  • CFC § 13.4. Medium 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.

    2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE 5-7

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

    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.

    1. Work table.

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

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

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

    5. 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 § 3008.6.3.1 Medium relevance — show source text

    3008.6.3.1 Vision panel. A vision panel shall be installed in each fire door assembly in the smoke barrier. The vision panel shall consist of fire-protection-rated glazing, shall comply with the requirements of Section 716 and shall be located to furnish clear vision of the occupant evacuation elevator lobby.

    3008.6.3.2 Door closing. Each fire door assembly in the smoke barrier shall be automatic-closing upon receipt of any fire alarm signal from the emergency voice/alarm communication system serving the building.

    3008.6.4 Lobby size. Each occupant evacuation elevator lobby shall have minimum floor area as follows:

    1. The occupant evacuation elevator lobby floor area shall accommodate, at 3 square feet (0.28 m [2] ) per person, not less than 25 percent of the occupant load of the floor area served by the lobby.
    2. The occupant evacuation elevator lobby floor area shall accommodate one wheelchair space of 30 inches by 52 inches (760 mm by 1320 mm) for each 50 persons, or portion thereof, of the occupant load of the floor area served by the lobby.

    Exception: The size of lobbies serving multiple banks of elevators shall have the minimum floor area approved on an individual basis and shall be consistent with the building’s fire safety and evacuation plan.

    3008.6.5 Signage. An approved sign indicating elevators are suitable for occupant self-evacuation shall be posted on all floors adjacent to each elevator call station serving occupant evacuation elevators.

    3008.6.6 Two-way communication system. A two-way communication system shall be provided in each occupant evacuation elevator lobby for the purpose of initiating communication with the fire command center or an alternate location approved by the fire department. The two-way communication system shall be designed and installed in accordance with Sections 1009.8.1 and 1009.8.2.

    3008.7 Elevator system monitoring. The occupant evacuation elevators shall be continuously monitored at the fire command center or a central control point approved by the fire department and arranged to display all of the following information:

    1. Floor location of each elevator car.

    2. Direction of travel of each elevator car.

    3. Status of each elevator car with respect to whether it is occupied.

    4. Status of normal power to the elevator equipment, elevator machinery and electrical apparatus cooling equipment where provided, elevator machine room, control room and control space ventilation and cooling equipment.

    5. Status of standby or emergency power system that provides backup power to the elevator equipment, elevator machinery and electrical cooling equipment where provided, elevator machine room, control room and control space ventilation and cooling equipment.

    6. Activation of any fire alarm initiating device in any elevator lobby, elevator machine room, machine space containing a motor controller or electric driving machine, control space, control room or elevator hoistway.

    3008.7.1 Elevator recall. The fire command center or an alternate location approved by the fire department shall be provided with the means to manually initiate a Phase I Emergency Recall of the occupant evacuation elevators in accordance with Califor- nia Code of Regulations, Title 8, Division 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter 6, Elevator Safety Orders.

    3008.8 Electrical power. The following features serving each occupant evacuation elevator shall be supplied by both normal power and Type 60/Class 2/Level 1 standby power:

    1. Elevator equipment.
    2. Ventilation and cooling equipment for elevator machine rooms, control rooms, machinery spaces and control spaces.
    3. Elevator car lighting.
  • CFC § 911.1.7 Medium relevance — show source text

    [SFM] Fire command centers shall not be used for the housing of any boiler, heating unit, generator, combustible storage or similar hazardous equipment or storage.

    [F] 911.1.7 Fire command center identification. The fire command center shall be identified by a permanent easily visible sign reading “FIRE COMMAND CENTER” located on the door to the fire command center.

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

    SECTION 912—FIRE DEPARTMENT CONNECTIONS

    [F] 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 912.6.

    [F] 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.

    [F] 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.

    [F] 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.

    [F] 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.

    [F] 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.

    Exception s : 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 authority having jurisdiction, fire department connections for Group I-3 detention facilities may be located inside all security walls or fences on the property.

    [F] 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.

    [F] 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

    9-54 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE

Frequently asked questions

Who decides where the fire command center will be located?

The fire code official must approve the location and access for the fire command center. § 508.1.1.

How do I calculate the 0.015% area requirement?

Multiply the building’s total area by 0.00015 (that is 0.015%). If that result is less than 200 sq ft, the Code requires 200 sq ft instead. § 508.1.3.

Is a 1‑hour fire barrier ever acceptable for the command center?

No — this section of the CFC requires a 2‑hour fire barrier (or horizontal assembly). Do not assume 1 hour. § 508.1.2.

Can I use the command center for storage or mechanical equipment?

No. Storage unrelated to operation of the fire command center and housing boilers, generators, combustible storage or similar hazardous equipment in the command center are prohibited. § 508.1.5.

Do I need to submit a layout before installing equipment?

Yes — a layout showing the fire command center and all required features must be submitted for approval prior to installation. § 508.1.4.

More in California Fire Code

Ask about the CFC

Get cited, plain-English answers on the California Fire Code for your project — any code section, any scenario.

Start Free Trial

Related in the CFC

When key boxes are required; elevator key box rules and mounting

In‑building emergency responder communications (coverage, systems and references)

Key boxes, fire command center requirements, elevator keys and emergency responder communications

California Fire Code