CFC · California Fire Code
Wall and Ceiling Finish — Existing Buildings
Defines fire- and smoke-performance requirements and test methods for interior wall and ceiling finishes in existing buildings and points to related trim, decorative, and sprinkler provisions.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
Overview
This area of the California Fire Code establishes the fire‑performance and smoke‑development limits for interior wall and ceiling finishes in existing buildings and prescribes how those materials must be classified and tested (for example, NFPA 286 or ASTM E84/UL 723) under Section §803.1 and its test/acceptance criteria in §803.1.1.1 and §803.1.2.
These provisions matter because finish materials directly affect fire growth, smoke production and occupant egress. Chapter 8 of the code groups the related rules (see the Chapter 8 table of contents listing §§803–808) and connects wall/ceiling finish rules to companion provisions for trim and floor finish (§804), decorative materials and interior trim (§806), sprinkler requirements in select cases (§803.5.2 / see §903.3.1.1), and narrow exemptions such as the thickness and heavy‑timber exceptions (§803.14, §803.15). The CFC also points existing high‑rise and other existing‑building requirements back to these finish rules (see §1114.22).
In this section
- How must textile wall coverings be tested and classified?
- What flame-spread and smoke development limits apply to interior wall and ceiling finishes in existing buildings?
- What surfaces are considered ‘interior finish’ vs decorative materials?
- When are fire‑retardant coatings permitted and how must they be maintained?
- Where to find occupancy/location limits and exceptions for finish classes (Table 803.3)
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Fire Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CFC § 803.1 High relevance — show source text
INTERIOR FINISH, DECORATIVE MATERIALS AND FURNISHINGS
SECTION 803—INTERIOR WALL AND CEILING FINISH IN EXISTING BUILDINGS
803.1 General. The provisions of this section shall limit the allowable fire performance and smoke development of interior wall and ceiling finishes in existing buildings based on location and occupancy classification. Interior wall and ceiling finishes shall be classified in accordance with Section 803 of the California Building Code . Such materials shall be classified in accordance with NFPA 286, as indicated in Section 803.1.1, or in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723, as indicated in Section 803.1.2.
Materials tested in accordance with Section 803.1.1 shall not be required to be tested in accordance with Section 803.1.2.
803.1.1 Interior wall and ceiling finish materials tested in accordance with NFPA 286. Interior wall and ceiling finish materials shall be classified in accordance with NFPA 286 and tested in accordance with Section 803.1.1.1. Materials complying with Section 803.1.1.1 shall be considered to comply with the requirements of Class A specified in Section 803.1.2.
803.1.1.1 Acceptance criteria for NFPA 286. The interior finish shall comply with the following:
During the 40 kW exposure, flames shall not spread to the ceiling.
The flame shall not spread to the outer extremity of the sample on any wall or ceiling.
Flashover, as defined in NFPA 286, shall not occur.
The peak heat release rate throughout the test shall not exceed 800 kW.
The total smoke released throughout the test shall not exceed 1,000 m [2] .
803.1.2 Interior wall and ceiling finish materials tested in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723. Interior wall and ceiling finishes shall be classified in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723. Such interior finish materials shall be grouped in the following classes in accordance with their flame spread and smoke-developed indices: Class A: Flame spread index 0–25; smoke-developed index 0–450. Class B: Flame spread index 26–75; smoke-developed index 0–450. Class C: Flame spread index 76–200; smoke-developed index 0–450.
Exception: Materials tested in accordance with Section 803.1.1 and as indicated in Sections 803.1.3 through 803.15.
803.1.3 Interior wall and ceiling finish materials with specific requirements. The materials indicated in Sections 803.4 through 803.15 shall be tested as indicated in the corresponding sections.
803.2 Stability. Interior finish materials regulated by this chapter shall be applied or otherwise fastened in such a manner that such materials will not readily become detached where subjected to room temperatures of 200°F (93°C) for not less than 30 minutes.
803.3 Interior finish requirements based on occupancy. Interior wall and ceiling finish shall have a flame spread index not greater than that specified in Table 803.3 for the group and location designated. Interior wall and ceiling finish materials tested in accordance with NFPA 286, and meeting the acceptance criteria of Section 803.1.1.1, shall be used where a Class A classification in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723 is required.
|TABLE 803.
CFC § 802.1 High relevance — show source text
SECTION 802—DEFINITIONS
802.1 Definitions. The following terms are defined in Chapter 2:
FLAME SPREAD.
FLAME SPREAD INDEX.
INTERIOR FLOOR-WALL BASE.
SITE-FABRICATED STRETCH SYSTEM.
SMOKE-DEVELOPED INDEX.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §1191] Approved.
“Approved” means approved by the State Fire Marshal.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §1196] Flame-retardant Chemical.
“Flame-Retardant Chemical,” as used herein, means any chemical, chemical compound or chemical mixture which when properly applied to a fabric or material will render such fabric or material incapable of supporting combustion to the extent that it will success- fully withstand the tests and meet the specifications promulgated by the State Fire Marshal.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §1201] Nonflammable Material.
“Nonflammable Material,” as used herein, means a fabric or material which is inherently flame-resistant to the extent that it will meet the requirements of the fire resistance test herein prescribed, but shall not include materials which must be chemically treated or processed after manufacture to make them flame-resistant.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §1202] Place of Public Assemblage.
“Place of Public Assemblage,” as used herein, means any occupancy mentioned in Sections 13115 or 13119 of the Health and Safety Code.
2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE 8-3
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
INTERIOR FINISH, DECORATIVE MATERIALS AND FURNISHINGS
SECTION 803—INTERIOR WALL AND CEILING FINISH IN EXISTING BUILDINGS
803.1 General. The provisions of this section shall limit the allowable fire performance and smoke development of interior wall and ceiling finishes in existing buildings based on location and occupancy classification. Interior wall and ceiling finishes shall be classified in accordance with Section 803 of the California Building Code . Such materials shall be classified in accordance with NFPA 286, as indicated in Section 803.1.1, or in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723, as indicated in Section 803.1.2.
Materials tested in accordance with Section 803.1.1 shall not be required to be tested in accordance with Section 803.1.2.
803.1.1 Interior wall and ceiling finish materials tested in accordance with NFPA 286. Interior wall and ceiling finish materials shall be classified in accordance with NFPA 286 and tested in accordance with Section 803.1.1.1. Materials complying with Section 803.1.1.1 shall be considered to comply with the requirements of Class A specified in Section 803.1.2.
803.1.1.1 Acceptance criteria for NFPA 286. The interior finish shall comply with the following:
During the 40 kW exposure, flames shall not spread to the ceiling.
The flame shall not spread to the outer extremity of the sample on any wall or ceiling.
Flashover, as defined in NFPA 286, shall not occur.
The peak heat release rate throughout the test shall not exceed 800 kW.
The total smoke released throughout the test shall not exceed 1,000 m [2] .
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 § 803.5.2 High relevance — show source text
803.5.2 Acceptance criteria for wall and ceiling coverings. Textile wall and ceiling coverings shall have a Class A flame spread index in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723, and be protected by an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2. Test specimen preparation and mounting shall be in accordance with ASTM E2404.
803.6 Textile ceiling coverings. Where used as interior ceiling finish materials, textile ceiling coverings, including materials having a woven, nonwoven, napped, tufted, looped or similar surface and carpet or similar textile materials, shall be tested in the manner intended for use, using the product mounting system, including adhesive, and shall comply with the requirements of Section 803.1.1 or 803.5.2.
803.7 Expanded vinyl wall coverings. Where used as interior wall finish materials, expanded vinyl wall coverings shall be tested in the manner intended for use, using the product mounting system, including adhesive, and shall comply with the requirements of Section 803.1.1, 803.5.1 or 803.5.2.
803.8 Expanded vinyl ceiling coverings. Where used as interior ceiling finish materials, expanded vinyl ceiling coverings shall be tested in the manner intended for use, using the product mounting system, including adhesive, and shall comply with the requirements of Section 803.1.1 or 803.5.2.
[BF] 803.9 High-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polypropylene (PP). Where high-density polyethylene or polypropylene is used as an interior finish, it shall comply with Section 803.1.1.
[BF] 803.10 Site-fabricated stretch systems. Where used as newly installed interior wall or interior ceiling finish materials, sitefabricated stretch systems containing all three components described in the definition in Chapter 2 shall be tested in the manner intended for use, and shall comply with the requirements of Section 803.1.1 or 803.1.2. If the materials are tested in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723, specimen preparation and mounting shall be in accordance with ASTM E2573.
803.11 Foam plastic materials. Foam plastic materials shall not be used as interior wall and ceiling finish unless specifically allowed by Section 803.11.1 or 803.11.2. Foam plastic materials shall not be used as interior trim unless specifically allowed by Section 804.2.
803.11.1 Foam plastics. Foam plastics shall be allowed to be used as interior wall and ceiling finish only where in accordance with Section 2603.9 of the California Building Code . This section shall apply both to exposed foam plastics and to foam plastics used in conjunction with a textile or vinyl facing or cover.
803.11.2 Thermal barrier for foam plastics. Foam plastic material shall be allowed if it is separated from the interior of the building by a thermal barrier in accordance with Section 2603.4 of the California Building Code.
CFC § 5.5 High relevance — show source text
[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
803.1 General. Interior wall and ceiling finish materials shall be classified for fire performance and smoke development in accordance with Section 803.1.1 or 803.1.2, except as shown in Sections 803.1.3 through 803.15. Materials tested in accordance with Section 803.1.1 shall not be required to be tested in accordance with Section 803.1.2.
803.1.1 Interior wall and ceiling finish materials tested in accordance with NFPA 286. Interior wall and ceiling finish materials shall be classified in accordance with NFPA 286 and comply with Section 803.1.1.1. Materials complying with Section 803.1.1.1 shall be considered to also comply with the requirements of Class A.
803.1.1.1 Acceptance criteria for NFPA 286. The interior finish shall comply with the following:
During the 40 kW exposure, flames shall not spread to the ceiling.
The flame shall not spread to the outer extremity of the sample on any wall or ceiling.
Flashover, as defined in NFPA 286, shall not occur.
The peak heat release rate throughout the test shall not exceed 800 kW.
The total smoke released throughout the test shall not exceed 1,000 m [2] .
803.1.2 Interior wall and ceiling finish materials tested in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723. Interior wall and ceiling finish materials shall be classified in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723. Such interior finish materials shall be grouped in the following classes in accordance with their flame spread and smoke-developed indices.
Class A = Flame spread index 0–25; smoke-developed index 0–450.
Class B = Flame spread index 26–75; smoke developed index 0–450.
Class C = Flame spread index 76–200; smoke-developed index 0–450.
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 § 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 § 803.13 Medium 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.
2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 8-1
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
8-2 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
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 § 8-1 Medium 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 § 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
INDEX-12 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
INDEX
Marquees 3106, H113 Construction 3106.5
CFC § 803.13 Medium 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
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
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 § 25.4 Medium relevance — show source text
8 lbs/ft2 on
both sides of wall.|See Note
3|1 hr||1||1–3|1| |W-6-W-2|61/2″|2″ × 4″ stud wall;1/2″ thick, 1:3; 1:3
gypsum plaster on 1″ thick magnesium
oxysulfate wood fiberboard on both sides
of wall.|See Note
3|45 min||1||1–3|3/4| |W-7-W-3|71/4″|Double row of 2″ × 4″ studs,1/2″ thick of
1:2; 1:2 gypsum plaster applied over3/8″
thick perforated gypsum lath on both
sides of wall; mineral wool insulation.|N/A|1 hr|||43|2, 4,
5|1| |W-7-W-4|71/2″|Double row of 2″ × 4″ studs,5/8″ thick of
1:2; 1:2 gypsum plaster applied over3/8″
thick perforated gypsum lath over laid
with 2″ × 2″, 16 gage wire fabric, on both
sides of wall.|N/A|1 hr
15 min|||43|2, 4|11/4|For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 pound = 0.004448 kN, 1 pound per square inch = 0.00689 MPa, 1 pound per square foot = 47.9 N/m [2] .
Notes:
- Nominal 2-inch by 4-inch wood studs of No. 1 common or better lumber set edgewise. Two-inch by 4-inch plates at top and bottom and blocking at mid height of wall.
- Mix proportions for plastered walls as follows: first ratio indicates scratch coat mix, weight of dry plaster to dry sand; second ratio indicates brown coat mix.
- Load: 360 psi of net stud cross-sectional area.
- Nominal 2-inch by 4-inch studs of yellow pine of Douglas-fir spaced 16 inches in a double row, with studs in rows staggered.
- Mineral wool bats, 0.19 lb./ft [2] .
2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE RESOURCE A-63
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
RESOURCE A—GUIDELINES ON FIRE RATINGS OF ARCHAIC MATERIALS AND ASSEMBLIES
TABLE 1.4.1
MISCELLANEOUS MATERIALS WALLS
0″ TO LESS THAN 4″ THICKCol2 Col3 Col4 Col5 Col6 Col7 Col8 Col9 Col10 ITEM CODE THICKNESS CONSTRUCTION DETAILS PERFORMANCE PERFORMANCE REFERENCE NUMBER REFERENCE NUMBER REFERENCE NUMBER NOTES **REC.
Frequently asked questions
What test methods classify wall and ceiling finishes for existing buildings?
Finishes are evaluated either by NFPA 286 (with acceptance criteria in §803.1.1.1) or by ASTM E84 / UL 723 (flame‑spread and smoke indices grouped as Class A/B/C under §803.1.2). Materials meeting the NFPA 286 criteria are considered to meet Class A.
When will sprinkler protection affect finish allowances?
Certain coverings (for example, textile wall/ceiling coverings) require a Class A rating and, where indicated, must be protected by an automatic sprinkler system installed per §903.3.1.1 or §903.3.1.2 as noted in §803.5.2.
Are very thin finishes exempt from testing?
Yes — materials thinner than 0.036 inch (0.9 mm) applied directly to walls or ceilings are exempt from testing under the thickness exemption at §803.14.
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)
Ask about the CFC
Get cited, plain-English answers on the California Fire Code for your project — any code section, any scenario.
Start Free Trial