CFC · California Fire Code
Hazards, equipment and storage (Chapter 3)
Chapter 3 provides the general precautions, equipment and storage rules to reduce ignition and spread of fire and directs users to hazard‑specific chapters when needed.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
Overview
Chapter 3 of the California Fire Code provides the general requirements for occupancy and premises maintenance to prevent fire and limit fire spread. It sets the scope and duties for precautions against ignition, combustible waste, powered equipment, combustible displays and general storage so that buildings and sites remain safe for occupants and emergency responders; the chapter’s purpose and scope are introduced in Section 301 (§301) and the chapter-level summary of topics is shown in the table of contents for Chapter 3 .
Key, frequently used provisions include requirements for combustible waste material (§304), open burning and recreational fires (§307), open flames and devices (§308), powered industrial trucks (§309) and general storage (§315). Chapter 3 also points users to related hazard-specific chapters (Chapters 50–67) when storage or use of hazardous materials or specialty hazards (oxidizers, pyrophorics, water‑reactive, etc.) is involved, so always check both the general Chapter 3 rules and the applicable hazardous‑materials chapters when evaluating a situation .
In this section
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Fire Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CFC § 2.2. High relevance — show source text
2.2. Loss of power or circuit continuity to the electronic monitoring device shall initiate a trouble signal. 2.3. The extinguishers shall be installed inside of a building or cabinet in a noncorrosive environment. 2.4. Electronic monitoring devices and supervisory circuits shall be tested every 3 years when extinguisher maintenance is performed. 2.5. A written log of required hydrostatic test dates for extinguishers shall be maintained by the owner to verify that hydrostatic tests are conducted at the frequency required by California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 3. 3. In Group I-3, and in mental health areas of Group I-2, portable fire extinguishers shall be permitted to be located at staff locations.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §565.1(a) through (c)] Classification of Hazards.
(a) Light (Low) Hazard. Locations where the total amounts of Class A combustible materials, including furnishings, decorations and contents, is of minor quantity. These shall include buildings or rooms occupied as offices, classrooms, churches, assembly halls, etc. This classification anticipates that the majority of the contents are either noncombustible or so arranged that a fire is not likely to spread rapidly. Small amounts of Class B flammables used for duplicating machines, art departments, etc., are included provided that they are kept in closed containers and safely stored.
(b) Ordinary (Moderate) Hazard. Locations where the total amounts of Class A combustibles and Class B flammables are present in greater amounts than expected under Light (Low) Hazard occupancies. These occupancies could consist of offices, classrooms, mercantile shops and allied storage, light manufacturing, research operations, auto showrooms, parking garages, workshop or support service areas of Light (Low) Hazard occupancies, and warehouses containing Class I or Class II commodities.
(c) Extra (High) Hazard. Locations where the total amount of Class A combustibles and Class B flammables are present, in storage, production use, and/or finished product over and above those expected and classed as Ordinary (Moderate) Hazards. These occupan- cies could consist of woodworking, vehicle repair, aircraft and boat servicing, individual product display showrooms, product convention center displays, storage and manufacturing processes such as painting, dipping, coating, including flammable liquid handling. Also, included in warehousing of, or in-process storage of other Class I and Class II commodities.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §565.2(a) through (e)] Selection by Hazard.
(a) Extinguishers shall be selected for the specific class or classes of hazards to be protected in accordance with the following subdivi- sions (b), (c), (d) and (e).
(b) Extinguishers for protecting Class A hazards shall be selected from the following: Water-type, halogenated agent types, multipur- pose dry chemical and wet chemical type.
(c) Extinguishers for protection of Class B hazards shall be selected from the following: carbon dioxide, dry chemical types, haloge- nated agent types and water-type and water chemical extinguishers rated for Class B hazards.
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FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS
CFC § 67-1 High relevance — show source text
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67 WATER-REACTIVE SOLIDS AND LIQUIDS
User notes:
About this chapter: Chapter 67 addresses the hazards associated with water-reactive materials that are solid or liquid at normal temperatures and pressures. In addition to their water reactivity, these materials may pose a wide range of other hazards, such as toxicity, flammability, corrosiveness or oxidizing potential. This chapter addresses only those materials whose primary hazard is water reactivity. Materials that pose multiple hazards must conform to the requirements of this code with respect to all hazards. Strict compliance with the requirements of this chapter, along with proper housekeeping and storage arrangements, helps to reduce the exposure to hazards associated with water-reactive materials in a fire or other emergency.
SECTION 6701—GENERAL
6701.1 Scope. The storage and use of water-reactive solids and liquids shall be in accordance with this chapter.
Exceptions:
- Display and storage in Group M and storage in Group S occupancies complying with Section 5003.11.
- Detonable water-reactive solids and liquids shall be stored in accordance with Chapter 56.
6701.2 Permits. Permits shall be required as set forth in Section 105.5.
SECTION 6702—DEFINITION
6702.1 Definition. The following term is defined in Chapter 2:
WATER-REACTIVE MATERIAL.
Class 3.
Class 2.
Class 1.
SECTION 6703—GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
6703.1 Quantities not exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area. The storage and use of water-reactive solids and liquids in amounts not exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area indicated in Section 5003.1 shall be in accordance with Sections 5001, 5003, 6701 and 6703.
6703.2 Quantities exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area. The storage and use of water-reactive solids and liquids in amounts exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area indicated in Section 5003.1 shall be in accordance with Chapter 50 and this chapter.
SECTION 6704—STORAGE
6704.1 Indoor storage. Indoor storage of water-reactive solids and liquids in amounts exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area indicated in Table 5003.1.1(1), shall be in accordance with Sections 5001, 5003, 5004 and this chapter.
6704.1.1 Detached storage. Storage of water-reactive solids and liquids shall be in detached buildings where required by Section 5003.8.2.
6704.1.2 Liquid-tight floor. In addition to the provisions of Section 5004.12, floors in storage areas for water-reactive solids and liquids shall be of liquid-tight construction.
6704.1.3 Waterproof room. Rooms or areas used for the storage of water-reactive solids and liquids shall be constructed in a manner that resists the penetration of water through the use of waterproof materials. Piping carrying water for other than approved automatic sprinkler systems shall not be within such rooms or areas.
CFC § 601.1 High relevance — show source text
SECTION 601—GENERAL
601.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall apply to the installation, operation, testing and maintenance of the following building services and systems:
- Electrical systems, equipment and wiring.
- Information technology server rooms.
- Elevator systems, emergency operation and recall.
- Fuel-fired appliances, heating systems, chimneys and fuel oil storage.
- Commercial cooking equipment and systems.
- Commercial cooking oil storage.
- Mechanical refrigeration systems.
- Hyperbaric facilities.
- Clothes dryer exhaust systems.
601.2 Hazard abatement. Operations or conditions deemed unsafe or hazardous by the fire code official shall be abated. Equipment, appliances, materials and systems that are modified or damaged and constitute an electrical shock or fire hazard shall not be used.
601.2.1 Correction of unsafe conditions. The fire code official shall be authorized to require the owner, the owner’s authorized agent, operator or occupant of a building or premises to abate or cause to be abated or corrected such unsafe operations or conditions either by repair, rehabilitation, demolition or other approved corrective action in compliance with this code.
SECTION 602—DEFINITIONS
602.1 Definitions. The following terms are defined in Chapter 2:
COMMERCIAL COOKING APPLIANCES.
HOOD.
Type I.
REFRIGERANT.
REFRIGERATING (REFRIGERATION) SYSTEM.
SECTION 603—ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT, WIRING AND HAZARDS
603.1 General. Electrical equipment, wiring and systems required by this code or the California Building Code shall be installed, used and maintained in accordance with the California Electrical Code and Sections 603.2 through 603.9.
603.1.1 Equipment and wiring. All electrical equipment, wiring, devices and appliances shall be tested; listed and labeled; and installed, used and maintained in accordance with the California Electrical Code and all instructions included as part of such listing.
603.1.2 Healthcare facilities. In Group I-2 facilities, ambulatory care facilities and outpatient clinics, the electrical systems and equipment shall be maintained and tested in accordance with NFPA 99 and Article 517 of the California Electrical Code.
603.2 Abatement of unsafe conditions and electrical hazards. Conditions that constitute an electrical shock or fire hazard shall be
abated.
603.2.1 Modified or damaged. Electrical wiring, devices, equipment and appliances that are modified or damaged, and constitute an electrical shock or fire hazard, shall not be used until repaired or replaced in accordance with this code and the California Electrical Code .
603.2.2 Open electrical terminations. Open junction boxes and open-wiring splices shall be prohibited. Approved covers shall be provided for all switch and electrical outlet boxes.
603.3 Illumination. Illumination shall be provided for service equipment areas, motor control centers and electrical panelboards.
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BUILDING SERVICES AND SYSTEMS
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 § 1.11. High relevance — show source text
- The California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 19, Division 1 provisions that are found in the California Fire Code are a reprint from the current CCR, Title 19, Division 1 text for the code user’s convenience only. The scope, applicability and appeals procedures of CCR, Title 19, Division I remain the same. 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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66 UNSTABLE (REACTIVE) MATERIALS
User notes:
About this chapter: Chapter 66 addresses the hazards of unstable (reactive) liquid and solid materials as well as unstable (reactive) compressed gases. In addition to their unstable reactivity, these materials may pose other hazards, such as toxicity, corrosivity, explosivity, flammability or oxidizing potential. This chapter, however, is intended to address those materials whose primary hazard is unstable reactivity. Materials that pose multiple hazards must conform to the requirements of the code with respect to all hazards. Strict compliance with the provisions of this chapter, along with proper housekeeping and storage arrangements, helps to reduce the exposure hazards associated with unstable (reactive) materials in a fire or other
emergency.
SECTION 6601—GENERAL
6601.1 Scope. The storage and use of unstable (reactive) materials shall be in accordance with this chapter. Compressed gases shall also comply with Chapter 53.
Exceptions:
- Display and storage in Group M and storage in Group S occupancies complying with Section 5003.11.
- Detonable unstable (reactive) materials shall be stored in accordance with Chapter 56.
6601.2 Permits. Permits shall be required as set forth in Section 105.5.
SECTION 6602—DEFINITION
6602.1 Definition. The following term is defined in Chapter 2:
UNSTABLE (REACTIVE) MATERIAL.
Class 4.
Class 3.
Class 2.
Class 1.
SECTION 6603—GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
6603.1 Quantities not exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area. Quantities of unstable (reactive) materials not exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area shall be in accordance with Sections 6603.1.1 through 6603.1.2.5.
6603.1.1 General. The storage and use of unstable (reactive) materials in amounts not exceeding the maximum allowable quantity per control area indicated in Section 5003.1 shall be in accordance with Sections 5001, 5003, 6601 and 6603.
6603.1.2 Limitations for indoor storage and use by occupancy. The indoor storage of unstable (reactive) materials shall be in accordance with Sections 6603.1.2.1 through 6603.1.2.5.
CFC § 130 High relevance — show source text
Chapter 62 Organic Peroxides
Chapter 62 addresses the hazards associated with the storage, handling and use of organic peroxides and intends to prevent their uncontrolled release. These chemicals possess the characteristics of flammable or combustible liquids and are also strong oxidizers. The requirements of this chapter pertain to industrial applications in which significant quantities of organic peroxides are stored or used; however, smaller quantities of organic peroxides still pose a significant hazard and, therefore, must be stored and used in accordance with the applicable provisions of this chapter and Chapter 50.
Chapter 63 Oxidizers, Oxidizing Gases and Oxidizing Cryogenic Fluids
Chapter 63 addresses the hazards associated with solid, liquid, gaseous and cryogenic fluid oxidizing materials, including oxygen in home use, and establishes criteria for their safe storage and protection in indoor and outdoor storage facilities, minimizing the potential for uncontrolled releases and contact with fuel sources. Although oxidizers themselves do not burn, they pose unique fire hazards because of their ability to support combustion by breaking down and giving off oxygen.
Chapter 64 Pyrophoric Materials
Chapter 64 regulates the hazards associated with pyrophoric materials, which are capable of spontaneously igniting in the air at or below a temperature of 130°F (54°C). Many pyrophoric materials also pose severe flammability or reactivity hazards. This chapter addresses only the hazards associated with pyrophoric materials. Materials that pose multiple hazards must conform to the requirements of the code with respect to all hazards.
Chapter 65 Pyroxylin (Cellulose Nitrate) Plastics
Chapter 65 addresses the significant hazards associated with pyroxylin (cellulose nitrate) plastics, which are the most dangerous and unstable of all plastic compounds. Strict compliance with the provisions of this chapter, along with proper housekeeping and storage arrangements, helps to reduce the hazards associated with pyroxylin (cellulose nitrate) plastics in a fire or other emergencies.
Chapter 66 Unstable (Reactive) Materials
Chapter 66 addresses the hazards of unstable (reactive) liquid and solid materials as well as unstable (reactive) compressed gases. Materials that pose multiple hazards, such as toxicity, corrosivity, explosivity, flammability or oxidizing potential, must conform to the requirements of the code with respect to all hazards. Strict compliance with the provisions of this chapter, along with proper housekeeping and storage arrangements, help reduce the exposure hazards associated with unstable (reactive) materials in a fire or other emergency.
Chapter 67 Water-Reactive Solids and Liquids
Chapter 67 addresses the hazards associated with water-reactive materials that are solid or liquid at normal temperatures and pressures. In addition to their water reactivity, these materials may pose a wide range of other hazards, such as toxicity, flammability, corrosiveness or oxidizing potential. Strict compliance with the requirements of this chapter, along with proper housekeeping and storage arrangements, helps to reduce the exposure hazards associated with water-reactive materials in a fire or other emergency.
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Chapters 68 through 79 Reserved for future use.
PART VI—REFERENCED STANDARDS
Chapter 80 Referenced Standards
CFC § 2-5 High relevance — show source text
CHAPTER 2 DEFINITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5
201 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-5
202 General Definitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-5
203 Occupancy Classification and Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-40
CHAPTER 3 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
301 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-3
302 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4
303 Asphalt Kettles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4 304 Combustible Waste Material . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4
305 Ignition Sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-6 306 Motion Picture Projection Rooms and Film . . . . . . . . .3-7 307 Open Burning, Recreational Fires and Portable Outdoor Fireplaces. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-7 308 Open Flames . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-7 309 Powered Industrial Trucks and Equipment . . . . . . . . .3-9 310 Smoking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10 311 Vacant Premises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10
312 Vehicle Impact Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12 313 Fueled Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12 314 Indoor Displays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12 315 General Storage .
CFC § 2.25 High relevance — show source text
00|2.25|0.70|DR|3.70|1.05|DR|DR| |Minimum 33
mil steel
furring or
minimum
1x wood
furringc|33 mil cold-
formed steel
stud|#10 screw|Steel thick-
ness plus 3
threads|16|3.85|1.45|DR|DR|3.40|DR|DR|DR| |Minimum 33
mil steel
furring or
minimum
1x wood
furringc|33 mil cold-
formed steel
stud|#10 screw|Steel thick-
ness plus 3
threads|24|3.40|DR|DR|DR|2.70|DR|DR|DR| |Minimum 33
mil steel
furring or
minimum
1x wood
furringc|43 mil or
thicker cold-
formed steel
stud|#8 Screw|Steel thick-
ness plus 3
threads|12|3.00|1.80|DR|DR|3.00|0.65|DR|DR| |Minimum 33
mil steel
furring or
minimum
1x wood
furringc|43 mil or
thicker cold-
formed steel
stud|#8 Screw|Steel thick-
ness plus 3
threads|16|3.00|1.00|DR|DR|2.85|DR|DR|DR| |Minimum 33
mil steel
furring or
minimum
1x wood
furringc|43 mil or
thicker cold-
formed steel
stud|#8 Screw|Steel thick-
ness plus 3
threads|24|2.85|DR|DR|DR|2.20|DR|DR|DR| |Minimum 33
mil steel
furring or
minimum
1x wood
furringc|43 mil or
thicker cold-
formed steel
stud|#10 screw|Steel thick-
ness plus 3
threads|12|4.00|3.85|2.80|1.80|4.00|3.05|1.50|DR| |Minimum 33
mil steel
furring or
minimum
1x wood
furringc|43 mil or
thicker cold-
formed steel
stud|#10 screw|Steel thick-
ness plus 3
threads|16|4.00|3.30|1.95|0.60|4.00|2.25|DR|DR| |Minimum 33
mil steel
furring or
minimum
1x wood
furringc|43 mil or
thicker cold-
formed steel
stud|#10 screw|Steel thick-
ness plus 3
threads|24|4.00|2.25|DR|DR|4.00|0.65|DR|DR| |For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 pound per square foot (psf) = 0.0479 kPa, 1 pound per square inch = 0.00689 MPa.
DR = Design Required, o.c. = on center.
a. Wood furring shall be spruce-pine-fir or any softwood species with a specific gravity of 0.42 or greater.CFC § 3.4 High relevance — show source text
3.4_ – 604.3.5_|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |604.6.3 – 604.6.4.4|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |605.4|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |605.4.1|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |605.4.2.3|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |605.4.2.5|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |605.4.3|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |[T-19 §3.17 (a)(b)]||||X|||||||||||||||||||| |605.5.2|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |605.7|||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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6 BUILDING SERVICES AND SYSTEMS
User notes:
About this chapter: Chapter 6 focuses on building systems and services as they relate to potential safety hazards and when and how they should be installed. This chapter brings together all building system- and service-related issues for convenience and provides a more systematic view of buildings. The following building services and systems are addressed: electrical equipment wiring and hazards, elevator operation, maintenance and fire service keys, fuel-fired appliances, commercial cooking equipment and systems, commercial cooking oil storage, mechanical refrigeration, hyperbaric facilities and clothes dryer exhaust systems. Note that building systems focused on energy systems and components are addressed by Chapter 12.
SECTION 601—GENERAL
601.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall apply to the installation, operation, testing and maintenance of the following building services and systems:
- Electrical systems, equipment and wiring.
- Information technology server rooms.
- Elevator systems, emergency operation and recall.
- Fuel-fired appliances, heating systems, chimneys and fuel oil storage.
- Commercial cooking equipment and systems.
- Commercial cooking oil storage.
- Mechanical refrigeration systems.
- Hyperbaric facilities.
- Clothes dryer exhaust systems.
601.2 Hazard abatement. Operations or conditions deemed unsafe or hazardous by the fire code official shall be abated. Equipment, appliances, materials and systems that are modified or damaged and constitute an electrical shock or fire hazard shall not be used.
601.2.1 Correction of unsafe conditions. The fire code official shall be authorized to require the owner, the owner’s authorized agent, operator or occupant of a building or premises to abate or cause to be abated or corrected such unsafe operations or conditions either by repair, rehabilitation, demolition or other approved corrective action in compliance with this code.
SECTION 602—DEFINITIONS
602.1 Definitions. The following terms are defined in Chapter 2:
CFC § 1032.6 High relevance — show source text
1032.6 On rooftop 316.4 Portable fire extinguishers 906.6 Spraying operation ventilation 2404.9.4 Sprinkler discharge 315.3.1, 903.3.3 Occupancy, Change of (see Change of Occupancy) Occupancy Classification 203 Occupant Load 202 Calculating Table 1004.5 Posting 1004.3 Occupiable Roof 202, 1004.7, 1006.3,
1009.2.1 Oil, Cooking 607 Oil, Fuel (see Fuel Oil and Combustible Liquid) Oil, Motor (see Combustible Liquid) Oil, Waste (see Waste Oil) Oil-Burning Equipment (see Fuel-Fired Appliances) On-Demand Mobile Fueling Operations 202 Flammable and combustible liquids 5707 Hydrogen 5809 Open Burning 307 Defined 202
Permit 105.5.36, 307.2 Precautions in tire storage areas 3404.1
Open Flames 308, 806.3, 2903.6, 5003.7.2, 5604.7.2, 5706.2.1 Devices 308.1.5
Size of piles 2807.2, 2808.3 Waste removal 2803.3 Luminous Egress Path Markings 1025, 1104.25
Magazine 202, 5604 Magnesium Defined 202
Permit 105.5.32
Storage 5906.2, 5906.3, 5906.4 Use 5906.5
Maintenance 110 Mall (see Covered Mall Building) Manifolds Cylinders 3509.4 Identification 3509.5
Piping 3509 Manual Fire Alarm Box 202, 907.4.2 Manufacture of Organic Coatings Chapter 29 Marinas 202, Chapter 36 Marine Motor Fuel-Dispensing Facility 2310, 3605 Defined 202
Fire protection 2310.6 Fueling 2310.4 General 2310.1
Nozzles 2310.3.3 Marking (see Placards; Placarding) 503.3, 909.14, 5003.5.1 Compressed gas 5303.2 Cryogenic containers 5503.4 Shaftway 316.2 Tank 5706.2.2
Warnings 5003.8.7.4 Mass Notification Systems 917 Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) (see Safety Data Sheet) Mattresses (in Groups I and R) 805 Maximum Allowable Quantity per Control Area 5003.1.1, Table 5003.1.1(1), Table 5003.1.1(2), Table 5003.1.1(3), Table 5003.1.1(4), 5003.11 Defined 202
Means of Appeals 112 Means of Egress Chapter 10, 1104, 3312 Accessible means of egress 1009 Assembly 1030 Bleachers 1030.1.1 Buildings under construction or demolition 3312
Frequently asked questions
What does Chapter 3 actually require me to do at my facility?
Chapter 3 sets basic housekeeping, ignition‑source control, permitted uses (for example open burning), equipment and storage rules that apply to all occupancies. Start with the chapter scope in §301, then consult the specific sections that match your situation (for example §304 for combustible waste, §308 for open‑flame devices, §315 for storage) .
Are permits required for open burning or certain storage activities?
Yes. Open burning and related activities are regulated under §307 and may require a permit as referenced in the code (see the permit cross‑references tied to §307) . For hazardous materials or quantities that exceed control‑area limits, you must also follow Chapter 50 and the specific hazard chapters (Chapters 51–67), which include their own permitting and storage limits .
Where should I look for storage limits for specific hazardous materials?
Use §315 and the general Chapter 3 storage guidance as a starting point, then go to Chapter 50 for hazardous‑materials general provisions and to the specific hazard chapters (for example Chapter 57 for flammable and combustible liquids, Chapter 63 for oxidizers, Chapter 66 for unstable/reactive materials) for maximum allowable quantities, control‑area limits and special storage requirements .
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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