CFC · California Fire Code
Interior Floor Finish and Trim — New & Existing
Summarizes CFC Chapter 8 §801–§804 rules on testing, classification and occupancy exceptions for interior floor finish, floor‑wall base and interior trim.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
Overview
This hub covers CFC Chapter 8 provisions that regulate interior floor finish, floor-wall base and interior trim for new and existing buildings (see the chapter scope at §801) . The rules are intended to limit fire growth and smoke generation from floor coverings and trim so finishes do not increase life‑safety risk or impede egress; existing buildings comply with Sections 803–808 and new buildings with Sections 804–808 as applicable .
Key requirements are in §804 (Interior wall/ceiling trim and interior floor finish). §804 establishes testing, classification and identification rules for new floor finishes (ASTM E648 / NFPA 253 classifications and ASTM E662 smoke limits), minimum critical radiant flux where required, and exceptions where an approved sprinkler system is present . Trim is limited by area and performance (combustible trim generally limited to 10% of the attached wall/ceiling area and subject to NFPA 286 or ASTM E84/UL 723 testing; foam trim has additional density/thickness/area limits) . Occupancy‑specific rules — for example, noncombustible floor surface requirements in Group I‑2 and I‑3 restraint areas — and floor‑wall base classifications are also specified in §804.3.3.3 and §804.4 .
In this section
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Fire Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CFC § 8-3 High relevance — show source text
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
CONTENTS
802 Definitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3
803 Interior Wall and Ceiling Finish in Existing Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-4 804 Interior Wall and Ceiling Trim and Interior Floor Finish in New and Existing Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-7 805 Upholstered Furniture and Mattresses in New and Existing Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-8 806 Natural Decorative Vegetation in New and Existing Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-10 807 Decorative Materials and Artificial Decorative Vegetation in New and Existing Buildings. . . . . . . 8-10 808 Furnishings Other than Upholstered Furniture and Mattresses or Decorative Materials in New and Existing Buildings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-14
CHAPTER 9 FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY
SYSTEMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-7
901 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-7
902 Definitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-11
903 Automatic Sprinkler Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-13 904 Alternative Automatic Fire-Extinguishing Systems . 9-24 905 Standpipe Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-28 906 Portable Fire Extinguishers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-31 907 Fire Alarm and Detection Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-39 908 Emergency Alarm Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-57 909 Smoke Control Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-57 910 Smoke and Heat Removal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-66
CFC § 804.1.1 High relevance — show source text
804.1.1 Testing in accordance with NFPA 286. Interior trim material shall be tested in accordance with NFPA 286 and comply with the acceptance criteria in Section 803.1.1.1. Where the interior trim material has been tested as an interior finish in accordance with NFPA 286 and complies with the acceptance criteria in Section 803.1.1.1, it shall not be required to be tested for flame spread index and smoke-developed index in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723.
804.1.2 Testing in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723. Material, other than foam plastic, used as interior trim shall have minimum Class C flame spread and smoke-developed indices, when tested in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723, as described in Section 803.1.2.
804.2 Foam plastic interior trim. Foam plastic used as interior trim shall comply with Sections 804.2.1 through 804.2.4. 804.2.1 Density. The minimum density of the interior trim shall be 20 pounds per cubic foot (320 kg/m [3] ). 804.2.2 Thickness. The maximum thickness of the interior trim shall be [1] / 2 inch (12.7 mm) and the maximum width shall be 8 inches (203 mm).
804.2.3 Area limitation. The interior trim shall not constitute more than 10 percent of the specific wall or ceiling area to which it is attached.
804.2.4 Flame spread. The flame spread index shall not exceed 75 where tested in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723. The smoke-developed index shall not be limited.
Exception: Where the interior trim material has been tested as an interior finish in accordance with NFPA 286 and complies with the acceptance criteria in Section 803.1.1.1, it is not required to be tested for flame spread index in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723.
804.3 New interior floor finish. New interior floor finish and floor covering materials in new and existing buildings shall comply with Sections 804.3.1 through 804.3.3.2.
Exception: Floor finishes and coverings of a traditional type, such as wood, vinyl, linoleum or terrazzo, and resilient floor covering materials that are not composed of fibers.
804.3.1 Classification. Interior floor finish and floor covering materials required by Section 804.3.3.2 to be of Class I or II materials shall be classified in accordance with ASTM E648 or NFPA 253. The classification referred to herein corresponds to the classifications determined by ASTM E648 or NFPA 253 as follows: Class I, 0.45 watts/cm [2] or greater; Class II, 0.22 watts/cm [2] or greater.
804.3.2 Testing and identification. Interior floor finish and floor covering materials shall be tested by an approved agency in accordance with ASTM E648 or NFPA 253 and identified by a hang tag or other suitable method so as to identify the manufacturer or supplier and style, and shall indicate the interior floor finish or floor covering classification in accordance with Section 804.3.1. Carpet-type floor coverings shall be tested as proposed for use, including underlayment. Test reports confirming the information provided in the manufacturer’s product identification shall be furnished to the fire code official upon request.
CFC § 701.1 High relevance — show source text
701.1 Scope. Level 1 alterations as described in Section 602 shall comply with the requirements of this chapter. Alterations to historic buildings and structures shall comply with Part 8, Title 24, C.C.R.
701.2 Conformance. An existing building or portion thereof shall not be altered such that the building becomes less safe than its existing condition.
Exception: Where the current level of safety or sanitation is proposed to be reduced, the portion altered shall conform to the requirements of the California Building Code .
[BS] 701.3 Flood hazard areas. In flood hazard areas, alterations that constitute substantial improvement shall require that the building comply with Section 1612 of the California Building Code, or Section R306 of the California Residential Code, as applicable.
SECTION 702—BUILDING ELEMENTS AND MATERIALS
702.1 Interior finishes. Newly installed interior wall and ceiling finishes shall comply with Chapter 8 of the California Building Code .
702.2 Interior floor finish. New interior floor finish, including new carpeting used as an interior floor finish material, shall comply with Section 804 of the California Building Code .
702.3 Interior trim. Newly installed interior trim materials shall comply with Section 806 of the California Building Code .
702.4 Window fall prevention. In Group R-2 or R-3 buildings containing dwelling units and one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses regulated by the California Residential Code, window opening control devices or other window fall prevention devices complying with ASTM F2090 shall be installed where an existing window is replaced and where all of the following apply to the replacement window:
- The window is operable.
- One of the following applies: 2.1. The window replacement includes replacement of the sash and frame. 2.2. The window replacement includes the sash only where the existing frame remains.
- One of the following applies: 3.1. In Group R-2 or R-3 buildings containing dwelling units, the bottom of the clear opening of the window opening is at a height less than 36 inches (915 mm) above the finished floor. 3.2. In one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses regulated by the California Residential Code, the bottom of the clear opening of the window opening is at a height less than 24 inches (610 mm) above the finished floor.
- The window will permit openings that will allow passage of a 4-inch-diameter (102 mm) sphere when the window is in its largest opened position.
- The vertical distance from the bottom of the clear opening of the window opening to the finished grade or other surface below, on the exterior of the building, is greater than 72 inches (1829 mm).
Exception: Operable windows where the bottom of the clear opening of the window opening is located more than 75 feet (22 860 mm) above the finished grade or other surface below, on the exterior of the room, space or building, and that are provided with window fall prevention devices that comply with ASTM F2006.
702.5 Replacement window for emergency escape and rescue openings. Where windows are required to provide emergency escape and rescue openings in Group R-2 and R-3 occupancies and one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses regulated by the California Residential Code, replacement windows shall be exempt from the requirements of Section 1031.3 of the California Building Code and Section R310.2 of the California Residential Code, provided that the replacement window meets the following conditions: 1.
CFC § 2.2 High relevance — show source text
2.2_|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |703.3|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |704.3||||†|†||||||||||||||||||||
The state agency does not adopt sections identified with 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.
2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE 7-1
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7-2 2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE
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7 ALTERATIONS—LEVEL 1
User notes:
About this chapter: Chapter 7 provides the technical requirements for those existing buildings that undergo Level 1 alterations as described in Section 603, which includes replacement or covering of existing materials, elements, equipment or fixtures using new materials for the same purpose. This chapter, similar to other chapters of this code, covers all building-related subjects, such as structural, mechanical, plumbing, electrical and accessibility as well as the fire and life safety issues when the alterations are classified as Level 1. The purpose of this chapter is to provide detailed requirements and provisions to identify the required improvements in the existing building elements, building spaces and building structural system. This chapter is distinguished from Chapters 8 and 9 by involving only replacement of building components with new components. In contrast, Level 2 alterations involve more space reconfiguration, and Level 3 alterations involve more extensive space reconfiguration, exceeding 50 percent of the building area.
SECTION 701—GENERAL
701.1 Scope. Level 1 alterations as described in Section 602 shall comply with the requirements of this chapter. Alterations to historic buildings and structures shall comply with Part 8, Title 24, C.C.R.
701.2 Conformance. An existing building or portion thereof shall not be altered such that the building becomes less safe than its existing condition.
Exception: Where the current level of safety or sanitation is proposed to be reduced, the portion altered shall conform to the requirements of the California Building Code .
[BS] 701.3 Flood hazard areas. In flood hazard areas, alterations that constitute substantial improvement shall require that the building comply with Section 1612 of the California Building Code, or Section R306 of the California Residential Code, as applicable.
SECTION 702—BUILDING ELEMENTS AND MATERIALS
702.1 Interior finishes. Newly installed interior wall and ceiling finishes shall comply with Chapter 8 of the California Building Code .
702.2 Interior floor finish. New interior floor finish, including new carpeting used as an interior floor finish material, shall comply with Section 804 of the California Building Code .
702.3 Interior trim. Newly installed interior trim materials shall comply with Section 806 of the California Building Code .
702.4 Window fall prevention. In Group R-2 or R-3 buildings containing dwelling units and one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses regulated by the California Residential Code, window opening control devices or other window fall prevention devices complying with ASTM F2090 shall be installed where an existing window is replaced and where all of the following apply to the replacement window:
- The window is operable.
- One of the following applies: 2.1.
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
2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE xxiii
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
CFC § 803.13 High relevance — show source text
803.13 Laminated products factory produced with an attached wood substrate. Laminated products factory produced with an attached wood substrate shall comply with one of the following:
- The laminated product shall meet the criteria of Section 803.1.1 when tested in accordance with NFPA 286 using the product mounting system, including adhesive, of actual use.
- The laminated product shall have a Class A, B or C flame spread index and smoke-developed index based on the requirements of Table 803.3, in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723. Test specimen preparation and mounting shall be in accordance with ASTM E2579.
8-6 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE
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INTERIOR FINISH, DECORATIVE MATERIALS AND FURNISHINGS
803.14 Thickness exemption. Materials having a thickness less than 0.036 inch (0.9 mm) applied directly to the surface of walls or ceilings shall not be required to be tested.
803.15 Heavy timber exemption. Exposed portions of building elements complying with the requirements of Type IV construction in accordance with the California Building Code shall not be subject to interior finish requirements.
SECTION 804—INTERIOR WALL AND CEILING TRIM AND INTERIOR FLOOR FINISH IN NEW AND EXISTING BUILDINGS
804.1 Interior trim. Combustible trim in new and existing buildings, excluding handrails and guards, shall not exceed 10 percent of the specific wall or ceiling areas to which it is attached. Other than foam plastic, material used as interior trim shall have minimum Class B flame spread and 450 smoke-developed index in Group I-3 and for all other occupancies shall comply with Section 804.1.1 or 804.1.2. Foam plastic used as interior trim shall comply with Section 804.2.
804.1.1 Testing in accordance with NFPA 286. Interior trim material shall be tested in accordance with NFPA 286 and comply with the acceptance criteria in Section 803.1.1.1. Where the interior trim material has been tested as an interior finish in accordance with NFPA 286 and complies with the acceptance criteria in Section 803.1.1.1, it shall not be required to be tested for flame spread index and smoke-developed index in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723.
804.1.2 Testing in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723. Material, other than foam plastic, used as interior trim shall have minimum Class C flame spread and smoke-developed indices, when tested in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723, as described in Section 803.1.2.
804.2 Foam plastic interior trim. Foam plastic used as interior trim shall comply with Sections 804.2.1 through 804.2.4. 804.2.1 Density. The minimum density of the interior trim shall be 20 pounds per cubic foot (320 kg/m [3] ). 804.2.2 Thickness. The maximum thickness of the interior trim shall be [1] / 2 inch (12.7 mm) and the maximum width shall be 8 inches (203 mm).
804.2.3 Area limitation. The interior trim shall not constitute more than 10 percent of the specific wall or ceiling area to which it is attached.
CFC § 803.1.1.1 High relevance — show source text
Exception: Where the interior trim material has been tested as an interior finish in accordance with NFPA 286 and complies with the acceptance criteria in Section 803.1.1.1, it is not required to be tested for flame spread index in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723.
804.3 New interior floor finish. New interior floor finish and floor covering materials in new and existing buildings shall comply with Sections 804.3.1 through 804.3.3.2.
Exception: Floor finishes and coverings of a traditional type, such as wood, vinyl, linoleum or terrazzo, and resilient floor covering materials that are not composed of fibers.
804.3.1 Classification. Interior floor finish and floor covering materials required by Section 804.3.3.2 to be of Class I or II materials shall be classified in accordance with ASTM E648 or NFPA 253. The classification referred to herein corresponds to the classifications determined by ASTM E648 or NFPA 253 as follows: Class I, 0.45 watts/cm [2] or greater; Class II, 0.22 watts/cm [2] or greater.
804.3.2 Testing and identification. Interior floor finish and floor covering materials shall be tested by an approved agency in accordance with ASTM E648 or NFPA 253 and identified by a hang tag or other suitable method so as to identify the manufacturer or supplier and style, and shall indicate the interior floor finish or floor covering classification in accordance with Section 804.3.1. Carpet-type floor coverings shall be tested as proposed for use, including underlayment. Test reports confirming the information provided in the manufacturer’s product identification shall be furnished to the fire code official upon request.
804.3.3 Interior floor finish requirements. New interior floor covering materials shall comply with Sections 804.3.3.1 and 804.3.3.2, and interior floor finish materials shall comply with Section 804.3.1.
804.3.3.1 Test requirement. In all occupancies, interior floor finish and interior floor covering materials shall comply with the requirements of ASTM Standard E648, and having a specific optical density smoke rating not to exceed 450 per ASTM E662. For Group I-3 occupancies and Group I-2 areas where patients are restrained, see Section 804.3.3.3.
804.3.3.2 Minimum critical radiant flux. In all occupancies, new interior floor finish and floor covering materials in enclosures for stairways and ramps, exit passageways, corridors and rooms or spaces not separated from corridors by full-height partitions extending from the floor to the underside of the ceiling shall withstand a minimum critical radiant flux. The minimum critical radiant flux shall be not less than Class I in Groups I-2 and I-3 areas where restraint is not used and R-2.1 and not less than Class II in Groups A, B, E, H, I-4, M, R-1, R-2, R-2.2 and S.
Exception: Where a building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2, Class II materials shall be permitted in any area where Class I materials are required and materials complying with ASTM Standard E648, and having a specific optical density smoke rating not to exceed 450 per ASTM E662 are permitted in any area where Class II materials are required.
CFC § 804.3.3 High relevance — show source text
804.3.3 Interior floor finish requirements. New interior floor covering materials shall comply with Sections 804.3.3.1 and 804.3.3.2, and interior floor finish materials shall comply with Section 804.3.1.
804.3.3.1 Test requirement. In all occupancies, interior floor finish and interior floor covering materials shall comply with the requirements of ASTM Standard E648, and having a specific optical density smoke rating not to exceed 450 per ASTM E662. For Group I-3 occupancies and Group I-2 areas where patients are restrained, see Section 804.3.3.3.
804.3.3.2 Minimum critical radiant flux. In all occupancies, new interior floor finish and floor covering materials in enclosures for stairways and ramps, exit passageways, corridors and rooms or spaces not separated from corridors by full-height partitions extending from the floor to the underside of the ceiling shall withstand a minimum critical radiant flux. The minimum critical radiant flux shall be not less than Class I in Groups I-2 and I-3 areas where restraint is not used and R-2.1 and not less than Class II in Groups A, B, E, H, I-4, M, R-1, R-2, R-2.2 and S.
Exception: Where a building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2, Class II materials shall be permitted in any area where Class I materials are required and materials complying with ASTM Standard E648, and having a specific optical density smoke rating not to exceed 450 per ASTM E662 are permitted in any area where Class II materials are required.
For Group I-3 areas occupied by inmates or Group I-2 areas where patients are restrained, see Section 804.3.3.3.
2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE 8-7
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INTERIOR FINISH, DECORATIVE MATERIALS AND FURNISHINGS
804.3.3.3 Group I-2 and Group I-3 floor surfaces. Interior floor finish and floor coverings occupied by inmates or patients whose personal liberties are restrained shall be noncombustible. 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 Standard 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 classification of the material based on the limits set forth above.
CFC § 8-1 High relevance — show source text
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
SAFETY SYSTEMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-1
901 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-7
902 Fire Pump and Riser Room Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-7
903 Automatic Sprinkler Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-8
904 Alternative Automatic Fire-Extinguishing Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-17
905 Standpipe Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-20
906 Portable Fire Extinguishers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-22
907 Fire Alarm and Detection Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-25
908 Emergency Alarm Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-43
909 Smoke Control Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-43
910 Smoke and Heat Removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-51
CFC § 7-21 High 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
CFC § 5.1.2.1 High relevance — show source text
4|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |807.5.1.2.1|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |807.5.1.2.2|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |807.5.3_ –807.5.3.4|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |807.5.7|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |807.5.7.1|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |808.1|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |[T-19 §3.19 (b)(c)]_||||X||||||||||||||||||||
- The California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 19, Division 1 provisions that are found in the California Fire Code are a reprint from the current CCR, Title 19, Division 1 text for the code user’s convenience only. The scope, applicability and appeals procedures of CCR, Title 19, Division I remain the same. The state agency does not adopt sections identified by the following symbol: The Office of the State Fire Marshal’s adoption of this chapter or individual sections is applicable to structures regulated by other state agencies pursuant to Section 1.11.
2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE 8-1
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
8-2 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
8 INTERIOR FINISH, DECORATIVE MATERIALS AND FURNISHINGS
User notes:
About this chapter: Chapter 8 provides requirements for interior finishes, decorative materials and furnishings in new and existing buildings so that they do not significantly add to or create fire hazards in buildings. The provisions tend to focus on occupancies with specific risk characteristics, such as vulnerability of occupants, density of occupants, lack of familiarity with the building and societal expectations of importance. This chapter is consistent with Chapter 8 of the California Building Code, which regulates the interior finishes and decorative materials of new buildings.
SECTION 801—GENERAL
801.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall govern interior finish, interior trim, furniture, furnishings, decorative materials and decorative vegetation in buildings. Existing buildings shall comply with Sections 803 through 808. New buildings shall comply with Sections 804 through 808, and Section 803 of the California Building Code.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §1172] Purpose.
California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 8 have been prepared and adopted for the purpose of establishing minimum standards for the prevention of fire and for the protection of life and property against fire and panic through the use of flame-retardant chemicals, fabrics and materials.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §1173] Scope.
California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 8 shall govern the manufacture, sale and application of flame-retardant chemicals used in connection with fabrics or materials required to be treated and maintained in a flame-retardant condition as provided in Sections 13115 or 13119 of the Health and Safety Code. These rules and regulations shall also apply to fabrics or materials inherently nonflammable and, they shall also establish minimum fire-resistive standards for such fabrics or materials.
CFC § 1020.2 High relevance — show source text
Corridors 1020.2
Doors 1010.2.13, 1010.2.11, 1010.2.9, 1010.2.7, 1010.2.12.1 Lighting 1008.2, 1008.2.4 Stairway, exterior exit 1027.2 Stairways, exit access 1019 Travel distance 1006.3, 1017.2 Sprinkler protection 903.2.6, 903.3.2 Integrated Testing (Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems) 202, 901.6.2 Interconnection Fire-extinguishing systems with cooking appliances 904.14.2 Smoke alarms 907.2.11.5, 1103.8.2 Standpipe risers 905.4.2 Interior Finish Chapter 8 Defined 202
Interior Floor-Wall Base 804.4
Defined 202 Interior Wall and Ceiling Finish 803, 804 Defined 202 Interior Wall and Ceiling Finish and Trim 803, 804 Intumescent Fire-Resistant Materials 708 Investigations, Fire 104.10 Irritant
Defined 202
Gases 5004.7.1, 5307.1
Iso-Butane (see Liquefied Petroleum Gas)
Jurisdiction
Defined 202
Kettles [see Organic Coating or Asphalt (Tar) Kettles] Key Boxes 202, 506 Maintenance 506.2
Nonstandard fire service elevator keys 506.1.2 Required 506.1 Keys, Fire Service Elevator 604.6
Laboratory Suite 202 Ladders 1104.16.6, 5704.2.8.15 Boiler, incinerator and furnace rooms
1006.2.2.1
Construction 1011.15, 1011.16, 1014.2, 1014.7, 1015.3, 1015.4 Emergency escape window wells 1031.5.2
Group I-3 1011.15, 1011.16 Refrigeration machinery rooms 1006.2.2.2
Ship’s ladders 1011.15 Landing Ramps 1012.6, 1012.10 Stairs and stairways 1010.1.4, 1010.1.5, 1011.6, 1025.2.4 Landscaped Roofs (see also Rooftop Gardens) 317, 504.3, 905.3.7 Dead foliage 317.2.2 Irrigation 317.2.1 Maintenance equipment 317.4 Maintenance plan 317.3 Laundry Carts 318.1 Lead-Acid Battery System, Stationary (see Battery Systems, Stationary Storage) Lead-Acid Battery System, Valve-Regulated (see Battery Systems, Stationary Storage) Leaks Compressed gases 5303.12 Cryogenic fluids 5503.9 Explosive materials 5604.10 Flammable and combustible
Frequently asked questions
What tests are required for new interior floor finishes?
New interior floor finishes and coverings must be classified under ASTM E648 or NFPA 253 (critical radiant flux Class I or II as applicable) and meet the smoke optical density criteria of ASTM E662 (specific optical density ≤ 450). Additional placement rules require Class I or II in stairways, corridors and other egress‑related spaces unless the building is fully sprinklered, in which some relaxations apply (§804.3.1–804.3.3.2) .
How much combustible trim can I install and what performance is required?
Combustible interior trim (excluding handrails/guards) is limited to 10% of the wall or ceiling area to which it is attached. Trim materials must meet NFPA 286 acceptance criteria or have minimum flame‑spread/smoke values per ASTM E84/UL 723; foam plastic trim has additional density, thickness and area limitations (§804.1–804.2) .
Are there special rules for detention or restrained‑care areas?
Yes. Interior floor finishes and coverings in areas occupied by inmates or by patients whose liberties are restrained must be noncombustible; limited carpet use is permitted only where the area is protected throughout by an approved automatic sprinkler system and the carpet/padding meet Class I and smoke limits per ASTM E648 and E662 (§804.3.3.3) .
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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