CFC · California Fire Code
Chapter 3 — General requirements (premises safety)
Chapter 3 contains the California Fire Code’s everyday premises‑safety rules—scope (§301.1) and topic sections (for example, §303, §304, §305, §307, §310, §315) that set owner and occupant duties to reduce fire risks.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
Overview
Chapter 3 of the California Fire Code sets out the general, day‑to‑day premises‑safety rules that apply to existing buildings, structures and sites — things like housekeeping, ignition sources, open burning, smoking, storage and hazards to firefighters. The chapter is intended to reduce conditions that increase fire risk for occupants, maintenance staff and emergency responders and includes specific topic provisions (for example, asphalt kettles, combustible waste, open flames and 3D printing) that address common everyday hazards on a property .
The chapter begins with the general scope in §301.1 and then breaks the subject into topic sections (see §303 Asphalt kettles; §304 Combustible waste material; §305 Ignition sources; §307 Open burning; §310 Smoking; §315 General storage, among others) that define requirements and responsibilities for owners and occupants . Many provisions in Chapter 3 are implemented alongside California regulations in Title 19 (for example, the housekeeping and fire‑hazard provisions referenced in Title 19, Div. 1) and are meant to be read with those state references when they apply .
In this section
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Fire Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CFC § 3.14 High relevance — show source text
Title 19, Division 1]||||X|||||||||||||||||||| |Chapter / Section|||||||||||||||||||||||| |301|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |[T-19 §3.14]||||X|||||||||||||||||||| |[T-19 §3.19 (a-g)]||||X|||||||||||||||||||| |302|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |304|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |[T-19 §3.07(a)]||||X|||||||||||||||||||| |[T-19 §3.07(b)]||||X|||||||||||||||||||| |[T-19 §3.19 (b)(c)]||||X|||||||||||||||||||| |308.1.1|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |[T-19 §3.25 (a)(b)]||||X|||||||||||||||||||| |308.5|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |310.2|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |[T-19 §3.32 (a)(b)]||||X|||||||||||||||||||| |[T-19 §3.32 (d)]||||X|||||||||||||||||||| |310.3|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |[T-19 §3.32 (c)]||||X|||||||||||||||||||| |312 - 316|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |[T-19 §3.05 (b)]||||X|||||||||||||||||||| |317|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |319 - 322|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |323|||X|||||||||||||||||||||- The California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 19, Division 1 provisions that are found in the California Fire Code are a reprint from the current CCR, Title 19, Division 1 text for the code user’s convenience only. The scope, applicability and appeals procedures of CCR, Title 19, Division I remain the same. The state agency does not adopt sections identified by the following symbol: The Office of the State Fire Marshal’s adoption of this chapter or individual sections is applicable to structures regulated by other state agencies pursuant to Section 1.11.
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PART II— GENERAL SAFETY PROVISIONS
3 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
User notes:
About this chapter: Chapter 3 provides general requirements for asphalt kettles, combustible waste material, ignition sources, motion picture projection rooms and film, open burning, recreational fires, portable outdoor fireplaces, open flames, powered industrial trucks and equipment, smoking, vacant premises, vehicle impact protection, fueled equipment, indoor displays, general storage, outdoor pallet storage, hazards to firefighters, landscaped roofs, laundry carts, mobile food preparation vehicles, additive manufacturing (3D printing) and artificial combustible vegetation. These are intended to improve premises safety for everyone, including construction workers, tenants, operations and maintenance personnel, and emergency response personnel.
SECTION 301—GENERAL
301.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall govern the occupancy and maintenance of all structures and premises for precautions against fire and the spread of fire and general requirements of fire safety.
CFC § 3-1 High relevance — show source text
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PART II— GENERAL SAFETY PROVISIONS
3 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
User notes:
About this chapter: Chapter 3 provides general requirements for asphalt kettles, combustible waste material, ignition sources, motion picture projection rooms and film, open burning, recreational fires, portable outdoor fireplaces, open flames, powered industrial trucks and equipment, smoking, vacant premises, vehicle impact protection, fueled equipment, indoor displays, general storage, outdoor pallet storage, hazards to firefighters, landscaped roofs, laundry carts, mobile food preparation vehicles, additive manufacturing (3D printing) and artificial combustible vegetation. These are intended to improve premises safety for everyone, including construction workers, tenants, operations and maintenance personnel, and emergency response personnel.
SECTION 301—GENERAL
301.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall govern the occupancy and maintenance of all structures and premises for precautions against fire and the spread of fire and general requirements of fire safety.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §3.14] Fire Hazard.
No person, including but not limited to the State and its political subdivisions, operating any occupancy subject to California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1 regulations shall permit any fire hazard, as defined in this article, to exist on premises under their control, or fail to take immediate action to abate a fire hazard when requested to do so by the enforcing agency.
Note: “Fire Hazard” as used in California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1 regulations means any condition, arrangement, or act which will increase, or may cause an increase of, the hazard or menace of fire to a greater degree than customarily recognized as normal by persons in the public service of preventing, suppressing or extinguishing fire; or which may obstruct, delay or hinder, or may become the cause of obstruction, delay or hindrance to the prevention, suppression, or extinguishment of fire.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §3.19(a) through (g)] Housekeeping.
Every building or portion of a building governed by California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1 regulations shall be maintained in a neat orderly manner, free from any condition that would create a fire or life hazard or a condition which would add to or contribute to the rapid spread of fire. Provisions shall be made for the proper storage and disposal of waste materials and rubbish consistent with the following:
(a) All basements, cellars, floors, closets, attics, and other similar places not open to continuous observation shall be kept free from combustible litter and rubbish at all times.
Note: Such storage may be permitted in these areas only when protected by approved automatic extinguishing systems or fire-resis- tive separations.
CFC § 701 High relevance — show source text
PART I—ADMINISTRATIVE
Chapter 1 Scope and Administration.
Chapter 1 establishes the limits of applicability of the code and describes how the code is to be applied and enforced. The provisions of Chapter 1 establish the authority and duties of the code official appointed by the authority having jurisdiction and also establish the rights and privileges of the design professional, contractor and property owner.
Chapter 2 Definitions.
Chapter 2 is the repository of the definitions of terms used in the body of the code. The user of the code should be familiar with and consult this chapter because the definitions are essential to the correct interpretation of the code and because the user may not be aware that a term is defined.
PART II—GENERAL SAFETY PROVISIONS
Chapter 3 General Requirements
General regulations contained in Chapter 3, are intended to improve premises safety for everyone, including construction workers, tenants, operations and maintenance personnel, and emergency response personnel.
Chapter 4 Emergency Planning and Preparedness
Chapter 4 addresses the human contribution to life safety during emergencies. Continuous training and scheduled fire, evacuation and lockdown drills can be as important as the required periodic inspections and maintenance of built-in fire protection features. The level of preparation by the occupants also improves the emergency responders’ abilities during an emergency.
PART III—BUILDING AND EQUIPMENT DESIGN FEATURES
Chapter 5 Fire Service Features
The requirements of Chapter 5 apply to all buildings and occupancies and pertain to access roads, access to building openings and roofs, premises identification, key boxes, fire protection water supplies, fire command centers, fire department access to equipment, and in-building emergency responder communication system coverage.
Chapter 6 Building Services and Systems
Chapter 6 provides a more systematic view of building systems and services as they relate to potential safety hazards and when and how they should be installed.
Chapter 7 Fire and Smoke Protection Features
The maintenance of assemblies required to be fire-resistance rated is a key component in a passive fire protection philosophy. Chapter 7 sets forth requirements to maintain required fire-resistance ratings of building elements and limit fire spread. Section 701 addresses the basics of what construction elements such as fire barriers and smoke barriers need to be maintained as well as defining the owner’s responsibility. Sections 703 through 708, deals with various fire and smoke protection features that must also be maintained.
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Chapter 8 Interior Finish, Decorative Materials and Furnishings
The overall purpose of Chapter 8 is to regulate interior finishes, decorative materials and furnishings in new and existing buildings so that they do not significantly add to or create fire hazards within buildings. This chapter is consistent with Chapter 8 of the CBC, which regulates the interior finishes of new buildings.
Chapter 9 Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems
Chapter 9 prescribes the minimum requirements for active systems of fire protection equipment to perform the following functions: detect a fire, alert the occupants or fire department of a fire emergency, and control smoke and control or extinguish the fire. Generally, the requirements are based on the occupancy, the height and the area of the building because these are the factors that most affect firefighting capabilities and the relative hazard of a specific building or portion thereof. This chapter parallels and is substantially duplicated in Chapter 9 of the CBC; however, this chapter also contains periodic testing criteria that are not contained in the CBC. In addition, the special fire protection system requirements based on use and occupancy found in CBC
CFC § 404.2.2 High relevance — show source text
- The preferred and any alternative means of reporting fires and other emergencies to the fire department or designated emergency response organization.
- Identification and assignment of personnel who can be contacted for further information or explanation of duties under the plan.
- A description of the emergency voice/alarm communication system alert tone and preprogrammed voice messages, where provided.
404.2.2 Fire safety plans. Fire safety plans shall include the following:
- The procedure for reporting a fire or other emergency.
- The life safety strategy including the following: 2.1. Procedures for notifying occupants, including areas with a private mode alarm system. 2.2. Procedures for occupants under a defend-in-place response. 2.3. Procedures for evacuating occupants, including those who need evacuation assistance.
- Site plans indicating the following: 3.1. The occupancy assembly point. 3.2. The locations of fire hydrants. 3.3. The normal routes of fire department vehicle access.
- Floor plans identifying the locations of the following:
4.1. Exits.
4.2. Primary evacuation routes. 4.3. Secondary evacuation routes.
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EMERGENCY PLANNING AND PREPAREDNESS
4.4. Accessible egress routes. 4.4.1. Areas of refuge.
4.4.2. Exterior areas for assisted rescue.
4.5. Refuge areas associated with smoke barriers and horizontal exits.
4.6. Manual fire alarm boxes.
4.7. Portable fire extinguishers. 4.8. Occupant-use hose stations.
4.9. Fire alarm annunciators and controls.
A list of major fire hazards associated with the normal use and occupancy of the premises, including maintenance and housekeeping procedures.
Identification and assignment of personnel responsible for maintenance of systems and equipment installed to prevent or control fires.
Identification and assignment of personnel responsible for maintenance, housekeeping and controlling fuel hazard
sources.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §3.13(a)(2)] Fire Drills. (Group E Occupancies)
(a) Group E Occupancies.
(2) Emergency Pre-Fire Planning. Each school principal, district superintendent or day nursery manager shall, in cooperation with the enforcing agency, prepare procedures to be followed in case of fire or other emergency. They should include the following:
(A) Posting of the telephone number of the fire department in the office and/or at the main switchboard.
(B) Assignment of a responsible person to call the fire department upon notification of any fire or activation of the alarm system for any reason other than fire drills.
(C) Posting in a conspicuous place in each classroom or assembly area a plan showing paths of travel to evacuate the room in case of emergency and including an alternate route.
(D) Posting in each classroom instructions to be followed by the teacher. These should include: 1. Maintaining of order during evacuation. 2. Removal of roll call book and calling of roll when designated evacuation area is reached.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §3.13(b)] Fire Drills. (College and University)
CFC § 1203 High relevance — show source text
CHAPTER TOPICS Col2 PARTS AND CHAPTERS SUBJECTS Part I—Chapters 1 and 2 Administrative and definitions Part II—Chapters 3 and 4 General safety provisions Part III—Chapters 5 through 12 Building and equipment design features Part III—Chapters 13 through 19 Reserved for future use Part IV—Chapters 20 through 41_; 48 and 49_ Special occupancies and operations Part IV—Chapters 42 through_47_ Reserved for future use Part V—Chapters 50, 51 and 53 through 67 Hazardous materials Part V—Chapters_ 52,_ 68 through 79 Reserved for future use Part VI—Chapter 80 Referenced standards Part VII—Appendices A through Q Adoptable and informational appendices 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE xiii
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California Building Code Correlated Topics
The CFC requirements for fire-resistance-rated construction, interior finish, fire protection systems, means of egress and construction safeguards are directly correlated to the chapters containing parallel requirements in the CBC as follows:
CFC/CBC CORRELATED TOPICS Col2 Col3 CFC CHAPTER/SECTION CBC CHAPTER/SECTION SUBJECT Chapter 7 Chapter 7 Fire and smoke protection features (Fire-resistance-rated construction in the CBC) Chapter 8 Chapter 8 Interior finish, decorative materials and furnishings Chapter 9 Chapter 9 Fire protection and life safety systems Chapter 10 Chapter 10 Means of egress Section 1203 Chapter 27 Emergency and standby power Chapter 31 Section 3103 Temporary structures Chapter 33 Chapter 33 Construction fire safety Chapters 50–67 Sections 307, 414, 415 Hazardous materials and Group H requirements PART I—ADMINISTRATIVE
Chapter 1 Scope and Administration.
Chapter 1 establishes the limits of applicability of the code and describes how the code is to be applied and enforced. The provisions of Chapter 1 establish the authority and duties of the code official appointed by the authority having jurisdiction and also establish the rights and privileges of the design professional, contractor and property owner.
Chapter 2 Definitions.
Chapter 2 is the repository of the definitions of terms used in the body of the code. The user of the code should be familiar with and consult this chapter because the definitions are essential to the correct interpretation of the code and because the user may not be aware that a term is defined.
PART II—GENERAL SAFETY PROVISIONS
Chapter 3 General Requirements
General regulations contained in Chapter 3, are intended to improve premises safety for everyone, including construction workers, tenants, operations and maintenance personnel, and emergency response personnel.
Chapter 4 Emergency Planning and Preparedness
Chapter 4 addresses the human contribution to life safety during emergencies. Continuous training and scheduled fire, evacuation and lockdown drills can be as important as the required periodic inspections and maintenance of built-in fire protection features. The level of preparation by the occupants also improves the emergency responders’ abilities during an emergency.
PART III—BUILDING AND EQUIPMENT DESIGN FEATURES
Chapter 5 Fire Service Features
CFC § 907.6.4.3. High relevance — show source text
The emergency voice/alarm communications system control unit. 2. The fire department communications system. 3. Fire alarm system zoning annunciator panel required by Section 907.6.4.3. 4. Annunciator unit visually indicating the location of the elevators and whether they are operational. 5. Status indicators and controls for air distribution systems. 6. The firefighter’s control panel required by Section 909.16 for smoke control systems installed in the building. 7. Controls for unlocking interior exit stairway doors simultaneously. 8. Sprinkler valve and water-flow detector display panels. 9. Emergency and standby power status indicators. 10. A telephone for fire department use with controlled access to the public telephone system. 11. Fire pump status indicators. 12. Schematic building plans indicating the typical floor plan and detailing the building core, means of egress, fire protection systems, firefighter air-replenishment systems, firefighting equipment and fire department access, and the location of fire walls, fire barriers, fire partitions, smoke barriers and smoke partitions. 13. An approved Building Information Card that includes, but is not limited to, all of the following information: 13.1. General building information that includes: property name, address, the number of floors in the building above and below grade, use and occupancy classification (for mixed uses, identify the different types of occupancies on each floor) and the estimated building population during the day, night and weekend. 13.2. Building emergency contact information that includes: a list of the building’s emergency contacts including but not limited to building manager, building engineer and their respective work phone number, cell phone number and email address.
13.3. Building construction information that includes: the type of building construction including but not limited to floors, walls, columns and roof assembly. 13.4. Exit access stairway and exit stairway information that includes: number of exit access stairways and exit stairways in building; each exit access stairway and exit stairway designation and floors served; location where each exit access stairway and exit stairway discharges, interior exit stairways that are pressurized; exit stairways provided with emergency lighting; each exit stairway that allows reentry; exit stairways providing roof access; elevator information that includes: number of elevator banks, elevator bank designation, elevator car numbers and respective floors that they serve; location of elevator machine rooms, control rooms and control spaces; location of sky lobby; and location of freight elevator banks. 13.5. Building services and system information that includes: location of mechanical rooms, location of building management system, location and capacity of all fuel oil tanks, location of emergency generator and location of natural gas service.
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FIRE SERVICE FEATURES
13.6. Fire protection system information that includes: location of standpipes, location of fire pump room, location of fire department connections, floors protected by automatic sprinklers and location of different types of automatic sprinkler systems installed including but not limited to dry, wet and pre-action. 13.7. Hazardous material information that includes: location and quantity of hazardous material.
Work table.
Generator supervision devices, manual start and transfer features.
Public address system, where specifically required by other sections of this code.
Elevator fire recall switch in accordance with ASME A17.1/CSA B44.
CFC § 4.6. High relevance — show source text
4.6. Manual fire alarm boxes.
4.7. Portable fire extinguishers. 4.8. Occupant-use hose stations.
4.9. Fire alarm annunciators and controls.
A list of major fire hazards associated with the normal use and occupancy of the premises, including maintenance and housekeeping procedures.
Identification and assignment of personnel responsible for maintenance of systems and equipment installed to prevent or control fires.
Identification and assignment of personnel responsible for maintenance, housekeeping and controlling fuel hazard
sources.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §3.13(a)(2)] Fire Drills. (Group E Occupancies)
(a) Group E Occupancies.
(2) Emergency Pre-Fire Planning. Each school principal, district superintendent or day nursery manager shall, in cooperation with the enforcing agency, prepare procedures to be followed in case of fire or other emergency. They should include the following:
(A) Posting of the telephone number of the fire department in the office and/or at the main switchboard.
(B) Assignment of a responsible person to call the fire department upon notification of any fire or activation of the alarm system for any reason other than fire drills.
(C) Posting in a conspicuous place in each classroom or assembly area a plan showing paths of travel to evacuate the room in case of emergency and including an alternate route.
(D) Posting in each classroom instructions to be followed by the teacher. These should include: 1. Maintaining of order during evacuation. 2. Removal of roll call book and calling of roll when designated evacuation area is reached.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §3.13(b)] Fire Drills. (College and University)
(b) College and University Pre-Fire Planning. The Chancellor, President, or his designated representative, shall, in cooperation with the enforcing agency, propose procedures to be followed in case of fire or other emergency in accordance with the provi- sions of California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Section 3.13 (a)(2).
404.2.3 Lockdown plans. Lockdown plans shall only be permitted where such plans are approved by the fire code official and are in compliance with Sections 404.2.3.1 and 404.2.3.2.
404.2.3.1 Lockdown plan contents. Lockdown plans shall include the following:
Identification of individuals authorized to issue a lockdown order.
Security measures used during normal operations, when the building is occupied, that could adversely affect egress or fire department operations.
A description of identified emergency and security threats addressed by the plan, including specific lockdown procedures to be implemented for each threat condition.
Means and methods of initiating a lockdown plan for each threat, including: 4.1. The means of notifying occupants of a lockdown event, which shall be distinct from the fire alarm signal. 4.2. Identification of each door or other access point that will be secured. 4.3. A description of the means or methods used to secure doors and other access points. 4.4. A description of how locking means and methods are in compliance with the requirements of this code for egress and accessibility.
Procedures for reporting to the fire department any lockdown condition affecting egress or fire department operations.
Procedures for determining and reporting the presence or absence of occupants to emergency response agencies during a lockdown.
Means for providing two-way communication between a central location and each area subject to being secured during a lockdown.
CFC § 909.16 High relevance — show source text
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.
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FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS
13.4. Exit access and exit stairway information that includes: number of exit access and exit stairways in the building, each exit access and exit stairway designation and floors served, location where each exit access 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, 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, location of natural gas service. 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, 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 of hazardous material, quantity of hazardous material.
Work table.
Generator supervision devices, manual start and transfer features.
Public address system, where specifically required by other sections of this code.
Elevator fire recall switch in accordance with California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Division 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter 6, Elevator Safety Orders.
Elevator emergency or standby power selector switch(es), where emergency or standby power is provided. 19. A master switch for unlocking elevator lobby doors permitted by Section 1010.2.12.1.
CFC § 6-1 High relevance — show source text
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6 FIRE PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS
User notes:
About this chapter: In addition to the building construction requirements in the California Building Code and California Residential Code, this chapter contains requirements for development and construction in Local Responsibility Areas (LRA) designated as Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones and areas designated by the State Fire Marshal as State Responsibility Areas (SRA). While many of these provisions are found in Title 14 and Title 19 of the California Code of Regulations, they are replicated here for the code user. The local jurisdiction has the authority to apply the same regulations to LRA when the regulations are adopted by local ordinance.
The requirements in this chapter reference the process for adoption of Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones in the LRA; criteria for evaluating existing subdivisions that are at significant fire risk and are without an adequate secondary egress; and criteria for fire safety provisions required in the Safety Element of a city or county General Plan.
The chapter includes mitigation strategies to reduce the hazards of fire originating within a structure spreading to wildland and fire originating in wildland spreading to structures. These strategies are included in the following requirements:
1. Development of fire protection plans.
2. Development of landscape plans and long-term vegetation management.
3. Creation and maintenance of defensible space to protect structures and subdivisions.
SECTION 601—GENERAL
601.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter establish general requirements for new and existing buildings, structures and premises located within wildland-urban interface (WUI) areas .
601.2 Objective. The objective of this chapter is to establish minimum requirements to mitigate conditions that might cause a fire originating in a structure to ignite vegetation in the wildland-urban interface (WUI) area, and conversely, a wildfire burning in vegetative fuels to transmit fire to buildings and threaten to destroy life, overwhelm fire suppression capabilities or result in large property losses.
601.3 Chapter 6 definitions. Where used in this chapter, the term listed below shall be defined as follows:
DEFENSIBLE SPACE. The buffer that landowners are required to create on their property between a “Building or Structure” and the plants, brush and trees or other items surrounding the “Building or Structure” that could ignite in the event of a fire. [CCR Title 14 §1299.02(a)]
SECTION 602— FIRE PROTECTION PLANS
602.1 General. The code official is authorized to require the owner or owner’s authorized agent to provide a fire protection plan. The fire protection plan shall be prepared to determine the acceptability of fire protection and life safety measures designed to mitigate wildfire hazards presented for the property under consideration.
The fire protection plan shall be prepared by a registered design professional, qualified landscape architect, qualified fire safety specialist or similar specialist acceptable to the code official and shall analyze the wildfire risk of the building, project, premises or region to recommend necessary changes.
The code official is authorized to require a preliminary fire protection plan prior to the submission of a final fire protection plan.
CFC § 601.1 High relevance — show source text
SECTION 601—GENERAL
601.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter establish general requirements for new and existing buildings, structures and premises located within wildland-urban interface (WUI) areas .
601.2 Objective. The objective of this chapter is to establish minimum requirements to mitigate conditions that might cause a fire originating in a structure to ignite vegetation in the wildland-urban interface (WUI) area, and conversely, a wildfire burning in vegetative fuels to transmit fire to buildings and threaten to destroy life, overwhelm fire suppression capabilities or result in large property losses.
601.3 Chapter 6 definitions. Where used in this chapter, the term listed below shall be defined as follows:
DEFENSIBLE SPACE. The buffer that landowners are required to create on their property between a “Building or Structure” and the plants, brush and trees or other items surrounding the “Building or Structure” that could ignite in the event of a fire. [CCR Title 14 §1299.02(a)]
SECTION 602— FIRE PROTECTION PLANS
602.1 General. The code official is authorized to require the owner or owner’s authorized agent to provide a fire protection plan. The fire protection plan shall be prepared to determine the acceptability of fire protection and life safety measures designed to mitigate wildfire hazards presented for the property under consideration.
The fire protection plan shall be prepared by a registered design professional, qualified landscape architect, qualified fire safety specialist or similar specialist acceptable to the code official and shall analyze the wildfire risk of the building, project, premises or region to recommend necessary changes.
The code official is authorized to require a preliminary fire protection plan prior to the submission of a final fire protection plan.
602.2 Contents. The fire protection plan shall be based on a project-specific wildfire hazard assessment that includes considerations of location, topography, aspect and climatic and fire history.
The plan shall identify conformance with all applicable state wildfire protection regulations, statutes and applicable local ordi- nances, whichever are more restrictive.
The plan shall address fire department access, egress, road and address signage and water supply in addition to fuel reduction in accordance with Public Resources Code (PRC) 4290; the defensible space requirements in accordance with PRC 4291 or Government Code 51182; and the applicable building codes and standards for wildfire safety. The plan shall identify mitigation measures to address the project’s specific wildfire risk and shall include the information required in Sections 602.3 through 602.3.2.
602.3 Project information. The final fire protection plan shall be reviewed and approved prior to start of construction.
602.3.1 Preliminary fire protection plan. When a preliminary fire protection plan is submitted, it shall include, at a minimum, the following: 1. Total size of the project. 2. Information on the adjoining properties on all sides, including current land uses, and if known, existing structures and densi- ties, planned construction, natural vegetation, environmental restoration plans, roads and parks. 3. A map with all project boundary lines, property lines, slope contour lines, proposed structure foundation footprints, and proposed roads and driveways. The map shall identify project fuel modification zones and method of identifying the fuel modification zone boundaries.
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CFC § 905.3.4 High relevance — show source text
- At each floor-level landing within interior exit stairways opening directly on the mall.
- At exterior public entrances to the mall of a covered mall building.
- At public entrances at the perimeter line of an open mall building.
- At other locations as necessary so that the distance to reach all portions of a tenant space does not exceed 200 feet (60 960 mm) from a hose connection.
905.3.4 Underground buildings. Underground buildings shall be equipped throughout with a Class I automatic wet or manual wet standpipe system.
905.3.5 Helistops and heliports. Buildings with a rooftop helistop or heliport shall be equipped with a Class I or III standpipe system extended to the roof level on which the helistop or heliport is located in accordance with Section 2007.5.
905.3.6 Marinas and boatyards. Standpipes in marinas and boatyards shall comply with Chapter 36.
905.3.7 Vegetative roofs and landscaped roofs. Buildings or structures that have landscaped roofs or vegetative roofs and that are equipped with a standpipe system shall have the standpipe system extended to the roof level on which the landscaped roof or vegetative roof is located.
905.3.8 Fixed guideway and passenger rail transit systems. Fixed-guideway and passenger rail transit systems shall be provided with a Class I standpipe system in accordance with this section.
905.3.8.1 Underground stations. Underground stations shall be provided with an automatic Class I standpipe system.
905.3.8.2 All other stations. All other stations shall be provided with a Class I standpipe system.
Exception: Open at-grade stations with unrestricted fire department access need not be provided with a standpipe system.
905.3.9 Smokeproof enclosures. For smokeproof enclosures, see California Building Code, Section 909.20.
905.3.10 Group I-3. A housing pod within housing units where 50 or more inmates are restrained shall be provided with Class I wet standpipes. In addition, Class I wet standpipes shall be located so that it will not be necessary to extend hose lines through interlock- ing security doors and any doors in smoke-barrier walls, horizontal fire walls or fire barrier walls. Standpipes located in housing units may be placed in secured pipe chases.
905.4 Location of Class I standpipe hose connections. Class I standpipe hose connections shall be provided in all of the following locations:
- In every required interior exit stairway or exterior exit stairway, a hose connection shall be provided for each story above and below grade plane. Hose connections shall be located at the main floor landing unless otherwise approved by the fire code official. See Section 909.20.2.3 of the California Building Code for additional provisions in smokeproof enclosures. Exception: A single hose connection shall be permitted to be installed in the open corridor or open breezeway between open stairs that are not greater than 75 feet (22 860 mm) apart.
- On each side of the wall adjacent to the exit opening of a horizontal exit.
CFC § 4811.1 High relevance — show source text
4811.1 General. This chapter shall apply to production locations.
4811.2 Permits. A permit shall be obtained, unless waived by the fire code official for any of the activities that follow:
a) Use of pyrotechnic special effects, see Section 3307.1 and California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 6.
b) Open flames.
c) Flammable or combustible liquids, gases and dust.
d) Hot work.
e) Presence of motor vehicles within a building.
f) Tents and canopies, see Chapter 31 .
g) Any additional permits as required by the agency having jurisdiction (AHJ).
4811.3 Pyrotechnic special effects and open flames. The use of pyrotechnic special effects and open flames shall be subject to the approval of the fire code official.
4811.4 Standby fire personnel. A requirement for standby fire safety officers shall be determined by the fire code official on a case-by- case basis.
4811.5 Foamed plastic materials. All foam plastics shall meet the requirements of Chapter 8, Sections 807.5.1.5 and 807.5.7.
4811.6 Smoking. When the fire code official determines that hazardous conditions necessitate controlled use of smoking materials, smoking may be prohibited or limited to designated smoking areas.
4811.7 Structural loads. Sets, scenery and other equipment shall not impact the structural integrity of a building or structure. Consulta- tion with a building official or structural engineer may be required.
4811.8 Electrical requirements.
4811.8.1 General. All electrical equipment including lighting, cabling and temporary power, such as portable generators, shall be maintained in good working order and shall comply with the provisions of the California Electrical Code.
4811.8.2 Distribution. Temporary feeders shall not be tapped from panelboards and switchboards where deadfront covers have to be removed.
4811.8.3 Installations. Electrical installations shall be installed in accordance with the California Electrical Code. Such equipment shall not obstruct exits, means of egress or fire department access, unless approved by the fire code official.
4811.8.4 Generators. Portable, mobile or stationary power-generating equipment may be used to supplement building electrical power for temporary use. Equipment shall be placed in a location acceptable to the fire code official.
4811.9 Fire department access. Required emergency vehicle access shall be maintained. Any deviations are subject to approval by the fire code official.
4811.10 Means of egress. The production location shall be provided with means of egress appropriate for the intended use as approved by the fire code official.
4811.11 Fire protection systems and equipment. Functional fire protection systems and equipment shall be maintained in an operable condition, unless approved by the fire code official. Disconnecting or altering of fire protection systems and/or equipment shall be prohibited, unless otherwise approved by the fire code official with alternate means of protection provided.
Frequently asked questions
What is the scope of §301.1?
Section §301.1 establishes that Chapter 3 governs occupancy and maintenance of structures and premises for precautions against fire and the spread of fire and sets the chapter’s general application to premises safety.
Where in the CFC are rules about open burning and recreational fires?
Open burning, recreational fires and portable outdoor fireplaces are addressed in §307 of Chapter 3; consult that section for permit, location and safety requirements.
Who is responsible for complying with Chapter 3 requirements?
Owners and occupants are responsible for maintaining premises in a manner that reduces fire hazards; the code gives enforcement authority to the fire code official to require abatement and corrective action.
More in California Fire Code
- Administration and Definitions
- General Requirements and Emergency Planning
- Fire Service Features and Fire Department Access
- Referenced Standards and Adoptable Appendices (Chapter 80; Appendices A–Q)
- Fire and Smoke Protection Features (fire‑resistance, barriers)
- Interior Finish, Decorative Materials and Furnishings
- Fire Protection and Life‑Safety Systems (sprinklers, alarms, smoke control)
- Means of Egress (exit design and maintenance)
- Construction Requirements for Existing Buildings (retrofit rules)
- Energy Systems and Stationary Energy Storage (ESS)
- Special Occupancies and Operations (chapters 20–41, 48–49)
- Hazardous Materials — Storage, Use and Handling (Chapters 50–67)
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