CFC · California Fire Code
Decorative Materials, Artificial and Natural Decorative Vegetation
Chapter 8 of the CFC sets flame-resistance, placement and occupancy-based limits for decorative materials and natural or artificial decorative vegetation to protect egress and life safety.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
Overview
This section of the California Fire Code (CFC) governs decorative materials, natural decorative vegetation (including cut trees) and artificial decorative vegetation so they do not increase fire or panic hazards in buildings; the requirements appear in Chapter 8 (Interior Finish, Decorative Materials and Furnishings) of the CFC.
Key performance and placement rules include the natural-vegetation provisions in §806 (egress, open-flame and electrical restrictions) and the decorative-materials and artificial-vegetation requirements in §807 (combustibility limits, testing and occupancy-based controls) — for rooftop or near-building outdoor installations see the artificial-combustible-vegetation rule at §321.1 and related Building Code provisions such as CBC §419.1.
Practical effects: flame-resistance or testing documentation is required for many artificial decorations (NFPA 701 or NFPA 289 criteria), combustible decorative materials are limited by occupancy and area (with higher allowances in sprinklered spaces), and natural cut trees have explicit siting, treatment and open-flame prohibitions to protect egress and life safety. State labeling and maintenance rules under CCR Title 19 also apply to treated fabrics and materials.
In this section
- Are there special heat‑release or testing limits for foam plastics, signage, stage settings and exhibit booths?
- How much combustible decorative material is allowed on walls and ceilings?
- What are the limits for artwork and teaching materials in corridors and classrooms?
- What rules apply to natural decorative vegetation (e.g., Christmas trees)?
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Fire Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CFC § 417.2 High relevance — show source text
[F] 417.2 Piping clearance. Overhead heating pipes shall have a clearance of not less than 2 inches (51 mm) from combustible contents in the dryer.
[F] 417.3 Insulation. Where the operating temperature of the dryer is 175°F (79°C) or more, metal enclosures shall be insulated from adjacent combustible materials by not less than 12 inches (305 mm) of airspace, or the metal walls shall be lined with [1] / 4 -inch (6.4 mm) insulating mill board or other approved equivalent insulation.
[F] 417.4 Fire protection. Drying rooms designed for high-hazard materials and processes, including special occupancies as provided for in Chapter 4, shall be protected by an approved automatic fire-extinguishing system complying with the provisions of Chapter 9.
SECTION 418—ORGANIC COATINGS
[F] 418.1 Building features. Manufacturing of organic coatings shall be done only in buildings that do not have pits or basements.
[F] 418.2 Location. Organic coating manufacturing operations and operations incidental to or connected therewith shall not be located in buildings having other occupancies.
[F] 418.3 Process mills. Mills operating with close clearances and that process flammable and heat-sensitive materials, such as nitrocellulose, shall be located in a detached building or noncombustible structure.
[F] 418.4 Tank storage. Storage areas for flammable and combustible liquid tanks inside of structures shall be located at or above grade and shall be separated from the processing area by not less than 2-hour fire barriers constructed in accordance with Section 707 or horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711, or both.
[F] 418.5 Nitrocellulose storage. Nitrocellulose storage shall be located on a detached pad or in a separate structure or a room enclosed with not less than 2-hour fire barriers constructed in accordance with Section 707 or horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711, or both.
[F] 418.6 Finished products. Storage rooms for finished products that are flammable or combustible liquids shall be separated from the processing area by not less than 2-hour fire barriers constructed in accordance with Section 707 or horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711, or both.
SECTION 419—ARTIFICIAL DECORATIVE VEGETATION
[F] 419.1 Artificial decorative vegetation. Artificial decorative vegetation exceeding 6 feet (1830 mm) in height and permanently installed outdoors within 5 feet (1524 mm) of a building, or on the roof of a building, shall comply with Section 321.1 of the California Fire Code.
Exception: Artificial decorative vegetation located more than 30 feet (9144 mm) from the exterior wall of a building.
SECTION 420—GROUPS R-1, R-2, R-2.1, R-2.2, R-3, R-3.1 AND R-4
420.1 General. Occupancies in Groups R-1, R-2, R-2.1, R-2.2, R-3, R-3.1 and R-4 shall comply with the provisions of Sections 420.1 through 420.11 and other applicable provisions of this code.
CFC § 807.4 High relevance — show source text
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §1325] Labeling Required .
No drape, hanging, curtain, drop or similar decorative material or exterior fabric which has been treated by a registered flame-retardant application concern, either as yardage or after fabrication, or which is made from a registered approved fabric shall be installed after the effective date of these rules and regulations [California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 8] in any place or under any condition governed by Sections 13115 and 13119 of the Health and Safety Code unless such drape, hanging, curtain, drop, or similar decorative material or exterior fabric shall be labeled as required by California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Section 1324.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §1326] Retreatment.
In cases where instructions are issued by the State Fire Marshal requiring retreatment or replacement of fabrics or materials previously treated with a flame-retardant chemical or registered as an approved fabric or material, the retreatment or replacement shall be made within ten (10) days after date of the order so requiring. A new certificate of flame resistance covering each such retreatment shall be delivered as for an original job as is provided for by California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Section 1321. A new sample of the retreated fabric or material shall be attached to the certificate of flame resistance submitted to the State Fire Marshal.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §1327] Installation.
The standard fire-resistance tests presume installation of approved registered fabrics in a normal vertical position. Some decorative materials installed otherwise, such as in narrow strips or suspended overhead in a horizontal position, may exhibit different burning characteristics. Since it is not feasible to devise tests for all such installations differing from normal, they must be judged on an individual basis. Where indicated, the State Fire Marshal may perform such additional tests as he deems necessary to ensure adequate fire resis- tance of materials as installed.
807.4 Artificial decorative vegetation. Artificial decorative vegetation shall comply with this section and the requirements of Sections 806.2 and 806.3. Natural decorative vegetation shall comply with Section 806.
Exception: Testing of artificial vegetation is not required in Group I-1; Group I-2, Condition 1; Group R-2; Group R-3; or Group R-4 occupancies equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1, where such artificial vegetation complies with the following:
Wreaths and other decorative items on doors shall not obstruct the door operation and shall not exceed 50 percent of the surface area of the door.
Decorative artificial vegetation shall be limited to not more than 30 percent of the wall area to which it is attached.
Decorative artificial vegetation not on doors or walls shall not exceed 3 feet (914 mm) in any dimension.
807.4.1 Flammability. Artificial decorative vegetation shall meet the flame propagation performance criteria of Test Method 1 or Test Method 2, as appropriate, of NFPA 701. Meeting such criteria shall be documented and certified by the manufacturer in an approved manner. Alternatively, the artificial decorative vegetation shall be tested in accordance with NFPA 289, using the 20 kW ignition source, and shall have a maximum heat release rate of 100 kW.
CFC § 807.4 High relevance — show source text
807.4 Artificial decorative vegetation. Artificial decorative vegetation shall comply with this section and the requirements of Sections 806.2 and 806.3. Natural decorative vegetation shall comply with Section 806.
Exception: Testing of artificial vegetation is not required in Group I-1; Group I-2, Condition 1; Group R-2; Group R-3; or Group R-4 occupancies equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1, where such artificial vegetation complies with the following:
Wreaths and other decorative items on doors shall not obstruct the door operation and shall not exceed 50 percent of the surface area of the door.
Decorative artificial vegetation shall be limited to not more than 30 percent of the wall area to which it is attached.
Decorative artificial vegetation not on doors or walls shall not exceed 3 feet (914 mm) in any dimension.
807.4.1 Flammability. Artificial decorative vegetation shall meet the flame propagation performance criteria of Test Method 1 or Test Method 2, as appropriate, of NFPA 701. Meeting such criteria shall be documented and certified by the manufacturer in an approved manner. Alternatively, the artificial decorative vegetation shall be tested in accordance with NFPA 289, using the 20 kW ignition source, and shall have a maximum heat release rate of 100 kW.
807.4.2 Electrical fixtures and wiring on artificial vegetation. The use of unlisted electrical wiring and lighting on artificial decorative vegetation shall be prohibited. The use of electrical wiring and lighting on artificial trees constructed entirely of metal shall be prohibited.
807.5 Occupancy-based requirements. Occupancies shall comply with Sections 807.5.1 through 807.5.6.
807.5.1 Group A. In Group A occupancies, the requirements in Sections 807.5.1.1 through 807.5.1.4 shall apply.
807.5.1.1 Foam plastics. Exposed foam plastic materials and unprotected materials containing foam plastic used for decorative purposes or stage scenery or exhibit booths shall have a maximum heat release rate of 100 kW when tested in accordance with UL 1975, or when tested in accordance with NFPA 289 using the 20 kW ignition source.
Exceptions:
- Individual foam plastic items or items containing foam plastic where the foam plastic does not exceed 1 pound (0.45 kg) in weight.
- Cellular or foam plastic shall be allowed for trim in accordance with Section 804.2.
807.5.1.2 Motion picture screens. The screens on which motion pictures are projected in new and existing buildings of Group A shall either meet the flame propagation performance criteria of Test Method 1 or Test Method 2, as appropriate, of NFPA 701 or shall comply with the requirements for a Class B interior finish in accordance with Section 803 of the California Building Code.
807.5.1.2.1 Motion picture and television production studio sound stages. Approved production facilities and production locations with live audiences .
807.5.1.2.2 Foam plastics, decorations, textile and film materials. Foam plastics, textile and film materials and other deco- rative materials and materials containing foam plastics shall be in accordance with the following:
1. Exhibit booth construction shall have a maximum heat-release rate of 100 kilowatts when tested in accordance with
UL 1975.
8-12 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE
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 § 8-3 High relevance — show source text
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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
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
CFC § 806.2 Medium 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 § 418.5 Medium relevance — show source text
[F] 418.5 Nitrocellulose storage. Nitrocellulose storage shall be located on a detached pad or in a separate structure or a room enclosed with not less than 2-hour fire barriers constructed in accordance with Section 707 or horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711, or both.
[F] 418.6 Finished products. Storage rooms for finished products that are flammable or combustible liquids shall be separated from the processing area by not less than 2-hour fire barriers constructed in accordance with Section 707 or horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711, or both.
SECTION 419—ARTIFICIAL DECORATIVE VEGETATION
[F] 419.1 Artificial decorative vegetation. Artificial decorative vegetation exceeding 6 feet (1830 mm) in height and permanently installed outdoors within 5 feet (1524 mm) of a building, or on the roof of a building, shall comply with Section 321.1 of the California Fire Code.
Exception: Artificial decorative vegetation located more than 30 feet (9144 mm) from the exterior wall of a building.
SECTION 420—GROUPS R-1, R-2, R-2.1, R-2.2, R-3, R-3.1 AND R-4
420.1 General. Occupancies in Groups R-1, R-2, R-2.1, R-2.2, R-3, R-3.1 and R-4 shall comply with the provisions of Sections 420.1 through 420.11 and other applicable provisions of this code.
420.2 Separation walls. Walls separating dwelling units in the same building, walls separating sleeping units in the same building, walls separating dwelling units from sleeping units in the same building and walls separating dwelling or sleeping units from other occupancies contiguous to them in the same building shall be constructed as fire partitions in accordance with Section 708.
420.3 Horizontal separation. Floor assemblies separating dwelling units in the same buildings, floor assemblies separating sleeping units in the same building, floor assemblies separating dwelling units from sleeping units in the same building and floor assemblies separating dwelling or sleeping units from other occupancies contiguous to them in the same building shall be constructed as horizontal assemblies in accordance with Section 711.
[F] 420.4 Automatic sprinkler system. Group R occupancies shall be equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.2.8. Group R-2.2 shall be equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1. Group R-2.1 occupancies shall be equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.2.6. Quick-response or residential automatic sprinklers shall be installed in accordance with Section 903.3.2.
CFC § 806.1.4 Medium relevance — show source text
806.1.4 Fire-retardant treatments for natural cut trees. Where fire-retardant treatments are applied to natural cut trees, the fire-retardant treatment shall be tested by an approved agency and 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.
[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.
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.
8-10 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE
CFC § 8-6 Medium relevance — show source text
8-6 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE
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INTERIOR FINISHES
804.4.3 Group I-2 and Group I-3 occupancy floor surfaces. Interior floor finish and floor coverings occupied by inmates or patients whose personal liberties are restrained shall be noncombustible.
Exception: Carpet or other floor covering materials may be used in areas protected by an automatic sprinkler system installed throughout in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1. Carpet or other floor coverings shall comply with the requirements of ASTM Stan- dard E648; the minimum critical radiant flux shall be not less than Class I and the specific optical density smoke rating shall not exceed 450 per ASTM E662. Carpeting and carpet padding shall be tested as a unit in accordance with floor covering radiant panel test meeting class 1 and has a critical radiant flux limit of not less than 0.45 watt per centimeter square. The carpeting and padding shall be identified by a hang-tag or other suitable method as to manufacturer and style and shall indicate the classifica- tion of the material based on the limits set forth above.
SECTION 805—COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS IN TYPES I AND II CONSTRUCTION
805.1 Application. Combustible materials installed on or embedded in floors of buildings of Type I or II construction shall comply with Sections 805.1.1 through 805.1.3.
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.
CFC § 105.5.11 Medium relevance — show source text
Permit 105.5.11
Requirements 5503 Underground storage tanks 5806.4.5 Cryogenic Vessel Defined 202
Current Taps 603.5.2 Custodial Care (Occupancy Group I) [see Institutional (Group I), Day Care and Residential (Group R)] 202, 203 Cutting and Welding (see Welding and Other Hot Work) Cylinder Defined 202
Damper Defined 202 Danger, Imminent 115.2 Day Box (Magazine, Type 3) 202 Defined 202
Day Care (Group I-4) Table 1004.5,
1006.2.2.4
Dead End 1020.5, 1021.1 Decorations 807
Exit obstruction 1032.6
Decorative Materials 807
Defined 202 Decorative Vegetation Artificial 807.4
Natural 06
Defend-In-Place 202, 1020.3 Defueling Aircraft 2006.5 Hydrogen fuel tanks 2309.6 Delayed Egress Locks 1010.2.12.1, 1032.2.1 Delivered Audio Quality (DAQ) 202 Deluge System 202, 903.4.1, 2805.2 Demolition of Buildings Fire Safety Chapter 33
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INDEX
Electrostatic Apparatus 2407 Electrostatic Fluidized Bed 202
Elevator Group 202 Emergency voice/alarm communication system in 907.5.2.2 Elevator Hoistways 704.1, 1103.4 Pressurization 909.21
Water protection 604.5.4 Elevator Keys, Fire Service (see Keys, Fire Service Elevator) Elevator Keys, Nonstandardized Fire Service Key boxes for 506.1.2 Elevator Recall/Emergency Operation 604 Emergency Alarm System 908, 5004.9, 5005.4.4
Defined 202 Emergency Breakaway Devices 2306.7.5.1, 2307.6.3 Emergency Control Station 2703.1 Defined 202 Emergency Escape and Rescue Opening 202, 1031 Maintenance 1032.7 Emergency Evacuation Drill 405 Defined 202 Frequency 405.3, Table 405.3 Emergency Lighting Equipment Inspection and testing 1032.10 Emergency Planning and Preparedness Chapter 4 Emergency Power Systems 202, 1203 Emergency Relief Venting 2306.6.2.5, 5704.2.7.4 Emergency Repairs 105.1.4 Emergency Responder Enhancement Communications Coverage System 202, 510 Active RF-emitting device 202, 510.4.2.1, 510.4.2.4, 510.5.2.1 Existing buildings 1103.2 High-rise buildings 914.3.6 Passive RF-emitting device 202 Permits 105.6.
CFC § 410.2 Medium 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 § 320.5.5 Medium relevance — show source text
320.5.5 Spill control. Spill control supplies shall be provided to control liquid electrolyte spills. The method shall be capable of controlling a spill from the single largest battery stored or handled.
320.5.6 Hazard warning signage. The entrances to battery storage areas shall be provided with warning signage that states, “BATTERY STORAGE AREA” and “ENERGIZED ELECTRICAL DEVICES” and lists the types of batteries present. The size, color, and letter- ing shall be approved.
SECTION 321—ARTIFICIAL COMBUSTIBLE VEGETATION
321.1 Artificial combustible vegetation on roofs and near buildings. Artificial combustible vegetation exceeding 6 feet (1829 mm) in height and permanently installed outdoors within 5 feet (1524 mm) of a building or on the roof of a building shall comply with Section 807.4.1. The placement of artificial combustible vegetation shall also comply with Sections 806.3 and 807.4.2.
Exception: Artificial decorative vegetation located more than 30 feet (9144 mm) from the exterior wall of a building.
SECTION 322—POWERED MICROMOBILITY DEVICES
322.1 General. Lithium-ion and lithium metal battery powered micromobility devices shall be operated and maintained in accordance with this section.
Exceptions:
- Storage, repair and charging in residential occupancies of powered mobility devices, provided that such devices are for personal use by its owner.
- Charging of a single powered mobility device in any occupancy by its owner.
322.1.1 Prohibited locations. The use of a residential occupancy as a business for the charging of commercially owned powered micromobility devices as part of a rental or sales service shall not be permitted.
322.2 Battery chargers and equipment. Powered micromobility devices shall be charged in accordance with their listing and the manufacturer’s instructions using only the original equipment manufacturer-supplied charging equipment or charging equipment in accordance with the listing and manufacturer’s instructions.
322.3 Listing. Powered micromobility devices shall be listed and labeled in accordance with UL 2272 or UL 2849, as applicable.
322.4 Battery charging areas. Where approved, powered micromobility devices shall permitted to be charged in a room or area that complies with all of the following:
- Only listed devices utilizing listed charging equipment shall be permitted to be charged.
- Is provided with sufficient electrical receptacles to allow the charging equipment for each device to be directly connected to a receptacle. Extension cords and relocatable power taps shall not be used.
- Storage of combustible materials, combustible waste or hazardous materials shall not be permitted.
- The charging operation shall not be conducted in or obstruct any required means of egress.
2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE 3-19
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
Frequently asked questions
When must artificial decorative vegetation be tested or certified?
Artificial decorative vegetation must meet the flame-propagation criteria of NFPA 701 (Test Method 1 or 2) or be tested per NFPA 289 (20 kW ignition source, max heat-release 100 kW), and the manufacturer must document compliance; limited exceptions apply for certain sprinklered occupancies but dimension/area limits remain.
Can natural cut trees be placed in exits, corridors or lobbies?
No. Natural cut trees are not permitted within an exit, corridor, lobby or vestibule; they must also be kept away from open flames and heat sources and, where treated, treatments must be maintained per State Fire Marshal requirements.
Are there extra restrictions for outdoor or rooftop artificial vegetation?
Yes. Artificial combustible vegetation exceeding 6 feet in height that is permanently installed outdoors within 5 feet of a building or on a roof must comply with the artificial-combustible-vegetation provisions (see §321.1) and related Building Code rules (CBC §419.1).
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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