CFC · California Fire Code

What are the limits for artwork and teaching materials in corridors and classrooms?

Q: Can I cover an entire classroom wall if the material is noncombustible?

The code sets the 50% limit per specific wall for classrooms without distinguishing combustible vs. noncombustible in these subsections; the numeric limit applies as written in § 807.5.5.3 . The fire code official may consider material characteristics when evaluating hazard, but the percentage cap remains the primary requirement .

Q: Do the corridor and classroom limits add together across a room?

No. For classrooms the 50% limit is applied to the specific wall area where material is attached; for corridors the 20% limit is applied to corridor wall area. These are separate measurements and not a pooled total; apply the correct percentage to the correct wall/space per § 807.5.5.2 and § 807.5.5.3 .

Q: What if my building is Group E (a public school)?

Group E has parallel provisions: § 807.5.2.2 (corridors 20%) and § 807.5.2.3 (classrooms 50%) — apply those sections for Group E occupancies rather than the I‑4 subsections .

In California Fire Code Group I‑4 occupancies, artwork/teaching materials on corridor walls may cover up to 20% of the wall area and in classrooms up to 50% of the specific wall where they’re attached; measure wall area and document the math for inspections (see **§ 807.5.5.2** and **§ 807.5.5.3**) .

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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

What the code requires — 2-4 sentences

In Group I-4 occupancies, artwork and teaching materials on corridor walls are limited to not more than 20 percent of the wall area (§ 807.5.5.2) and in classrooms are limited to not more than 50 percent of the specific wall area to which they are attached (§ 807.5.5.3) . These are quantitative, area‑based limits intended to reduce combustible finish load and limit fire spread in child‑care/educational (I‑4) settings; the limits are applied to the wall area where the material is attached rather than to floor area or overall room furnishing density .

The single most important rule: keep corridor wall coverings to a maximum of 20% of the wall area and classroom wall coverings to a maximum of 50% of the wall area where they are placed as required by § 807.5.5.2 and § 807.5.5.3.

Requirements in detail

Applicability

These limits are part of the Group I‑4 requirements (Group I‑4 occupancies shall comply with Sections 807.5.5.1–807.5.5.3) — they apply to I‑4 occupancies (child‑care/educational institutional settings) unless another occupancy chapter supplies a different limit .
Similar rules appear for Group E (schools) in Sections 807.5.2.2 and 807.5.2.3, which set the same numeric limits for corridors and classrooms in Group E occupancies; see Related Provisions below for those sections .

What exactly is limited

Artwork and teaching materials placed on walls are measured as area of the material (aggregate) divided by the applicable wall area.
For corridors the code uses the phrase “walls of corridors” — limit is 20% of the wall area (§ 807.5.5.2) .
For classrooms the code specifies “the specific wall area to which they are attached” — limit is 50% of that specific wall area (§ 807.5.5.3) .

Decision‑relevant dimensions / values

Location	Maximum allowed coverage	How measured	Code Reference
Corridor walls	20% of the wall area	Area of artwork ÷ total wall area (corridor)	§ 807.5.5.2
Classroom walls	50% of the specific wall area to which attached	Area of artwork on a given wall ÷ that wall’s area	§ 807.5.5.3

Notes on measurement:

“Wall area” means the vertical surface area (width × height) of the wall segment considered. The code text uses “wall area” and “specific wall area” — for classrooms treat each wall individually (the limit applies to the specific wall area to which material is attached) .
The code does not prescribe a different allowance for framed vs. unframed or combustible vs. noncombustible paper, but placement and material may be evaluated by the fire code official for hazard — the numeric limits above are the stated requirements .

Exceptions & special cases

These two sections are embedded under the Group I‑4 header (807.5.5). If another section of Chapter 8 or an occupancy‑specific section has a different limit for the same space, the occupancy section governs; check the applicable occupancy chapter (for example, Group E has parallel provisions at 807.5.2.2/.3) .
The code text does not list additional numeric exceptions for these two subsections themselves. Other nearby subsections (e.g., storage and access exceptions for corridors) exist but do not change the artwork percentage limits — those exceptions address storage of personal effects, sprinklers, alarm protection, etc. (see § 807.5.5.1) .
The fire code official retains authority to require additional restrictions or removal if the materials create an undue fire hazard; where the code says materials must be “of limited quantities such that a hazard…is not present,” that is a qualitative standard applied where numeric limits are not specified (see related sections for I‑2/R‑2.1) .

Common mistakes

Measuring incorrectly: applying the 50% classroom allowance to the entire room rather than to the specific wall area where the artwork is attached. The code language for classrooms is explicitly per specific wall area (§ 807.5.5.3) .
Counting trim, doors, or large windows in the denominator without adjusting: if a wall contains large openings, measure the actual vertical wall area available (subtract door/window openings if you’re calculating surface area actually available for attachment) — the code speaks to wall area as the surface to which materials are attached.
Confusing occupancy applicability: using the I‑4 percentages in a different occupancy without checking that the space is actually Group I‑4 (schools may be Group E and have parallel sections § 807.5.2.2/.3) .
Assuming noncombustible backing or framing automatically makes the materials unrestricted — the numeric limits still apply unless another code provision says otherwise.

Worked example — concrete scenario

Scenario A — Classroom wall:

Classroom north wall is 12 ft wide and 8 ft high → wall area = 12 × 8 = 96 ft².
Classroom limit: 50% of the specific wall area (§ 807.5.5.3) → allowed artwork area = 0.50 × 96 = 48 ft².
If each poster is 2 ft × 3 ft = 6 ft², you may place up to 8 such posters (8 × 6 = 48 ft²) on that wall without exceeding the limit .

Scenario B — Corridor:

Corridor wall run (continuous area you plan to treat) is 40 ft long and 9 ft high → wall area = 360 ft².
Corridor limit: 20% of wall area (§ 807.5.5.2) → allowed artwork area = 0.20 × 360 = 72 ft².
That could be, for example, 9 bulletin boards of 8 ft² each (9 × 8 = 72 ft²) spread along that run without exceeding the corridor limit .

When calculating, always document your math and be prepared to show measurements to the fire code official during an inspection.

Related provisions

§ 807.5.5.1 — Storage in corridors and lobbies; lists prohibitions and exceptions for storing clothing/personal effects in corridors (Group I‑4 context) .
§ 807.5.2.2 — Artwork in corridors (Group E occupancies): 20% corridor wall limit (parallel provision for schools) .
§ 807.5.2.3 — Artwork in classrooms (Group E occupancies): 50% classroom wall limit (parallel provision for schools) .
§ 807.5.3 (and subparts) — Decorative materials limits for Groups I‑1, I‑2 and R‑2.1 (different numeric limits and sprinkler‑conditioned exceptions) — see for occupancies with patients/residents where other percentages or restrictions apply .
Chapter 8 general context: Chapter 8 — Interior finish, decorative materials and furnishings provides definitions and broader context for how decorative materials are regulated in the CFC .

Code references

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

CFC § 807.5.3.3 High relevance — show source text
807.5.3.3 In Group s I-2 and R-2.1 . In Group I-2 and R-2.1 occupancies, equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, combustible decorative materials placed on walls shall be limited to not more than 30 percent of the wall area to which they are attached.

807.5.3.4 Other areas in Groups I-2 and R-2.1 . In Group I-2 and R-2.1 occupancies, in areas not equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system, combustible decorative materials shall be of such limited quantities that a hazard of fire development or spread is not present.

807.5.4 Group I-3. In Group I-3, combustible decorative materials are prohibited.

807.5.5 Group I-4. Group I-4 occupancies shall comply with the requirements in Sections 807.5.5.1 through 807.5.5.3.

807.5.5.1 Storage in corridors and lobbies. Clothing and personal effects shall not be stored in corridors and lobbies.

Exceptions:
1. Corridors protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
2. Corridors protected by an approved fire alarm system installed in accordance with Section 907.
3. Storage in metal lockers, provided that the minimum required egress width is maintained.
807.5.5.2 Artwork in corridors. Artwork and teaching materials shall be limited on walls of corridors to not more than 20 percent of the wall area.

807.5.5.3 Artwork in classrooms. Artwork and teaching materials shall be limited on walls of classrooms to not more than 50 percent of the specific wall area to which they are attached.

807.5.6 Dormitories in Group R-2. In Group R-2 dormitories, within sleeping units and dwelling units, the combustible decorative materials shall be of limited quantities such that a hazard of fire development or spread is not present.

807.5.7 Group F-1 motion picture and television production studio sound stages, approved production facilities and production locations without live audiences.

807.5.7.1 Foam plastics, decorations, textile and film materials. Foam plastics, textile and film materials and other decorative 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.

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INTERIOR FINISH, DECORATIVE MATERIALS AND FURNISHINGS

2. Decorative objects, including but not limited to mannequins, murals and signs, shall have a maximum heat-release rate of 150 kilowatts when tested in accordance with UL 1975.
CFC § 807.5.2 High relevance — show source text
807.5.2 Group E. Group E occupancies shall comply with Sections 807.5.2.1 through 807.5.2.3.

807.5.2.1 Storage in corridors and lobbies. Clothing and personal effects shall not be stored in corridors and lobbies.

Exceptions:
1. Corridors protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
2. Corridors protected by an approved fire alarm system installed in accordance with Section 907.
3. Storage in metal lockers, provided the minimum required egress width is maintained.
807.5.2.2 Artwork in corridors. Artwork and teaching materials shall be limited on the walls of corridors to not more than 20 percent of the wall area.

807.5.2.3 Artwork in classrooms. Artwork and teaching materials shall be limited on walls of classrooms to not more than 50 percent of the specific wall area to which they are attached.

807.5.3 Groups I-1 and R-2.1 . In Group I-1 and I-2 occupancies, combustible decorative materials shall comply with Sections 807.5.3.1 through 807.5.3.4.

807.5.3.1 Group R-2.1 within units. In Group R-2.1 occupancies, equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, within sleeping units and dwelling units, combustible decorative materials placed on walls shall be limited to not more than 50 percent of the wall area to which they are attached.

807.5.3.2 In Group R-2.1 for areas other than within units. In Group R-2.1 occupancies, equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, combustible decorative materials placed on walls in areas other than within dwelling and sleeping units shall be limited to not more than 30 percent of the wall area to which they are attached.

807.5.3.3 In Group s I-2 and R-2.1 . In Group I-2 and R-2.1 occupancies, equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, combustible decorative materials placed on walls shall be limited to not more than 30 percent of the wall area to which they are attached.

807.5.3.4 Other areas in Groups I-2 and R-2.1 . In Group I-2 and R-2.1 occupancies, in areas not equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system, combustible decorative materials shall be of such limited quantities that a hazard of fire development or spread is not present.

807.5.4 Group I-3. In Group I-3, combustible decorative materials are prohibited.

807.5.5 Group I-4. Group I-4 occupancies shall comply with the requirements in Sections 807.5.5.1 through 807.5.5.3.

807.5.5.1 Storage in corridors and lobbies. Clothing and personal effects shall not be stored in corridors and lobbies.

Exceptions:
CFC § 807.5.5.2 High relevance — show source text
807.5.5.2 Artwork in corridors. Artwork and teaching materials shall be limited on walls of corridors to not more than 20 percent of the wall area.

807.5.5.3 Artwork in classrooms. Artwork and teaching materials shall be limited on walls of classrooms to not more than 50 percent of the specific wall area to which they are attached.

807.5.6 Dormitories in Group R-2. In Group R-2 dormitories, within sleeping units and dwelling units, the combustible decorative materials shall be of limited quantities such that a hazard of fire development or spread is not present.

807.5.7 Group F-1 motion picture and television production studio sound stages, approved production facilities and production locations without live audiences.

807.5.7.1 Foam plastics, decorations, textile and film materials. Foam plastics, textile and film materials and other decorative 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.

2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE 8-13

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INTERIOR FINISH, DECORATIVE MATERIALS AND FURNISHINGS

2. Decorative objects, including but not limited to mannequins, murals and signs, shall have a maximum heat-release rate of 150 kilowatts when tested in accordance with UL 1975.

Exception: When the aggregate area of murals, signs or similar decorative objects occupies less than 10 percent of the floor or wall area, this requirement may be waived by the fire chief. 3. Theater, motion picture and television stage settings with or without horizontal projections and simulated caves or caverns shall have a maximum heat-release rate of 100 kilowatts when tested in accordance with UL 1975.

SECTION 808—FURNISHINGS OTHER THAN UPHOLSTERED FURNITURE AND

MATTRESSES OR DECORATIVE MATERIALS IN NEW AND EXISTING BUILDINGS

808.1 Waste and linen containers in Group I-1, I-2 and I-3 occupancies and ambulatory care facilities. Waste and linen containers located in Group I-2, I-3 and R-2.1 occupancies and ambulatory care facilities shall comply with Section 304.3.6.

808.2 Signs. Foam plastic signs that are not affixed to interior building surfaces shall have a maximum heat release rate of 150 kW when tested in accordance with UL 1975, or when tested in accordance with NFPA 289 using the 20-kW ignition source.

Exception: Where the aggregate area of foam plastic signs is less than 10 percent of the floor area or wall area of the room or space in which the signs are located, whichever is less, subject to the approval of the fire code official.

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §3.19(b) and (c) Housekeeping.
CFC § 8-12 High relevance — show source text
1. Exhibit booth construction shall have a maximum heat-release rate of 100 kilowatts when tested in accordance with

UL 1975.

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INTERIOR FINISH, DECORATIVE MATERIALS AND FURNISHINGS

2. Decorative objects, including but not limited to mannequins, murals and signs, shall have a maximum heat-release rate of 150 kilowatts when tested in accordance with UL 1975.

Exception: When the aggregate area of murals, signs or similar decorative objects occupies less than 10 percent of the floor or wall area, this requirement may be waived by the fire chief. 3. Theater, motion picture and television stage settings with or without horizontal projections and simulated caves or caverns shall have a maximum heat-release rate of 100 kilowatts when tested in accordance with UL 1975.

807.5.1.3 Wood use in places of religious worship. In places of religious worship, wood used for ornamental purposes, trusses, paneling or chancel furnishing shall not be limited.

807.5.1.4 Pyroxylin plastic. Imitation leather or other material consisting of or coated with a pyroxylin or similarly hazardous base shall not be used.

807.5.2 Group E. Group E occupancies shall comply with Sections 807.5.2.1 through 807.5.2.3.

807.5.2.1 Storage in corridors and lobbies. Clothing and personal effects shall not be stored in corridors and lobbies.

Exceptions:
1. Corridors protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
2. Corridors protected by an approved fire alarm system installed in accordance with Section 907.
3. Storage in metal lockers, provided the minimum required egress width is maintained.
807.5.2.2 Artwork in corridors. Artwork and teaching materials shall be limited on the walls of corridors to not more than 20 percent of the wall area.

807.5.2.3 Artwork in classrooms. Artwork and teaching materials shall be limited on walls of classrooms to not more than 50 percent of the specific wall area to which they are attached.

807.5.3 Groups I-1 and R-2.1 . In Group I-1 and I-2 occupancies, combustible decorative materials shall comply with Sections 807.5.3.1 through 807.5.3.4.

807.5.3.1 Group R-2.1 within units. In Group R-2.1 occupancies, equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, within sleeping units and dwelling units, combustible decorative materials placed on walls shall be limited to not more than 50 percent of the wall area to which they are attached.
CFC § 7-3 Medium relevance — show source text
702 Building Elements and Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3

703 Fire Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4

704 Means of Egress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4

705 Reroofing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4

706 Structural. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5

707 Reserved . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-6

708 Energy Conservation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-6

CHAPTER 8 ALTERATIONS—LEVEL 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-3

801 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3

802 Building Elements and Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3

803 Fire Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-5

804 Means of Egress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-5

805 Structural. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9

806 Electrical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-10

807 Mechanical. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-10

808 Reserved . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-10

809 Energy Conservation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-10

CHAPTER 9 ALTERATIONS—LEVEL 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-3

901 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
CFC § 803.13 Medium relevance — show source text
Interior finishes Table 803.13, 804 Live load Table 1607.1 Means of egress Corridors 1020.3

Stairway, exit access 1019

Travel distance 407, 1006.3, 1017.2,

1006.2.1

Mixed occupancies 508.3, 508.4 Occupancy exceptions 303.1.1, 303.1.2, 308.5.1, 308.5.4, 310.4.1 Plumbing fixtures Chapter 29 Risk category Table 1604.5 Standby, emergency power 2702.2 Insulation

Concealed 720.2

Duct insulation 720.1

Exposed 720.3 Fiberboard 720.1, Table 1508.2, 2303.1.6.2, 2303.1.6.3 Foam plastic (see Foam Plastics) 720.1

Loose fill 720.4, 720.6 Pipe insulation 720.1, 720.7 Reflective plastic core 2614 Roof 720.5, 1508 Sound 720, 807, 1206 Thermal 720, 807, 1508 Interior Environment Lighting 1204 Rodentproofing Appendix F Sound transmission 1206

Space dimensions 1208 Temperature control 1203 Ventilation 409.3, 414.3, 415.9.1.7,

1202.5

Yards or courts 1205.2, 1205.3 Interior Finishes Chapter 8 Acoustical ceiling systems 807, 808 Application 803.13, 804.4 Atriums 404.8 Children’s play structures 424 Covered and open mall buildings 402.6

Decorative materials 419, 802.3, 806 Floor finish 804, 805 Foam plastic insulation 2603.3, 2603.4 Foam plastic trim 806.6.1, 2604.2 Insulation 807 Light-transmitting plastics 2606 Signs 402.6.4, 2611 Site-fabricated stretch systems 803.10 Trim 806.6, 806.7 Wall and ceiling finishes 803 Wet location 1210 Intermodal Shipping Container 3114 Interpretation, Code 104.1

Jails [see Institutional (see Group I-3)] 308.5, 408 Joint Gypsum board 2508.5 Lumber sheathing 2308.11.10 Waterproofing 1805.3.3 Joints, Fire-resistant Systems 715 Special inspection 1705.18

Kiosks 402.6.2

Kitchens 303.3, 306.2 Accessibility 1133A, 11B-212 Dimensions 1209 Means of egress 1016.2 Occupant load Table 1004.5 Sinks Chapter 29

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INDEX

Marquees 3106, H113 Construction 3106.5
CFC § 407.3 Medium relevance — show source text
Smoke partitions 407.3 Sprinkler protection 407.7, 903.2.6, 903.3.2

Yards 407.10

Institutional I-3 [see Institutional Occupancy (see Group I)] 308.4, 408 Accessibility Chapter 11B Alarm and detection 408.10, 907.2.6.3 Combustible decorations 806.1 Means of egress 408.2, 408.3, 408.4 Occupancy condition 308.4 Security glazing 408.7 Separation 408.5, 408.6 Smoke barrier 408.6

Smoke compartment 408.4.1, 408.6, 408.9 Sprinkler protection 408.11, 903.2.6 Standby/emergency power 2702.2 Institutional I-4 [see Institutional Occupancy (Group I)] 308.5 Accessibility Chapter 11B Adult care 308.5

Alarms and detection 907.2.6

Child care 308.5

Educational 308.5.1 Means of egress Table 1006.2.1, Table 1017.2

Corridor 1020.2

Hardware 1010.2.7, 1010.2.12.1 Sprinkler protection 903.2.6 Institutional Occupancy (Group I) 308 Accessory 508.2 Adult care 308.5

Area 503, 505, 506, 507, 508 Child care 303.1.3, 308.5, 310.4 Group specific provisions Group I-1 (see Institutional I-1) 308.2 Group I-2 (see Institutional I-2) 407, 308.3 Group I-3 (see Institutional I-3) 408, 308.4 Group I-4 (see Institutional I-4) 308.1, 308.5 Height 503, 504, 505, 508 Incidental uses 509

Interior finishes Table 803.13, 804 Live load Table 1607.1 Means of egress Corridors 1020.3

Stairway, exit access 1019

Travel distance 407, 1006.3, 1017.2,

1006.2.1

Mixed occupancies 508.3, 508.4 Occupancy exceptions 303.1.1, 303.1.2, 308.5.1, 308.5.4, 310.4.1 Plumbing fixtures Chapter 29 Risk category Table 1604.5 Standby, emergency power 2702.2 Insulation

Concealed 720.2

Duct insulation 720.1

Exposed 720.3 Fiberboard 720.1, Table 1508.2, 2303.1.6.2, 2303.1.6.3 Foam plastic (see Foam Plastics) 720.1

Loose fill 720.4, 720.6 Pipe insulation 720.1, 720.7 Reflective plastic core 2614 Roof 720.5, 1508 Sound 720, 807, 1206 Thermal 720, 807, 1508 Interior Environment Lighting 1204 Rodentproofing Appendix F Sound transmission 1206
CFC § 8-5 Medium relevance — show source text
803 Fire Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-5

804 Means of Egress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-5

805 Structural. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9

806 Electrical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-10

807 Mechanical. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-10

808 Reserved . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-10

809 Energy Conservation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-10

CHAPTER 9 ALTERATIONS—LEVEL 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-3

901 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3

902 Special Use and Occupancy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3

903 Building Elements and Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3

904 Fire Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-4

905 Means of Egress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-4

906 Structural. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-4

907 Energy Conservation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-4

908 Emergency Responder Communications Enhancement System Coverage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-5

CHAPTER 10 CHANGE OF OCCUPANCY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10-3

1001 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3

1002 Special Use and Occupancy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3

1003 Building Elements and Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3
CFC § 7-4 Medium 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 § 1607.15 Medium relevance — show source text

L, AND MINIMUM CONCENTRATED LIVE LOADS—continued 0	Col2	Col3	Col4	Col5	Col6
OCCUPANCY OR USE	OCCUPANCY OR USE	OCCUPANCY OR USE	UNIFORM (psf)	CONCENTRATE D (pounds)	ALSO SEE SECTION
28.	Roofs—continued	Primary roof members exposed to a work floor:	Primary roof members exposed to a work floor:	Primary roof members exposed to a work floor:	Section 1607.15
28.	Roofs—continued	Single panel point of lower chord of roof trusses or any point along primary structural members supporting roofs over manufacturing, storage warehouses, and repair garages	—	2,000	2,000
28.	Roofs—continued	All other primary roof members	—	300	300
28.	Roofs—continued	All roof surfaces subject to mainte- nance workers	—	300	300
29.	Schools	Classrooms	40	1,000	—
29.	Schools	Corridors above first floor	80	1,000	1,000
29.	Schools	First-floor corridors	100	1,000	1,000
30.	Scuttles, skylight ribs and accessible ceilings	Scuttles, skylight ribs and accessible ceilings	—	200	—
31.	Sidewalks, vehicular driveways and yards, subject to trucking	Sidewalks, vehicular driveways and yards, subject to trucking	250b	8,000	Section 1607.19
32.	Stairs and exits	One- and two-family dwellings	40	300	Section 1607.20
32.	Stairs and exits	All other	100	300	Section 1607.20
33.	Storage areas above ceilings	Storage areas above ceilings	20	—	—
34.	Storage warehouses (shall be designed for heavier loads if required for antici- pated storage)	Heavy	250b	—	—
34.	Storage warehouses (shall be designed for heavier loads if required for antici- pated storage)	Light	125b	125b	125b
35.	Stores	Retail:	Retail:		—
35.	Stores	First floor	100	1,000	1,000
35.	Stores	Upper floors	75	1,000	1,000
35.	Stores	Wholesale, all floors	125b	1,000	1,000
36.	Vehicle barriers	Vehicle barriers	See Section 1607.11	See Section 1607.11	—
37.	Walkways and elevated platforms (other than exitways)	Walkways and elevated platforms (other than exitways)	60	—	—
38.	Yards and terraces, pedestrian	Yards and terraces, pedestrian	100a	—	—
39.	*[OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5]*Storage racks and wall-hung cabinets.	*[OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5]*_Storage racks and wall-hung cabinets.

CFC § 0.15 Medium relevance — show source text
15|2|—
| |Daycare sickroom|5|0.15|3|—
| |Classrooms (ages 5–8)|25|0.15|1|—
| |Classrooms (age 9–18)|25|0.15|1|—| |Lecture/postsecondary classroom|25|0.15|1|F| |Lecture hall (fixed seats)|-71|0.15|1|F
| |Art classroom|25|0.15|2|—
| |Science laboratories|25|0.15|2|—
| |University/college laboratories|25|0.15|2|—
| |Wood/metal shop|10|0.15|2|—
| |Computer lab|25|0.15|1|—| |Media center|25|0.15|1|A| |Music/theater/dance|33|0.15|1|F| |Multiuse assembly|33|0.15|1|F| |Food and Beverage Service
|Food and Beverage Service
|Food and Beverage Service
|Food and Beverage Service
|Food and Beverage Service
| |Restaurant dining rooms|33|0.15|2|—
| |Cafeteria/fast-food dining|33|0.15|2|—
| |Bars, cocktail lounges|33|0.20|2|—
| |Kitchen (cooking)|3|0.15|2|—| |General|General|General|General|General| |Break rooms|33|0.15|1|F| |Coffee Stations|33|0.15|1|F| |Conference/meeting|33|0.15|1|F| |Corridors|5|0.15|1|F| |Occupiable storage rooms for liquids or gels|2|0.15|2|B| |Hotels, Motels, Resorts, Dormitories|Hotels, Motels, Resorts, Dormitories|Hotels, Motels, Resorts, Dormitories|Hotels, Motels, Resorts, Dormitories|Hotels, Motels, Resorts, Dormitories| |Bedroom/living room|3|0.15|1|F| |Barracks sleeping areas|5|0.15|1|F
| |Laundry rooms, central|5|0.15|2|—
| |Laundry rooms within dwelling units|5|0.15|1|—| |Lobbies/pre-function|33|0.15|1|F| |Multipurpose assembly|33|0.15|1|F| |Office Buildings|Office Buildings|Office Buildings|Office Buildings|Office Buildings| |Breakrooms|33|0.15|1|| |Main entry lobbies|33|0.15|1|F| |Occupiable storage rooms for dry materials|2|0.15|1|| |Office space|5|0.15|1|F| |Reception areas|5|0.15|1|F| |Telephone/data entry|33|0.
CFC § 7-21 Medium relevance — show source text
713 Shaft Enclosures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-21

714 Penetrations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-23

715 Joints and Voids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-26

716 Opening Protectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-27

717 Ducts and Air Transfer Openings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-34

718 Concealed Spaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-40

719 Fire-Resistance Requirements for Plaster . . . . . . . . 7-42

720 Thermal- and Sound-Insulating Materials . . . . . . . . 7-42

721 Prescriptive Fire Resistance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-43

722 Calculated Fire Resistance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-66

CHAPTER 7A [SFM] MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION

METHODS FOR EXTERIOR WILDFIRE EXPOSURE . . . . . . . 7A-1

CHAPTER 8 INTERIOR FINISHES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-1

801 Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3

802 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3

803 Wall and Ceiling Finishes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3

804 Interior Floor Finish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-6

805 Combustible Materials in Types I and II Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-7

806 Decorative Materials and Trim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-7

807 Insulation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-8

808 Acoustical Ceiling Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-8

CHAPTER 9 FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE

Frequently asked questions

Can I cover an entire classroom wall if the material is noncombustible?

The code sets the 50% limit per specific wall for classrooms without distinguishing combustible vs. noncombustible in these subsections; the numeric limit applies as written in § 807.5.5.3. The fire code official may consider material characteristics when evaluating hazard, but the percentage cap remains the primary requirement .

Do the corridor and classroom limits add together across a room?

No. For classrooms the 50% limit is applied to the specific wall area where material is attached; for corridors the 20% limit is applied to corridor wall area. These are separate measurements and not a pooled total; apply the correct percentage to the correct wall/space per § 807.5.5.2 and § 807.5.5.3 .

What if my building is Group E (a public school)?

Group E has parallel provisions: § 807.5.2.2 (corridors 20%) and § 807.5.2.3 (classrooms 50%) — apply those sections for Group E occupancies rather than the I‑4 subsections .

Who enforces these percentages and can they require fewer materials?

The local fire code official enforces Chapter 8 provisions and may require removal or limits beyond the numeric caps if materials create a fire hazard; always coordinate with the authority having jurisdiction during installation or renovation .

How do I measure wall area when there are windows or door openings?

Measure the actual vertical wall surface area available for attachment. Subtract large openings if calculating the surface area that material could occupy — the code refers to the wall area “to which they are attached” and classroom language uses “specific wall area” for that reason .

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Related in the CFC

Are there special heat‑release or testing limits for foam plastics, signage, stage settings and exhibit booths?

What rules apply to natural decorative vegetation (e.g., Christmas trees)?

How much combustible decorative material is allowed on walls and ceilings?

Decorative Materials, Artificial and Natural Decorative Vegetation

California Fire Code