CFC · California Fire Code
Interior Finish, Decorative Materials and Furnishings
Chapter 8 of the California Fire Code sets requirements for interior finishes, decorative materials and furnishings — including limits, testing, treatments and labeling to reduce fire and life‑safety hazards.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
Overview
Chapter 8 of the California Fire Code (CFC) regulates interior finish, decorative materials and furnishings — covering interior finish and trim, upholstery and mattresses, decorative vegetation, artificial decorative materials, and other furnishings — so they do not significantly increase fire or life‑safety hazards in new and existing buildings (§801.1, Chapter 8) . The chapter is split into targeted sections for existing versus new work and for different items: see §803 (interior wall/ceiling finish), §804 (trim and floor finish), §805 (upholstered furniture and mattresses), §806 (natural decorative vegetation), §807 (decorative materials and artificial vegetation) and §808 (other furnishings) for the detailed rules and applicability .
Why this matters: the CFC limits flame spread, smoke production, placement and quantities of combustible decorative materials (for example, the common 10% wall/ceiling limit for curtains and similar hangings in many occupancies and the auditorium/dormitory exceptions) and requires testing or approved flame‑retardant treatments where applicable (§806 / §807 and exceptions) to protect occupants and support evacuation and fire‑suppression strategies . The code also references testing standards and acceptance criteria (e.g., NFPA 265 Method B, ASTM E84/UL 723 and ASTM E2404 for textile installations) for wall, ceiling and decorative coverings and describes labeling and maintenance requirements tied to California’s Title 19 regulations for treated fabrics .
In this section
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Fire Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CFC § 8-10 High relevance — show source text
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INTERIOR FINISH, DECORATIVE MATERIALS AND FURNISHINGS
Fixed or movable walls and partitions, paneling, wall pads and crash pads applied structurally or for decoration, acoustical correction, surface insulation or other purposes shall be considered to be interior finish, shall comply with Section 803 and shall not be considered decorative materials or furnishings.
Exceptions:
In auditoriums in Group A, the permissible amount of curtains, draperies, fabric hangings and similar combustible decorative material suspended from walls or ceilings shall not exceed 75 percent of the aggregate wall area where the building is equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, and where the material is installed in accordance with Section 803.15 of the California Building Code.
In Group R-2 dormitories, within sleeping units and dwelling units, the permissible amount of curtains, draperies, fabric hangings and similar decorative materials suspended from walls or ceilings shall not exceed 50 percent of the aggregate wall areas where the building is equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.
In Group B and M occupancies, the amount of combustible fabric partitions suspended from the ceiling and not supported by the floor shall comply with Section 807.3 and shall not be limited.
The 10-percent limit shall not apply to curtains, draperies, fabric hangings and similar combustible decorative materials used as window coverings.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §3.08]. Decorative Materials.
In every Group A, E, I, R-1, R-2, R-2.1, R-3.1 and R-4 occupancy, all drapes, hangings, curtains, drops and all other decorative material, including Christmas trees, that would tend to increase the fire and panic hazard shall be made from a nonflammable material, or shall be treated and maintained in a flame-retardant condition by means of a flame-retardant solution or process approved by the State Fire Marshal, as set forth in California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 8. Exits, exit lights, fire alarm sending stations, wet standpipe hose cabinets and fire extinguisher locations shall not be concealed, in whole or in part, by any decorative material.
Exceptions: (a) Cubical curtains and individual patient room window curtains and drapes in Group I, R-2.1, R-3.1 and R-4 occupancies. (b) Window curtains and drapes within dwelling units of Group R-1 and R-2 occupancies. (c) Christmas trees within dwelling units of Group R-1 and R-2 occupancies.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §1273.1] Fabrics for Interior Use.
Fabrics as described in California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, 1272(c) intended for interior use shall be tested in their original condition only and shall meet the requirements for fire resistance outlined in California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Section 1273.3.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §1273.2] Fabrics for Exterior Use.
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 § 5.1.2.1 High relevance — show source text
4|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |807.5.1.2.1|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |807.5.1.2.2|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |807.5.3_ –807.5.3.4|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |807.5.7|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |807.5.7.1|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |808.1|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |[T-19 §3.19 (b)(c)]_||||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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8 INTERIOR FINISH, DECORATIVE MATERIALS AND FURNISHINGS
User notes:
About this chapter: Chapter 8 provides requirements for interior finishes, decorative materials and furnishings in new and existing buildings so that they do not significantly add to or create fire hazards in buildings. The provisions tend to focus on occupancies with specific risk characteristics, such as vulnerability of occupants, density of occupants, lack of familiarity with the building and societal expectations of importance. This chapter is consistent with Chapter 8 of the California Building Code, which regulates the interior finishes and decorative materials of new buildings.
SECTION 801—GENERAL
801.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall govern interior finish, interior trim, furniture, furnishings, decorative materials and decorative vegetation in buildings. Existing buildings shall comply with Sections 803 through 808. New buildings shall comply with Sections 804 through 808, and Section 803 of the California Building Code.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §1172] Purpose.
California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 8 have been prepared and adopted for the purpose of establishing minimum standards for the prevention of fire and for the protection of life and property against fire and panic through the use of flame-retardant chemicals, fabrics and materials.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §1173] Scope.
California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 8 shall govern the manufacture, sale and application of flame-retardant chemicals used in connection with fabrics or materials required to be treated and maintained in a flame-retardant condition as provided in Sections 13115 or 13119 of the Health and Safety Code. These rules and regulations shall also apply to fabrics or materials inherently nonflammable and, they shall also establish minimum fire-resistive standards for such fabrics or materials.
CFC § 701 High relevance — show source text
Chapter 7 Fire and Smoke Protection Features
The maintenance of assemblies required to be fire-resistance rated is a key component in a passive fire protection philosophy. Chapter 7 sets forth requirements to maintain required fire-resistance ratings of building elements and limit fire spread. Section 701 addresses the basics of what construction elements such as fire barriers and smoke barriers need to be maintained as well as defining the owner’s responsibility. Sections 703 through 708, deals with various fire and smoke protection features that must also be maintained.
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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 Chapter 4 are duplicated in CFC Chapter 9 as a user convenience.
Chapter 10 Means of Egress
The criteria in Chapter 10 regulating the design of the means of egress system are established as the primary method for protection of occupants by allowing timely relocation or evacuation. Both prescriptive and performance language is utilized for determination of a safe exiting system. It addresses all portions of the means of egress system (i.e., exit access, exits and exit discharge) and includes design requirements as well as provisions regulating individual components. The requirements detail the size, arrangement, number and protection of means of egress components. The means of egress protection requirements work in coordination with other sections of the code, such as protection of vertical openings (see Chapter 7 of the CBC), interior finish (see Chapter 8 of the CBC), fire suppression and detection systems (see Chapter 9) and numerous others, all having an impact on life safety. Chapter 10 of the CBC is duplicated in Chapter 10 of the CFC; however, the CFC contains one additional section on the maintenance of the means of egress system in existing buildings.
Chapter 11 Construction Requirements for Existing Buildings
Chapter 11 applies to existing buildings constructed prior to the adoption of the code and intends to provide a minimum degree of fire and life safety to persons occupying existing buildings by providing for retroactive requirements to install or upgrade fire safety features to such buildings that do not comply with the minimum requirements of the CBC. Prior to the 2009 edition, its content existed in the CFC but in a random manner that was neither efficient nor user-friendly. In the 2007/2008 International Code Council (ICC) code development cycle, a code change (F294-07/ 08) was approved that consolidated the retroactive elements of CFC into a single chapter for easier and more efficient reference and application to existing buildings.
Chapter 12 Energy Systems
CFC § 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 § 7-4 High relevance — show source text
703 Penetrations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4
704 Joints and Voids. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4
705 Door and Window Openings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4 706 Duct and Air Transfer Openings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5 707 Concealed Spaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5 708 Spray Fire-Resistant Materials and Intumescent Fire-Resistant Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5
709 Exterior Walls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5
CHAPTER 8 INTERIOR FINISH, DECORATIVE
MATERIALS AND FURNISHINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-3
801 General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3
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CONTENTS
802 Definitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3
803 Interior Wall and Ceiling Finish in Existing Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-4 804 Interior Wall and Ceiling Trim and Interior Floor Finish in New and Existing Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-7 805 Upholstered Furniture and Mattresses in New and Existing Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-8 806 Natural Decorative Vegetation in New and Existing Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-10 807 Decorative Materials and Artificial Decorative Vegetation in New and Existing Buildings. . . . . . . 8-10 808 Furnishings Other than Upholstered Furniture and Mattresses or Decorative Materials in New and Existing Buildings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-14
CHAPTER 9 FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY
SYSTEMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-7
CFC § 806.2 High relevance — show source text
806.2 Obstruction of means of egress. The required width of any portion of a means of egress shall not be obstructed by decorative vegetation. Natural cut trees shall not be located within an exit, corridor, or a lobby or vestibule.
806.3 Open flame. Candles and open flames shall not be used on or near decorative vegetation. Natural cut trees shall be kept a distance from heat vents and any open flame or heat-producing devices not less than the height of the tree.
806.4 Electrical fixtures and wiring. The use of unlisted electrical wiring and lighting on natural vegetation, including natural cut trees, shall be prohibited.
SECTION 807—DECORATIVE MATERIALS AND ARTIFICIAL DECORATIVE VEGETATION IN NEW AND EXISTING BUILDINGS
807.1 General. The following requirements shall apply to all occupancies:
Furnishings or decorative materials of an explosive or highly flammable character shall not be used.
Fire-retardant coatings in existing buildings shall be maintained so as to retain the effectiveness of the treatment under service conditions encountered in actual use.
Furnishings or other objects shall not be placed to obstruct exits, access thereto, egress therefrom or visibility thereof.
The permissible amount of noncombustible decorative materials shall not be limited.
807.2 Combustible decorative materials. In Groups A, B, E, I, M and R-1 and in dormitories in Group R-2, curtains, draperies, fabric hangings and other similar combustible decorative materials suspended from walls or ceilings shall comply with Section 807.3 and shall not exceed 10 percent of the specific wall or ceiling area to which such materials are attached.
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INTERIOR FINISH, DECORATIVE MATERIALS AND FURNISHINGS
Fixed or movable walls and partitions, paneling, wall pads and crash pads applied structurally or for decoration, acoustical correction, surface insulation or other purposes shall be considered to be interior finish, shall comply with Section 803 and shall not be considered decorative materials or furnishings.
Exceptions:
In auditoriums in Group A, the permissible amount of curtains, draperies, fabric hangings and similar combustible decorative material suspended from walls or ceilings shall not exceed 75 percent of the aggregate wall area where the building is equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, and where the material is installed in accordance with Section 803.15 of the California Building Code.
In Group R-2 dormitories, within sleeping units and dwelling units, the permissible amount of curtains, draperies, fabric hangings and similar decorative materials suspended from walls or ceilings shall not exceed 50 percent of the aggregate wall areas where the building is equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.
In Group B and M occupancies, the amount of combustible fabric partitions suspended from the ceiling and not supported by the floor shall comply with Section 807.3 and shall not be limited.
The 10-percent limit shall not apply to curtains, draperies, fabric hangings and similar combustible decorative materials used as window coverings.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §3.08]. Decorative Materials.
CFC § 801.1 High relevance — show source text
SECTION 801—GENERAL
801.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall govern interior finish, interior trim, furniture, furnishings, decorative materials and decorative vegetation in buildings. Existing buildings shall comply with Sections 803 through 808. New buildings shall comply with Sections 804 through 808, and Section 803 of the California Building Code.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §1172] Purpose.
California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 8 have been prepared and adopted for the purpose of establishing minimum standards for the prevention of fire and for the protection of life and property against fire and panic through the use of flame-retardant chemicals, fabrics and materials.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §1173] Scope.
California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 8 shall govern the manufacture, sale and application of flame-retardant chemicals used in connection with fabrics or materials required to be treated and maintained in a flame-retardant condition as provided in Sections 13115 or 13119 of the Health and Safety Code. These rules and regulations shall also apply to fabrics or materials inherently nonflammable and, they shall also establish minimum fire-resistive standards for such fabrics or materials.
California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 8 shall also establish minimum standards and specific procedures for the approval of flame-retardant chemicals, flame retardant materials and flame retardant applicator concerns.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §1174] Basis.
California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 8 are based upon the presumption of fact that fabrics and similar materials commonly known to be flammable increase, or may cause the increase of, the hazard or menace of fire; that proper and adequate flame-retardant treatment through the use of certain chemicals is possible whereby the danger to life and property from fire and panic can be materially reduced; and, that there do exist certain fabrics and materials which by nature are nonflammable.
SECTION 802—DEFINITIONS
802.1 Definitions. The following terms are defined in Chapter 2:
FLAME SPREAD.
FLAME SPREAD INDEX.
INTERIOR FLOOR-WALL BASE.
SITE-FABRICATED STRETCH SYSTEM.
SMOKE-DEVELOPED INDEX.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §1191] Approved.
“Approved” means approved by the State Fire Marshal.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §1196] Flame-retardant Chemical.
“Flame-Retardant Chemical,” as used herein, means any chemical, chemical compound or chemical mixture which when properly applied to a fabric or material will render such fabric or material incapable of supporting combustion to the extent that it will success- fully withstand the tests and meet the specifications promulgated by the State Fire Marshal.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §1201] Nonflammable Material.
“Nonflammable Material,” as used herein, means a fabric or material which is inherently flame-resistant to the extent that it will meet the requirements of the fire resistance test herein prescribed, but shall not include materials which must be chemically treated or processed after manufacture to make them flame-resistant.
CFC § 403.11.1. High relevance — show source text
Exception: Where the fire code official determines that the nature of the exhibition, display or the activities therein does not pose an increased hazard to public safety.
N103.2 Fire watch personnel. Where, in the opinion of the fire code official, it is essential for public safety in a trade show or exhibition, either because of the number or persons present or because of the nature of the performance, exhibition, display or activity, the owner or owner’s authorized agent shall provide one or more fire watch personnel in accordance with Section 403.11.1.
N103.3 Crowd managers. Where events involve a gathering of more than 1,000 people, trained crowd managers shall be provided in accordance with Section 403.11.3.
SECTION N104—INTERIOR FINISH AND DECORATIVE MATERIALS
N104.1 General. Interior finish, interior trim, furniture, furnishings and decorative materials, including decorative vegetation, used in exhibition areas shall comply with the requirements of this section and Chapter 8.
N104.2 Interior wall and ceiling finish. The materials used for interior wall and ceiling finish of exhibit booths and displays in exhibition areas shall comply with one of the following:
- Where the building is not equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, the wall and ceiling finish materials are required to be Class A in accordance with Section 803.
- Where the building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, the wall and ceiling finish materials are required to be not less than Class B in accordance with Section 803.
SECTION N105—MULTIPLE-LEVEL BOOTHS
N105.1 Construction documents. Construction documents for all multiple-level booths shall be stamped by a registered design professional and shall be submitted with the permit application to the fire code official or the building code official, as appropriate.
N105.2 Structural design. Multiple-level booths shall be designed and constructed in accordance with Chapter 16 of the California Building Code .
N105.3 Means of egress. Upper levels of multiple-level booths with an occupant load greater than 10 persons shall have not fewer than two exits or exit access that are separated in accordance with Section 1007.1.1.
N105.4 Automatic sprinkler systems. An approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 shall be provided in multiple-level booths exceeding 400 square feet (37.2 m [2] ) in floor area per level.
N105.5 Inspection. Inspection to verify that multiple-level booths are constructed in accordance with the construction documents and structural design details required by this section shall be approved by the building code official. N105.6 Fire alarm and detection. Each multiple-level booth with a floor area exceeding 120 square feet (11.1 m [2] ) on any level shall be provided with an approved fire alarm system in accordance with Section 907.2.
SECTION N106—COVERED BOOTHS
N106.1 Automatic sprinkler systems. An approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 shall be provided in covered booths exceeding 100 square feet (9.3 m [2] ) in floor area per level. N106.2 Fire alarm and detection. Each covered booth with a floor area exceeding 120 square feet (11.1 m [2] ) on any level shall be provided with an approved fire alarm system in accordance with Section 907.2.
CFC § 803.5.1.1 High relevance — show source text
803.5.1.1 Acceptance criteria for NFPA 265 Method B test protocol. Where testing to NFPA 265, the interior finish shall comply with the following:
- During the 40-kW exposure, flames shall not spread to the ceiling.
- The flame shall not spread to the outer extremities of the samples on the 8-foot by 12-foot (203 by 305 mm) walls.
- Flashover, as defined in NFPA 265, shall not occur.
- For newly introduced wall coverings, the total smoke released throughout the test shall not exceed 1,000 m [2] .
803.5.1.2 Unframed rigid combustible decorative material. Rigid combustible decorative material and assemblies of materials not more than [1] / 4 inch in thickness used for folding doors, room dividers, decorative screens and similar applications, which do not create concealed spaces and which are installed with exposed edges, shall be flame resistant in accordance with SFM Standard 12-7-5 contained in Title 24, Part 12, California Referenced Standards Code.
803.5.1.3 Framed rigid combustible decorative material. Rigid combustible decorative material and assemblies of materials not more than [1] / 4 inch in thickness used for folding doors, room dividers, decorative screens and similar applications, and which are installed with all edges protected, shall conform to SFM Standard 12-7-5 contained in Title 24, Part 12, California Referenced Standards Code.
803.5.2 Acceptance criteria for wall and ceiling coverings. Textile wall and ceiling coverings shall have a Class A flame spread index in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723, and be protected by an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2. Test specimen preparation and mounting shall be in accordance with ASTM E2404.
803.6 Textile ceiling coverings. Where used as interior ceiling finish materials, textile ceiling coverings, including materials having a woven, nonwoven, napped, tufted, looped or similar surface and carpet or similar textile materials, shall be tested in the manner intended for use, using the product mounting system, including adhesive, and shall comply with the requirements of Section 803.1.1 or 803.5.2.
803.7 Expanded vinyl wall coverings. Where used as interior wall finish materials, expanded vinyl wall coverings shall be tested in the manner intended for use, using the product mounting system, including adhesive, and shall comply with the requirements of Section 803.1.1, 803.5.1 or 803.5.2.
803.8 Expanded vinyl ceiling coverings. Where used as interior ceiling finish materials, expanded vinyl ceiling coverings shall be tested in the manner intended for use, using the product mounting system, including adhesive, and shall comply with the requirements of Section 803.1.1 or 803.5.2.
[BF] 803.9 High-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polypropylene (PP). Where high-density polyethylene or polypropylene is used as an interior finish, it shall comply with Section 803.1.1.
CFC § 410.2 High relevance — show source text
Exception: Stages and platforms constructed in accordance with Sections 410.2 and 410.3, respectively.
805.1.1 Subfloor construction. Floor sleepers, bucks and nailing blocks shall not be constructed of combustible materials, unless the space between the fire-resistance-rated floor assembly and the flooring is either solidly filled with noncombustible materials or fireblocked in accordance with Section 718, and provided that such open spaces shall not extend under or through permanent partitions or walls.
805.1.2 Wood finish flooring. Wood finish flooring is permitted to be attached directly to the embedded or fireblocked wood sleepers and shall be permitted where cemented directly to the top surface of fire-resistance-rated floor assemblies or directly to a wood subfloor attached to sleepers as provided for in Section 805.1.1. 805.1.3 Insulating boards. Combustible insulating boards not more than [1] / 2 inch (12.7 mm) thick and covered with finish flooring are permitted where attached directly to a noncombustible floor assembly or to wood subflooring attached to sleepers as provided for in Section 805.1.1.
SECTION 806—DECORATIVE MATERIALS AND TRIM
[F] 806.1 General. The following requirements shall apply to all occupancies:
Furnishings or decorative materials of an explosive or highly flammable character shall not be used.
Fire-retardant coatings in existing buildings shall be maintained so as to retain the effectiveness of the treatment under service conditions encountered in actual use.
Furnishings or other objects shall not be placed to obstruct exits, access thereto, egress therefrom or visibility thereof.
The permissible amount of decorative vegetation and noncombustible decorative materials shall not be limited.
[F] 806.2 Combustible decorative materials. In Groups A, B, E, I, M and R-1 and in dormitories in Group R-2, curtains, draperies, fabric hangings and similar combustible decorative materials suspended from walls or ceilings shall comply with Section 806.4 and shall not exceed 10 percent of the specific wall or ceiling area to which such materials are attached.
Fixed or movable walls and partitions, paneling, wall pads and crash pads applied structurally or for decoration, acoustical correction, surface insulation or other purposes shall be considered to be interior finish, shall comply with Section 803 and shall not be considered to be decorative materials or furnishings.
Exceptions:
In auditoriums in Group A, the permissible amount of curtains, draperies, fabric hangings and similar combustible decorative materials suspended from walls or ceilings shall not exceed 75 percent of the aggregate wall area where the building is equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, and where the material is installed in accordance with Section 803.15 of this code.
In Group R-2 dormitories, within sleeping units and dwelling units, the permissible amount of curtains, draperies, fabric hangings and similar decorative materials suspended from walls or ceiling shall not exceed 50 percent of the aggregate wall areas where the building is equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.
In Group B and M occupancies, the amount of combustible fabric partitions suspended from the ceiling and not supported by the floor shall comply with Section 806.4 and shall not be limited.
The 10-percent limit shall not apply to curtains, draperies, fabric hangings and similar combustible decorative materials used as window coverings.
CFC § 8-3 High relevance — show source text
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
CONTENTS
802 Definitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3
803 Interior Wall and Ceiling Finish in Existing Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-4 804 Interior Wall and Ceiling Trim and Interior Floor Finish in New and Existing Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-7 805 Upholstered Furniture and Mattresses in New and Existing Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-8 806 Natural Decorative Vegetation in New and Existing Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-10 807 Decorative Materials and Artificial Decorative Vegetation in New and Existing Buildings. . . . . . . 8-10 808 Furnishings Other than Upholstered Furniture and Mattresses or Decorative Materials in New and Existing Buildings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-14
CHAPTER 9 FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY
SYSTEMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-7
901 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-7
902 Definitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-11
903 Automatic Sprinkler Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-13 904 Alternative Automatic Fire-Extinguishing Systems . 9-24 905 Standpipe Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-28 906 Portable Fire Extinguishers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-31 907 Fire Alarm and Detection Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-39 908 Emergency Alarm Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-57 909 Smoke Control Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-57 910 Smoke and Heat Removal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-66
Frequently asked questions
Which CFC sections apply to new work versus existing buildings?
New buildings generally must meet the new‑work provisions in §§804–808 while existing buildings are addressed primarily in §§803–808; §801.1 states the chapter scope and how the sections apply to new and existing construction .
When are tests or flame‑retardant treatments required?
The code requires tested materials or approved flame‑retardant treatments when a product’s flame spread/smoke performance is not inherently acceptable — for example, textile or expanded‑vinyl coverings must meet Class A or specified test protocols (NFPA 265, ASTM E84/UL 723) and treated materials must be labeled and maintained per Title 19 rules .
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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Administration and Definitions
General Requirements and Emergency Planning
Fire Service Features and Fire Department Access
Fire and Smoke Protection Features (fire‑resistance, barriers)
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)
California Fire Code