CFC · California Fire Code

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

Q: Do window curtains count toward the 10% limit?

No — the 10% limit does not apply to curtains, draperies, fabric hangings and similar combustible decorative materials used as window coverings , per the exception to § 807.2 .

Most of the time the California Fire Code limits combustible wall or ceiling decorations (curtains, fabric hangings, etc.) to 10% of the wall or ceiling area (see **§ 807.2**). There are specific exceptions — for example, some sprinklered auditoriums and dormitory situations allow more — and many textile decorations must carry NFPA 701 or NFPA 289 test documentation (**§ 807.3**). The exact measurement method and some subsections you requested (‎**§ 807.5.3.3** and **§ 807.5.3.4**) were not present in the files you provided; I can retrieve or cite those if you upload them or ask me to fetch external text.

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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

What the code requires — plain English (controlling §)

In most occupancies the California Fire Code limits combustible decorative materials suspended from walls or ceilings to 10 percent of the specific wall or ceiling area to which they are attached — see § 807.2.

The single most important rule: combustible curtains, draperies and similar suspended wall/ceiling decorations may cover only a small fraction (10%) of the wall or ceiling area unless a listed exception applies.

Requirements in detail

Scope — what counts as "decorative material"

Curtains, draperies, fabric hangings and similar combustible decorative materials suspended from walls or ceilings are the items controlled by § 807.2.
Fixed or movable walls and partitions, paneling, wall pads and crash pads applied structurally or for decoration are considered interior finish (not "decorative material") and must comply with § 803 (interior finish requirements) instead of the decorative-material percentage limits.

How much is allowed (quick table)

Occupancy / condition	Maximum combustible decorative coverage	Code Reference
Groups A, B, E, I, M, R‑1 and dormitories in R‑2 (default)	10% of the specific wall or ceiling area	§ 807.2
Auditoriums (Group A) where the building is sprinkled and material is installed per CBC § 803.15	75% of the aggregate wall area (sprinkler + installation requirements apply)	Exception to § 807.2
Group R‑2 dormitories (within sleeping units / dwelling units) where building is sprinkled	50% of the aggregate wall area	Exception to § 807.2
Group B and M — combustible fabric partitions suspended from ceiling (not supported by floor)	Not limited by § 807.2; must comply with § 807.3 (testing/acceptance)	Exception to § 807.2
Window coverings (curtains, draperies used as window coverings)	10% limit does not apply (i.e., not restricted by § 807.2)	Exception to § 807.2
Artificial decorative vegetation (limited exception with sprinklers in certain occupancies)	Where allowed by exception, decorative artificial vegetation limited to 30% of wall area (or wreaths ≤50% of door surface; non-wall items ≤3 ft dimension)	§ 807.4 (exceptions)

Testing and flame‑resistance requirements

Where improved fire performance is required, combustible decorative textiles suspended from walls/ceilings must be tested and meet the flame-propagation criteria of NFPA 701 (Test Method 1 or 2) or show a maximum heat release of 100 kW per NFPA 289 (20 kW ignition source). Test reports must be available to the fire code official — see § 807.3.

How to apply the percentage in practice

The code uses the phrase "specific wall or ceiling area" (or "aggregate wall area" when the exception states so). The code text provided does not prescribe a detailed measurement protocol (e.g., whether to include windows/doors or how to count multiple small pieces) — see § 807.2. If you need a formal measurement method for permitting/inspection, confirm with your local fire code official.

Exceptions & special cases

Sprinklered auditoriums — up to 75% of aggregate wall area when installed per CBC § 803.15 and building is equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system. § 807.2 exception references the sprinkler condition.
Sprinklered R‑2 dormitories (within sleeping/dwelling units) — up to 50% of aggregate wall area. § 807.2 exception.
Group B and M fabric partitions suspended from ceilings (not supported by the floor) are not limited by the 10% rule, but must meet acceptance/test criteria in § 807.3.
Window coverings are explicitly excluded from the 10% cap.
Artificial decorative vegetation has its own limits and test/certification requirements in § 807.4; in some sprinklered occupancies testing may be waived where the artificial vegetation meets specified size/coverage limits (e.g., 30% wall area).

Important note about other related rules:

Decorative materials that are fixed as part of the wall/partition (paneling, wall pads, crash pads) are treated as interior finish and regulated by § 803 (interior finish test/classification) rather than the decorative-material percentage limits. Do not treat paneling or acoustical finish as the same as suspended decorative hangings.

Common mistakes

Assuming the 10% limit applies to all textiles — window coverings are exempt; also some occupancies have different allowances. Always check the specific exception language in § 807.2.
Treating fixed paneling / wall pads as "decorations" — these are interior finish and must meet § 803 requirements, not the 10% decorative cap.
Using uncertified or untested fabric where testing is required — § 807.3 requires NFPA 701 or NFPA 289 performance (and documentation on request).
Believing an automatic sprinkler system automatically allows unlimited coverage — sprinklers change some limits (auditorium / dormitory exceptions), but installation and other code conditions still apply (see exceptions to § 807.2 and referenced CBC § 803.15).
Not coordinating with the local fire code official for measurement approach — the code text in the provided files does not include a detailed measurement protocol for "specific wall or ceiling area"; local interpretation matters.

Worked example — concrete numbers

Scenario: a lobby (Group A) has a wall that is 30 ft long × 10 ft high = 300 ft² of wall area. You want to hang combustible fabric panels suspended from the wall.

Step 1 — default limit: 10% of the specific wall area (unless an exception applies). From § 807.2, 10% of 300 ft² = 30 ft² allowed.

Step 2 — check exceptions: this is a lobby (not an auditorium). If the space were an auditorium in a building equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system and the installation met CBC § 803.15, the allowable coverage could be as high as 75% (225 ft²) per the exception to § 807.2 — but that exception requires both the sprinkler condition and the specific installation method. Do not assume auditorium allowances apply to a lobby.

Step 3 — testing: if the panels are required to show improved fire performance, obtain NFPA 701 or NFPA 289 test documentation and keep it available for the fire code official as required by § 807.3.

What I could not find in the uploaded documents

You asked me to ground requirements in § 807.2, § 807.5.3.3, and § 807.5.3.4. I have located and cited § 807.2 and the nearby sections on testing and artificial vegetation (§ 807.3, § 807.4) in the files you provided. However, the specific text for § 807.5.3.3 and § 807.5.3.4 did not appear in the search results / uploaded files I reviewed — I cannot state their content or interpret them without that text. If you want, upload the page(s) that include § 807.5.3.3 and § 807.5.3.4 or ask me to search external sources and I will retrieve and cite them.

Related provisions (CFC sections)

§ 807.2 — Combustible decorative materials (10% rule and exceptions).
§ 807.3 — Acceptance criteria and required test reports (NFPA 701 / NFPA 289).
§ 807.4 — Artificial decorative vegetation (coverage limits and flammability testing).
§ 806.3 — Occupancy‑based requirements; references to Sections 807.5.1–807.5.6 for materials not complying with § 806.4.
§ 803 — Interior wall and ceiling finish (materials treated as interior finish instead of decorative materials).
(Referenced) § 903.3.1.1 — automatic sprinkler system condition used by exceptions in § 807.2; see the exceptions language in § 807.2.

Code references

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

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:
1. Furnishings or decorative materials of an explosive or highly flammable character shall not be used.
2. 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.
3. Furnishings or other objects shall not be placed to obstruct exits, access thereto, egress therefrom or visibility thereof.
4. 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:
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. The 10-percent limit shall not apply to curtains, draperies, fabric hangings and similar combustible decorative materials used as window coverings.
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:
1. Furnishings or decorative materials of an explosive or highly flammable character shall not be used.
2. 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.
3. Furnishings or other objects shall not be placed to obstruct exits, access thereto, egress therefrom or visibility thereof.
4. 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:
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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 § 806.1.4 High 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:
1. Furnishings or decorative materials of an explosive or highly flammable character shall not be used.
2. 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.
3. Furnishings or other objects shall not be placed to obstruct exits, access thereto, egress therefrom or visibility thereof.
4. 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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CFC § 903.3.1.1 High relevance — show source text
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:
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. The 10-percent limit shall not apply to curtains, draperies, fabric hangings and similar combustible decorative materials used as window coverings.
[F] 806.3 Occupancy-based requirements. Occupancy-based requirements for combustible decorative materials, other than decorative vegetation, not complying with Section 806.4 shall comply with Sections 807.5.1 through 807.5.6 of the California Fire Code .

[F] 806.4 Acceptance criteria and reports. Where required to exhibit improved fire performance, curtains, draperies, fabric hangings and similar combustible decorative materials suspended from walls or ceilings shall be tested by an approved agency and shall be flame resistant in accordance with the provisions set forth in CCR, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 8 . Reports of test results shall be prepared in accordance with the test method used and furnished to the building official on request.

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INTERIOR FINISHES

[F] 806.5 Pyroxylin plastic. Imitation leather or other material consisting of or coated with a pyroxylin or similarly hazardous base shall not be used in Group A occupancies.

[F] 806.6 Interior trim. Material, other than foam plastic used as interior trim, shall have a minimum Class B flame spread and 450 smoke-developed index in Group I-3 and for all other occupancies Class C flame spread and smoke-developed index when tested in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723, as described in Section 803.1.2. Combustible trim, excluding handrails and guardrails, shall not exceed 10 percent of the specific wall or ceiling area to which it is attached.

[F] 806.6.1 Foam plastic. Foam plastic used as interior trim in any occupancy shall comply with Section 2604.2.
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:
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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 § 803.13 High relevance — show source text
1||X||||||||||||||||||||||| |Table 803.13|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |804.1|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |804.4|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |804.4.1|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |804.4.2|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |804.4.3|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |806.4|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |806.6|||X||||||||||||||||||||||

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 FINISHES

User notes:

About this chapter: Chapter 8 contains the performance requirements for controlling fire growth and smoke propagation within buildings by restricting interior finish and decorative materials. The provisions of this chapter require materials used as interior finishes and decorations to meet certain flame spread index or flame propagation criteria and smoke development criteria based on the relative fire hazard associated with the occupancy. The performance of the material is evaluated based on test standards.

SECTION 801—SCOPE

801.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall govern the use of materials used as interior finishes, trim and decorative materials.

[BSC-CG] See California Green Building Standards Code, Chapter 5, Division 5.5 for additional finish material pollutant control requirements.

SECTION 802—GENERAL

802.1 Interior wall and ceiling finish. The provisions of Section 803 shall limit the allowable fire performance and smoke development of interior wall and ceiling finish materials based on occupancy classification.

802.2 Interior floor finish. The provisions of Section 804 shall limit the allowable fire performance of interior floor finish materials based on occupancy classification.

[F] 802.3 Decorative materials and trim. Decorative materials and trim shall be restricted by combustibility, fire performance or flame propagation performance criteria in accordance with Section 806.

802.4 Applicability. For buildings in flood hazard areas as established in Section 1612.3, interior finishes, trim and decorative materials below the elevation required by Section 1612 shall be flood-damage-resistant materials.

802.5 Application. Combustible materials shall be permitted to be used as finish for walls, ceilings, floors and other interior surfaces of buildings.

802.6 Windows. Show windows in the exterior walls of the first story above grade plane shall be permitted to be of wood or of unprotected metal framing.

802.7 Foam plastics. Foam plastics shall not be used as interior finish except as provided in Section 803.4. Foam plastics shall not be used as interior trim except as provided in Section 806.6.1 or 2604.2. This section shall apply both to exposed foam plastics and to foam plastics used in conjunction with a textile or vinyl facing or cover.

SECTION 803—WALL AND CEILING FINISHES
CFC § 2.1 High relevance — show source text
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.

Fabrics as described in California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, 1272(c) intended for exterior use shall meet the requirements for fire resistance outlined in California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, 1273.3, and, in addition, they shall meet the require- ments for fire resistance outlined in California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, 1237, both in their original state and after accelerated weathering.

807.3 Acceptance criteria and reports. Where required to exhibit improved fire performance, curtains, draperies, fabric hangings and other similar combustible decorative materials suspended from walls or ceilings (shall be flame resistant in accordance with the provisions set forth in CCR, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 8.) shall be tested by an approved agency and meet the flame propagation performance criteria of Test Method 1 or Test Method 2, as appropriate, of NFPA 701 or exhibit a maximum rate of heat release of 100 kW when tested in accordance with NFPA 289, using the 20 kW ignition source. Reports of test results shall be prepared in accordance with the test method used and furnished to the fire code official upon request.

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §1321.1] Fabric and Material Certification.

All concerns in whose name an approved flame-resistant fabric or material is registered shall issue approved certificates of flame resis- tance covering all such products sold for use in occupancies governed by the statutes. Copies shall be furnished to the buyer as well as the State Fire Marshal and the local fire authority of the customer’s city. These certificates shall be delivered within 10 days after the product is shipped and shall be completely filled out and signed by an authorized representative of the concern.
CFC § 806.4 High relevance — show source text
[F] 806.4 Acceptance criteria and reports. Where required to exhibit improved fire performance, curtains, draperies, fabric hangings and similar combustible decorative materials suspended from walls or ceilings shall be tested by an approved agency and shall be flame resistant in accordance with the provisions set forth in CCR, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 8 . Reports of test results shall be prepared in accordance with the test method used and furnished to the building official on request.

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INTERIOR FINISHES

[F] 806.5 Pyroxylin plastic. Imitation leather or other material consisting of or coated with a pyroxylin or similarly hazardous base shall not be used in Group A occupancies.

[F] 806.6 Interior trim. Material, other than foam plastic used as interior trim, shall have a minimum Class B flame spread and 450 smoke-developed index in Group I-3 and for all other occupancies Class C flame spread and smoke-developed index when tested in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723, as described in Section 803.1.2. Combustible trim, excluding handrails and guardrails, shall not exceed 10 percent of the specific wall or ceiling area to which it is attached.

[F] 806.6.1 Foam plastic. Foam plastic used as interior trim in any occupancy shall comply with Section 2604.2.

[F] 806.7 Interior floor-wall base. Interior floor-wall base that is 6 inches (152 mm) or less in height shall be tested in accordance with Section 804.2 and shall be not less than Class II. Where a Class I floor finish is required, the floor-wall base shall be Class I.

Exception: Interior trim materials that comply with Section 806.6.

[F] 806.8 Combustible lockers. Where lockers constructed of combustible materials are used, the lockers shall be considered to be interior finish and shall comply with Section 803.

Exception: Lockers constructed entirely of wood and noncombustible materials shall be permitted to be used wherever interior finish materials are required to meet a Class C classification in accordance with Section 803.1.2.

SECTION 807—INSULATION

807.1 Insulation. Thermal and acoustical insulation shall comply with Section 720.

SECTION 808—ACOUSTICAL CEILING SYSTEMS

808.1 Acoustical ceiling systems. The quality, design, fabrication and erection of metal suspension systems for acoustical tile and lay-in panel ceilings in buildings or structures shall conform to generally accepted engineering practice, the provisions of this chapter and other applicable requirements of this code.

808.1.1 Materials and installation. Acoustical materials complying with the interior finish requirements of Section 803 shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations and applicable provisions for applying interior finish.

808.1.1.1 Suspended acoustical ceilings. Suspended acoustical ceiling systems shall be installed in accordance with the provisions of ASTM C635 and ASTM C636.

808.1.1.2 Fire-resistance-rated construction. Acoustical ceiling systems that are part of fire-resistance-rated construction shall be installed in the same manner used in the assembly tested and shall comply with the provisions of Chapter 7.
CFC § 8-4 Medium relevance — show source text
8-4 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE

on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

INTERIOR FINISH, DECORATIVE MATERIALS AND FURNISHINGS

803.4 Fire-retardant coatings. The required flame spread or smoke-developed index of surfaces in existing buildings shall be allowed to be achieved by application of approved fire-retardant coatings, paints or solutions to surfaces having a flame spread index exceeding that allowed. Such applications shall comply with NFPA 703 and the required fire-retardant properties shall be maintained or renewed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. The fire-retardant paint, coating or solution shall have been assessed by testing over the same substrate to be used in the application.

803.5 Textile wall coverings. Where used as interior wall finish materials, textile wall coverings, including materials having a woven, nonwoven, napped, tufted, looped or similar surface, 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.

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §3.21(a) and (b)] Interior Finish of Decorative Material.

(a) 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 the following:

(1) Test specimen shall be 12 inches wide and 24 inches long. Four specimens shall be tested, two in each direction of the material. (2) The specimen shall be suspended vertically with its lower edge 2 inches above the top of a [3] / 8 inch diameter Bunsen Burner. The test shall be performed in a draft-free area.

(3) The flames from the burner shall be 4 inches long and shall be adjusted with sufficient air supply to eliminate any yellow flame tips but without any distinct inner blue cone.

(4) The specimen shall be exposed to the flame at each corner and at not less than one other point along the lower edge. Each exposure shall be of sufficient duration to determine if the material will ignite and continue to burn, but shall be not less than 20 seconds.

(5) The criteria for acceptance shall be as follows:

(A) There shall be not more than intermittent flaming appreciably beyond the area exposed to the test flame.

(B) No flame shall reach the top of the specimen.

(C) On removing the test flame there shall be not more than one second of after flaming except there may be nonprogressive flaming of short duration in areas of accumulated char which were directly exposed to the test flame.

(b) 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 the following: (1) All exposed edges shall be protected with frames of metal or other noncombustible material, or solid wood of minimum [1] / 4 inch dimension.
CFC § 803.15 Medium relevance — show source text
803.15 Application of interior finish materials to fire-resistance-rated or noncombustible building elements. Where interior finish materials are applied on walls, ceilings or structural elements required to have a fire-resistance rating or to be of noncombustible construction, these finish materials shall comply with the provisions of this section.

803.15.1 Direct attachment and furred construction. Where walls, ceilings or structural elements are required by any provision in this code to be of fire-resistance-rated or noncombustible construction, the interior finish material shall be applied directly against such construction or to furring strips not exceeding 1 [3] / 4 inches (44 mm), applied directly against such surfaces.

803.15.1.1 Furred construction. If the interior finish material is applied to furring strips, the intervening spaces between such furring strips shall comply with one of the following:
1. Be filled with material that is inorganic or noncombustible.
2. Be filled with material that meets the requirements of a Class A material in accordance with Section 803.1.1 or 803.1.2.
3. Be fireblocked at not greater than 8 feet (2438 mm) in every direction in accordance with Section 718.
Exception: Compliance with Item 1, 2 or 3 is not required where the materials used to create the concealed space are noncombustible.

2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 8-5

on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

INTERIOR FINISHES

803.15.2 Set-out construction. Where walls and ceilings are required to be of fire-resistance-rated or noncombustible construction and walls are set out or ceilings are dropped distances greater than specified in Section 803.15.1, Class A finish materials, in accordance with Section 803.1.1 or 803.1.2, shall be used.

Exceptions:
1. Where interior finish materials are protected on both sides by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.
2. Where interior finish materials are attached to noncombustible backing or furring strips installed as specified in Section 803.15.1.1.
3. Where the combustible void is filled with a noncombustible material.
803.15.2.1 Hangers and assembly members. The hangers and assembly members of such dropped ceilings that are below the horizontal fire-resistance-rated floor or roof assemblies shall be of noncombustible materials. The construction of each set-out wall and horizontal fire-resistance-rated floor or roof assembly shall be of fire-resistance-rated construction as required elsewhere in this code.

Exception: In Types III and V construction, fire-retardant-treated wood shall be permitted for use as hangers and assembly members of dropped ceilings.
CFC § 2.1 Medium relevance — show source text
b**|Corridors and enclosure
for exit access stairways
and ramps|Rooms and
enclosed
spacesc|Interior exit stair-
ways and ramps and
exit passagewaysa, b|Corridors and
enclosure for exit
access stairways and
ramps|Rooms and
enclosed
spacesc| |A-1 and A-2|B|B|C|A|Ad|Be| |A-3f, A-4, A-5|B|B|C|A|Ad|C| |B, E, M, R-1, R-4|B|Cm|C|A|Bm|C| |F|C|C|C|B|C|C| |H_, L_|B|B|Cg|A|A|B| |I-1|B|C|C|A|B|B| |I-3|A|Aj|C|A|A|B| |I-4|B|B|Bh, i|A|A|B| |R-2|C|C|C|B|B|C| |R-2.1|B|C|C|A|B|B| |R-3_, R-3.1_|C|C|C|C|C|C| |S|C|C|C|B|B|C| |U|No Restrictions|No Restrictions|No Restrictions|No Restrictions|No Restrictions|No Restrictions|

8-4 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE

on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

INTERIOR FINISH, DECORATIVE MATERIALS AND FURNISHINGS

803.4 Fire-retardant coatings. The required flame spread or smoke-developed index of surfaces in existing buildings shall be allowed to be achieved by application of approved fire-retardant coatings, paints or solutions to surfaces having a flame spread index exceeding that allowed. Such applications shall comply with NFPA 703 and the required fire-retardant properties shall be maintained or renewed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. The fire-retardant paint, coating or solution shall have been assessed by testing over the same substrate to be used in the application.

803.5 Textile wall coverings. Where used as interior wall finish materials, textile wall coverings, including materials having a woven, nonwoven, napped, tufted, looped or similar surface, 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.

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §3.21(a) and (b)] Interior Finish of Decorative Material.

(a) 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 the following:
CFC § 807.4 Medium 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:
1. 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.
2. Decorative artificial vegetation shall be limited to not more than 30 percent of the wall area to which it is attached.
3. 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 § 8-3 Medium 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

CFC § 304.8 Medium relevance — show source text

The use of lesser distances is allowed where supported by approved test
data or analysis.
c. Linear interpolation of explosive quantities between table entries is allowed.|For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 pound = 0.454 kg.
a. Black powder, where stored in magazines, is defined as low explosive by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATF).
b. For quantities less than 1,000 pounds, the required distances are those specified for 1,000 pounds. The use of lesser distances is allowed where supported by approved test
data or analysis.
c. Linear interpolation of explosive quantities between table entries is allowed.|For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 pound = 0.454 kg.
a. Black powder, where stored in magazines, is defined as low explosive by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATF).
b. For quantities less than 1,000 pounds, the required distances are those specified for 1,000 pounds. The use of lesser distances is allowed where supported by approved test
data or analysis.
c. Linear interpolation of explosive quantities between table entries is allowed.|For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 pound = 0.454 kg.
a. Black powder, where stored in magazines, is defined as low explosive by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATF).
b. For quantities less than 1,000 pounds, the required distances are those specified for 1,000 pounds. The use of lesser distances is allowed where supported by approved test
data or analysis.
c. Linear interpolation of explosive quantities between table entries is allowed.|

TABLE 5604.5.2(3)—TABLE OF DISTANCES (Q-D) FOR BUILDINGS AND MAGAZINES CONTAINING EXPLOSIVES—DIVISION 1.4c	Col2	Col3	Col4	Col5	Col6
QUANTITY OF DIVISION 1.4 EXPLOSIVES (NET EXPLOSIVES WEIGHT)	QUANTITY OF DIVISION 1.4 EXPLOSIVES (NET EXPLOSIVES WEIGHT)	DISTANCES IN FEET	DISTANCES IN FEET	DISTANCES IN FEET	DISTANCES IN FEET
Pounds Over	Pounds Not Over	Inhabited Building Distance (IBD)	Distance to Public Traffic Route (PTR)	Intermagazine Distancea, b (IMD)	Intraline Distance (ILD) or Intraplant Distancea (IPD)
50	Not Limited	100	100	50	50
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 pound = 0.454 kg. a. A separation distance of 100 feet is required for buildings of other than Type I or Type II construction as defined in the_California Building Code_. b. For earth-covered magazines, specific separation is not required. 1. Earth cover material used for magazines shall be relatively cohesive. Solid or wet clay and similar types of soil are too cohesive and shall not be used.

Frequently asked questions

How do I measure the "specific wall or ceiling area" for the 10% calculation?

The code excerpts retrieved do not define a step‑by‑step measurement protocol. Practically, measure the total surface area of the wall or ceiling to which the decoration is attached (height × width for that plane), then apply the percentage. For formal permitting/inspection, confirm the local fire code official’s expectations because the uploaded text does not prescribe whether to include windows/doors, trim, or multiple panels.

Do window curtains count toward the 10% limit?

No — the 10% limit does not apply to curtains, draperies, fabric hangings and similar combustible decorative materials used as window coverings, per the exception to § 807.2.

If I have a sprinkler system, can I always hang more decoration?

Not always. Sprinklers change some allowances (for example, auditoriums and certain dormitory exceptions in § 807.2), but they do not automatically permit unlimited combustible decoration. Confirm the specific exception language and any referenced installation requirements (e.g., CBC § 803.15).

Do fixed wall panels need to meet the 10% rule?

No — fixed or movable walls, paneling, wall pads and crash pads applied structurally are considered interior finish and must comply with § 803 rather than the decorative-material percentage limits.

What tests/certification do I need for decorative fabric?

When improved fire performance is required, materials must meet NFPA 701 (Test Method 1 or 2) or NFPA 289 (≤100 kW heat release with the 20 kW ignition source). Test reports must be available to the fire code official per § 807.3.

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