CFC · California Fire Code

How many exits are required and when is a single exit allowed?

Q: For mixed‑use floors, how do I check single‑exit eligibility?

Use § 1006.3.4.1 : apply the applicable table entry to each occupancy, compute the ratio (actual occupants ÷ allowable occupants) for each, and confirm the sum does not exceed 1. Also respect any dwelling unit adjustments specified in that section .

Most stories must have at least two exits; the California Fire Code allows a single exit only in narrow, table‑driven cases (limited occupant load, short travel distances, certain residential or garage uses, or when the space discharges directly to the exterior). Check **§ 1006** and the specific single‑exit conditions in **§ 1006.3.4** and its tables — including footnotes about sprinklers and escape openings — before assuming a single exit is permitted. file

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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

What the code requires — 2-4 sentences

The California Fire Code requires a story or occupiable roof to have the minimum number of separate exits or access to exits based on the occupant load — typically 2 exits for up to 500 occupants, 3 for 501–1,000, and 4 for more than 1,000, per § 1006 and Table 1006.3.3. A single exit (one exit or access to one exit) is permitted only where specific conditions in § 1006.3.4 are met (for example, limited occupant load, certain residential configurations, or direct discharge to exterior) .

The most important rule: unless a story meets one of the narrowly defined exceptions in § 1006.3.4, you must provide the minimum number of exits shown in Table 1006.3.3 (usually at least two).

Requirements in detail

Basic rule (story-level)

Minimum number of exits per story is set by occupant load:
- 1–500 occupants → 2 exits
- 501–1,000 occupants → 3 exits
- More than 1,000 → 4 exits
This requirement is from § 1006.3.3 and Table 1006.3.3; a single exit is only allowed where § 1006.3.4 authorizes it .

When a single exit is permitted (summary of § 1006.3.4)

A single exit or access to a single exit is allowed when any one of these applies (paraphrase of § 1006.3.4):

The space meets the occupant-load, dwelling-unit count, and exit-access travel‑distance limits shown in Table 1006.3.4(1) or 1006.3.4(2).
Rooms or areas that are already at the level of exit discharge and whose exits discharge directly to the exterior complying with § 1006.2.1.
Mechanically parked vehicle parking garages.
Entire Group R-3 and R-4 occupancies.
Individual dwelling units (single- or multistory) that comply with the one‑means‑of‑egress rules in § 1006.2.1 and either discharge directly to exterior or have access outside the unit to at least two independent exits (the two-part criteria in § 1006.3.4(5)) .

Decision‑relevant dimensions (quick reference table)

Decision factor	Typical threshold / value	Why it matters	Code reference
Occupant load per story	1–500 (2 exits); 501–1,000 (3); >1,000 (4)	Determines minimum number of exits required from the story	§ 1006.3.3 (Table 1006.3.3)
Allowed single exit for R‑2/R‑3 dwelling stories	Up to 4 dwelling units (basement–3rd story); 125 ft max exit‑access travel distance	Permits single exit in limited residential stories (see table notes)	§ 1006.3.4 and Table 1006.3.4(1)
Allowed single exit (higher stories R‑3)	125 ft travel distance (fourth story and higher for R‑3)	Controls travel distance to a single exit	§ 1006.3.4 and Table 1006.3.4(1)
Spaces at level of exit discharge	Exits that discharge directly to exterior at same level	If satisfied, rooms at that level may have a single exit	§ 1006.3.4(2)
Mixed occupancies served by single exit	Cumulative ratios must not exceed 1 (see § 1006.3.4.1)	Ensures combined occupancies don’t overload a single-exit allowance	§ 1006.3.4.1

Note: Table 1006.3.4 contains footnotes (for example, R‑2 buildings are subject to sprinkler and egress window conditions) — those conditions must be checked in the table notes when applying § 1006.3.4 .

Exceptions & special cases

Rooms or areas that are located at the level of exit discharge with exits that go directly outside may be served by a single exit (§ 1006.3.4(2)) — applicable when no interior travel to another level is needed .
Mechanically parked parking garages may have one exit (§ 1006.3.4(3)); open parking garages have distinct travel‑distance rules noted elsewhere .
Entire Group R‑3 and R‑4 occupancies may use a single exit as allowed by § 1006.3.4(4) — this is a blanket allowance for those residential groups but other egress rules still apply .
Individual dwelling units can be single‑exit if they meet both requirements in § 1006.3.4(5): the unit qualifies as a one‑means‑of‑egress space under § 1006.2.1 and either discharges directly to exterior or the exit access outside the unit’s entrance door leads to not less than two independent exits .
For mixed occupancies, the single‑exit allowance can apply only if each occupancy independently complies with the applicable Table 1006.3.4 requirements and the combined occupancy ratios don’t exceed 1 (§ 1006.3.4.1) .

If a table or footnote reference needed to decide a specific case is not shown here, consult Table 1006.3.4(1) and 1006.3.4(2) and their footnotes directly in the code; those tables contain occupancy‑specific limits (e.g., sprinkler requirements, sleeping vs. dwelling unit distinctions) file.

Common mistakes

Assuming a single exit is allowed simply because a space is “small.” The single‑exit allowances are rule‑based (occupant load, dwelling unit count, travel distance, occupancy classification) — check § 1006.3.4 and the applicable table, not just floor area .
Forgetting table footnotes. For example, the R‑2 single‑exit allowances often require the building to be sprinklered and have emergency escape openings — missing those footnote conditions invalidates the single‑exit option .
Mixing occupant loads from multiple occupancies incorrectly in mixed‑use stories. Use the cumulative ratio method in § 1006.3.4.1 rather than simple addition .
Overlooking exit‑access travel distance limits (e.g., 125 ft in many R‑2/R‑3 single‑exit allowances). Even if dwelling‑unit counts are low, excessive travel distance can disallow a single exit under § 1006.3.4 .

Worked example

Scenario: A three‑unit apartment story (Group R‑2) on the second floor of a building equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system. Each dwelling unit is typical; the longest travel from a point in the story to the single exit is 110 ft.

Application:

Table 1006.3.3 would normally require 2 exits for an occupant load up to 500 (the usual threshold) under § 1006.3.3. But check single‑exit allowances in § 1006.3.4 .
Table 1006.3.4(1) allows a single exit for R‑2 dwelling stories (basement–third story) with up to 4 dwelling units and maximum exit‑access travel distance 125 ft, provided the building conditions (sprinklers, escape openings) in the table footnotes are met file.
This story has 3 dwelling units (≤4), travel distance 110 ft (≤125 ft), and the building is sprinklered as required by the table footnote — therefore the story may be served by a single exit under § 1006.3.4, assuming all other egress requirements (door hardware, emergency illumination, etc.) are satisfied file.

Related provisions

§ 1006.3.3 — Minimum exits per story and Table 1006.3.3 (occupant‑load thresholds)
§ 1006.3.4 — Single exits (conditions that permit single exit) and Tables 1006.3.4(1)/(2)
§ 1006.3.4.1 — Mixed‑occupancy application of single‑exit rules (ratio method)
§ 1006.2.1 — Egress from spaces; common path of egress travel distance and one‑means‑of‑egress criteria (used by § 1006.3.4(5))
§ 1007.1.1 — Required separation distance between two exits (where two exits are required) — relevant when converting from single to multiple exits
§ 1028.2 — Exit discharge requirements (exits must discharge to exterior or comply with discharge exceptions) — relevant for § 1006.3.4(2) cases where spaces are at level of exit discharge

Code references

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

CFC § 1006.3.3 High relevance — show source text

Exterior exit access stairways and ramps between occupiable roofs.

[BE] 1006.3.3 Egress based on occupant load. Each story and occupiable roof shall have the minimum number of separate and distinct exits, or access to exits, as specified in Table 1006.3.3. A single exit or access to a single exit shall be permitted in accordance with Section 1006.3.4. The required number of exits, or exit access stairways or ramps providing access to exits, from any story or occupiable roof shall be maintained until arrival at the exit discharge or public way.

[BE] TABLE 1006.3.3—MINIMUM NUMBER OF EXITS OR ACCESS TO EXITS PER STORY OR OCCUPIABLE ROOFS	Col2
OCCUPANT LOAD PER STORY OR OCCUPIABLE ROOF	MINIMUM NUMBER OF EXITS OR ACCESS TO EXITS PER STORY OR OCCUPIABLE ROOF
1–500	2
501–1,000	3
More than 1,000	4

[BE] 1006.3.4 Single exits. A single exit or access to a single exit shall be permitted from any story or occupiable roof, where one of the following conditions exists:

The occupant load, number of dwelling units and exit access travel distance do not exceed the values in Table 1006.3.4(1) or 1006.3.4(2).
Rooms, areas and spaces at the level of exit discharge, complying with Section 1006.2.1 with exits that discharge directly to the exterior at the level of exit discharge, are permitted to have one exit or access to a single exit.
Parking garages where vehicles are mechanically parked shall be permitted to have one exit or access to a single exit.
Group R-3 and R-4 occupancies shall be permitted to have one exit or access to a single exit.
Individual single-story or multistory dwelling units shall be permitted to have a single exit or access to a single exit from the dwelling unit provided that both of the following criteria are met:

5.1. The dwelling unit complies with Section 1006.2.1 as a space with one means of egress.

5.2. Either the exit from the dwelling unit discharges directly to the exterior at the level of exit discharge, or the exit access outside the dwelling unit’s entrance door provides access to not less than two approved independent exits.

[BE] TABLE 1006.3.4(1)—STORIES AND OCCUPIABLE ROOFS WITH ONE EXIT OR ACCESS TO ONE EXIT FOR R-2 AND R-3 OCCUPANCIES	Col2	Col3	Col4
STORY	OCCUPANCY	MAXIMUM NUMBER OF DWELLING UNITS	MAXIMUM EXIT ACCESS TRAVEL DISTANCE
Basement, first, second or third story above grade plane and occupiable roofs over the first or second story above grade plane	R-2a, b, c R-3a	4 dwelling units NA	125 feet NA
Fourth story above grade plane and higher	R-3a	NA	125 feet
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm. NP = Not Permitted. NA = Not Applicable. a.

CFC § 1006.3.1 High relevance — show source text

[BE] 1006.3.1 Occupant load. Where stairways serve more than one story, or more than one story and an occupiable roof, only the occupant load of each story or occupiable roof, considered individually, shall be used when calculating the required number of exits or access to exits serving that story.

[BE] 1006.3.2 Path of egress travel. The path of egress travel to an exit shall not pass through more than one adjacent story.

Exception: The path of egress travel to an exit shall be permitted to pass through more than one adjacent story in any of the following:

In Group R-1, R-2 or R-3 occupancies, exit access stairways and ramps connecting four stories or fewer serving and contained within an individual dwelling unit or sleeping unit or live/work unit.

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Exit access stairways serving and contained within a Group R-3 congregate residence or a Group R-4 facility.
Exit access stairways and ramps within an atrium complying with Section 404 of the California Building Code .
Exit access stairways and ramps in open parking garages that serve only the parking garage.
Exit access stairways and ramps serving smoke-protected assembly seating and open-air assembly seating complying with the exit access travel distance requirements of Section 1030.7.
Exit access stairways and ramps between the balcony, gallery or press box and the main assembly floor in occupancies such as theaters, places of religious worship, auditoriums and sports facilities.
Exterior exit access stairways and ramps between occupiable roofs.

[BE] TABLE 1006.3.3—MINIMUM NUMBER OF EXITS OR ACCESS TO EXITS PER STORY OR OCCUPIABLE ROOFS	Col2
OCCUPANT LOAD PER STORY OR OCCUPIABLE ROOF	MINIMUM NUMBER OF EXITS OR ACCESS TO EXITS PER STORY OR OCCUPIABLE ROOF
1–500	2
501–1,000	3
More than 1,000	4

[BE] 1006.3.4 Single exits. A single exit or access to a single exit shall be permitted from any story or occupiable roof, where one of the following conditions exists:

The occupant load, number of dwelling units and exit access travel distance do not exceed the values in Table 1006.3.4(1) or 1006.3.4(2).
Rooms, areas and spaces at the level of exit discharge, complying with Section 1006.2.1 with exits that discharge directly to the exterior at the level of exit discharge, are permitted to have one exit or access to a single exit.

CFC § 1006.3.4. High relevance — show source text

dance with Section 1006.3.4. The required number of exits, or exit access stairways or ramps providing access to exits, from any story or occupiable roof shall be maintained until arrival at the exit discharge or a public way.

TABLE 1006.3.3—MINIMUM NUMBER OF EXITS OR ACCESS TO EXITS PER STORY OR OCCUPIABLE ROOFS	Col2
OCCUPANT LOAD PER STORY OR OCCUPIABLE ROOF	MINIMUM NUMBER OF EXITS OR ACCESS TO EXITS PER STORY OR OCCUPIABLE ROOF
1-500	2
501-1,000	3
More than 1,000	4

1006.3.4 Single exits. A single exit or access to a single exit shall be permitted from any story or occupiable roof where one of the following conditions exists:

The occupant load, number of dwelling units and exit access travel distance do not exceed the values in Table 1006.3.4(1) or 1006.3.4(2).
Rooms, areas and spaces complying with Section 1006.2.1 with exits that discharge directly to the exterior at the level of exit discharge, are permitted to have one exit or access to a single exit.
Parking garages where vehicles are mechanically parked shall be permitted to have one exit or access to a single exit.
Group R-3 and R-4 occupancies shall be permitted to have one exit or access to a single exit.
Individual single-story or multistory dwelling units shall be permitted to have a single exit or access to a single exit from the dwelling unit provided that both of the following criteria are met: 5.1. The dwelling unit complies with Section 1006.2.1 as a space with one means of egress. 5.2. Either the exit from the dwelling unit discharges directly to the exterior at the level of exit discharge, or the exit access outside the dwelling unit’s entrance door provides access to not less than two approved independent exits.

TABLE 1006.3.4(1)—STORIES AND OCCUPIABLE ROOFS WITH ONE EXIT OR ACCESS TO ONE EXIT FOR R-2 AND R-3 OCCUPANCIES	Col2	Col3	Col4
STORY	OCCUPANCY	MAXIMUM NUMBER OF DWELLING UNITS	MAXIMUM EXIT ACCESS TRAVEL DISTANCE
Basement, first, second or third story above grade plane and occupi- able roofs over the first or second story above grade plane	R-2a, b, c R-3a	4 dwelling units NA	125 feet NA
Fourth story above grade plane and higher	R-3a	NA	125 feet
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm. NP = Not Permitted. NA = Not Applicable. a. Buildings classified as Group R-2 equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2 and provided with emergency escape and rescue openings in accordance with Section 1031. b. This table is used for Group R-2 occupancies consisting of dwelling units. For Group R-2 occupancies consisting of sleeping units, use Table 1006.3.4(2). c.

CFC § 1006.3.2 High relevance — show source text

1006.3.2 Path of egress travel. The path of egress travel to an exit shall not pass through more than one adjacent story.

Exception: The path of egress travel to an exit shall be permitted to pass through more than one adjacent story in any of the following:

In Group R-1, R-2 or R-3 occupancies, exit access stairways and ramps connecting four stories or less serving and contained within an individual dwelling unit, sleeping unit or live/work unit.
Exit access stairways serving and contained within a Group R-3 congregate residence or a Group R-4 facility.
Exit access stairways and ramps within an atrium complying with Section 404.
Exit access stairways and ramps in open parking garages that serve only the parking garage.
Exit access stairways and ramps serving smoke-protected assembly seating and open-air assembly seating complying with the exit access travel distance requirements of Section 1030.7.
Exit access stairways and ramps between the balcony, gallery or press box and the main assembly floor in occupancies such as theaters, places of religious worship, auditoriums and sports facilities.
Exterior exit access stairways and ramps between occupiable roofs.

1006.3.3 Egress based on occupant load. Each story and occupiable roof shall have the minimum number of separate and distinct exits, or access to exits, as specified in Table 1006.3.3. A single exit or access to a single exit shall be permitted in accor

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TABLE 1006.3.3—MINIMUM NUMBER OF EXITS OR ACCESS TO EXITS PER STORY OR OCCUPIABLE ROOFS	Col2
OCCUPANT LOAD PER STORY OR OCCUPIABLE ROOF	MINIMUM NUMBER OF EXITS OR ACCESS TO EXITS PER STORY OR OCCUPIABLE ROOF
1-500	2
501-1,000	3
More than 1,000	4

1006.3.4 Single exits. A single exit or access to a single exit shall be permitted from any story or occupiable roof where one of the following conditions exists:

The occupant load, number of dwelling units and exit access travel distance do not exceed the values in Table 1006.3.4(1) or 1006.3.4(2).
Rooms, areas and spaces complying with Section 1006.2.1 with exits that discharge directly to the exterior at the level of exit discharge, are permitted to have one exit or access to a single exit.
Parking garages where vehicles are mechanically parked shall be permitted to have one exit or access to a single exit.
Group R-3 and R-4 occupancies shall be permitted to have one exit or access to a single exit.
Individual single-story or multistory dwelling units shall be permitted to have a single exit or access to a single exit from the dwelling unit provided that both of the following criteria are met: 5.1.

CFC § 7.1 High relevance — show source text
P103.6 Exits. Exiting shall be in accordance with Chapter 10 and this section. 1. Two exits shall be provided from each room with an occupant load of 50 or more. Required exit doors shall swing in the direc- tion of egress. 2. Illuminated exit signs shall be provided at each exit serving an occupant load of 50 or more. 3. Exit doors serving an occupant load of 50 or more shall not be provided with a latch or lock unless it is panic hardware. 4. When tents or membrane structures are approved for use, curtains shall not be allowed to cover the exits. 5. Emergency lighting shall be provided in exit pathways. 6. Exhibits and decorative materials shall not obstruct, confuse or obscure exits, exit pathways, exit signs or emergency lights. 7. Additional exit pathway markings, such as low level exit signs and directional exit path markings, may be required.

P103.7 Fire protection. Haunted houses and ghost walks shall be provided with fire protection systems in accordance with Appendix P103.7.

Exception: When the total floor area of haunted houses or indoor portions of ghost walks are less than 1,000 square feet and the travel distance to an exit is less than 50 feet.

P103.7.1 Fire sprinkler protection. An automatic fire sprinkler system shall be required for haunted houses and indoor portions of ghost walks. Fire sprinkler systems shall be in accordance with Section 903.

P103.7.2 Fire detection systems. An approved automatic fire detection system shall be provided in accordance with Section 907.2.12, as required for amusement buildings.

P103.7.3 Alarm. Activation of any single smoke detector, the fire sprinkler system or other automatic fire detection device shall be in accordance with Section 907.2.12.1.

P103.7.4 Emergency voice alarm. Provide an emergency voice/alarm communication system in accordance with Section 907.2.12.3, as required for amusement buildings.

P103.7.5 Portable fire extinguishers. Fire extinguishers shall have a minimum 2A-10B:C rating. Fire extinguishers shall be properly mounted and shall be visible and accessible at all times. Clearly identify locations with signs or reflective tape. Fire extinguishers shall be located within 50 of feet travel distance from anywhere in the building.

P103.8 Electrical. When required, a permit shall be obtained from the local building official.

P103.8.1 Extension cords. Extension cords shall be UL listed and shall be appropriate for the intended use.

P103.8.2 Power strips. Only UL listed power strips with overcurrent protection shall be used when the number of outlets provided is inadequate. Power strips shall be plugged directly into the outlet, and shall not be plugged into one another in series.

P103.8.3 String lighting. Manufacturer’s installation guidelines shall be followed for the maximum allowable number of string lights that can be connected. When connecting string lights together, the total amperage of all string lights shall be calculated to ensure that they do not exceed the amperage for the extension cord and circuit.

P103.8.4 Protection. All extension cords and power strips shall be adequately protected from foot traffic.
CFC § 453.6.1 High relevance — show source text
For Group L occupancies see Section 453.6.1 of the California Building Code._|For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm.
NP = Not Permitted.
NA = Not Applicable.
a. Buildings classified as Group R-2 equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2 and provided with emergency
escape and rescue openings in accordance with Section 1031.
b. Group B, F and S occupancies in buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or an occupiable roof of such build-
ings shall have a maximum exit access travel distance of 100 feet.
c. This table is used for Group R-2 occupancies consisting of sleeping units. For Group R-2 occupancies consisting of dwelling units, use Table 1006.3.4(1).
d. The length of exit access travel distance in a Group S-2 open parking garage shall be not more than 100 feet.
e. For Group L occupancies see Section 453.6.1 of the California Building Code.|

[BE] 1006.3.4.1 Mixed occupancies. Where one exit, or exit access stairway or ramp providing access to exits at other stories, is permitted to serve individual stories, mixed occupancies shall be permitted to be served by single exits provided that each individual occupancy complies with the applicable requirements of Table 1006.3.4(1) or 1006.3.4(2) for that occupancy. Where applicable, cumulative occupant loads from adjacent occupancies shall be considered to be in accordance with the provisions of Section 1004.1. In each story of a mixed occupancy building, the maximum number of occupants served by a single exit shall be such that the sum of the ratios of the calculated number of occupants of the space divided by the allowable number of occupants indicated in Table 1006.3.4(2) for each occupancy does not exceed one. Where dwelling units are located on a story with other occupancies, the actual number of dwelling units divided by four plus the ratio from the other occupancy does not exceed one.

SECTION 1007—EXIT AND EXIT ACCESS DOORWAY CONFIGURATION

[BE] 1007.1 General. Exits, exit access doorways, and exit access stairways and ramps serving spaces, including individual building stories, shall be separated in accordance with the provisions of this section.

[BE] 1007.1.1 Two exits or exit access doorways. Where two exits, exit access doorways, exit access stairways or ramps, or any combination thereof, are required from any portion of the exit access, they shall be placed a distance apart equal to not less than one-half of the length of the maximum overall diagonal dimension of the building or area to be served measured in a straight line between them. Interlocking or scissor stairways shall be counted as one exit stairway.

Exceptions:
1. Where interior exit stairways or ramps are interconnected by a 1-hour fire-resistance-rated corridor conforming to the requirements of Section 1020, the required exit separation shall be measured along the shortest direct line of travel within the corridor.
2. Where a building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2, the separation distance shall be not less than one-third of the length of the maximum overall diagonal dimension of the area served.
CFC § 1006.2.2.1 High relevance — show source text
[BE] 1006.2.2.1 Boiler, incinerator and furnace rooms. Two exit access doorways are required in boiler, incinerator and furnace rooms where the area is over 500 square feet (46 m [2] ) and any fuel-fired equipment exceeds 400,000 British thermal units (Btu) (422 000 KJ) input capacity. Where two exit access doorways are required, one is permitted to be a fixed ladder or an

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alternating tread device. Exit access doorways shall be separated by a horizontal distance equal to one-half the length of the maximum overall diagonal dimension of the room.

[BE] 1006.2.2.2 Refrigeration machinery rooms. Machinery rooms larger than 1,000 square feet (93 m [2] ) shall have not less than two exits or exit access doorways. Where two exit access doorways are required, one such doorway is permitted to be served by a fixed ladder or an alternating tread device. Exit access doorways shall be separated by a horizontal distance equal to one-half the maximum horizontal dimension of the room.

Exit access travel distance shall be determined as specified in Section 1017.1, but all portions of a refrigeration machinery room shall be within 150 feet (45 720 mm) of an exit or exit access doorway where such rooms are not protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system. Egress is allowed through adjoining refrigeration machinery rooms or adjoining refrigerated rooms or spaces.

Exit and exit access doorways shall swing in the direction of egress travel and shall be equipped with panic hardware, regardless of the occupant load served. Exit and exit access doorways shall be tight fitting and self-closing.

[BE] 1006.2.2.3 Refrigerated rooms or spaces. Rooms or spaces having a floor area larger than 1,000 square feet (93 m [2] ), containing a refrigerant evaporator and maintained at a temperature below 68°F (20°C), shall have access to not less than two exits or exit access doorways.

Exit access travel distance shall be determined as specified in Section 1017.1. All portions of a refrigerated room or space shall be within 150 feet (45 720 mm) of an exit or exit access doorway leading to a nonrefrigerated area where such rooms are not protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system. Egress is allowed through adjoining refrigerated rooms or spaces.

Exception: Where using refrigerants in quantities limited to the amounts based on the volume set forth in the California Mechanical Code. Egress is allowed through adjoining refrigerated rooms or spaces.

[BE] 1006.2.2.4 Electrical rooms. The location and number of exit or exit access doorways shall be provided for electrical rooms in accordance with Section 110.26 of the California Electrical Code for electrical equipment rated 1,000 volts or less, and Section 110.33 of the California Electrical Code for electrical equipment rated over 1,000 volts. Panic hardware shall be provided where required in accordance with Section 1010.2.8.2.

[BE] 1006.2.2.5 Vehicular ramps. Vehicular ramps shall not be considered as an exit access ramp unless pedestrian facilities are provided.
CFC § 1004.1.1. High relevance — show source text
SECTION P103—GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

P103.1 Allowable structures. Haunted houses, ghost walks and similar amusement uses shall only be located in structures that comply with the provisions for Special Amusement Areas in accordance with the California Building Code.

P103.2 Tents or membrane structures. Tents and membrane structures may be used when in compliance with all applicable require- ments of this regulation and when the total floor area of the tent is less than 1,000 square feet and the travel distance to an exit from any location is less than 50 feet.

P103.3 Fire evacuation plans. A fire safety and evacuation plan that complies with Section 404 of this code shall be submitted.

P103.4 Staffing. The event shall be adequately staffed by qualified person(s) to control the occupant load and assist patrons in exiting should an evacuation become necessary. Staffing level shall be determined upon review of plans and may be increased at the discretion of the Fire Code Official.

P103.5 Occupant load. Maximum occupant load shall be in accordance with Chapter 10, Table 1004.1.1. A sign stating maximum occu- pancy shall be posted in a visible location near the entrance. The attendant(s) shall control the flow of patrons so as not to exceed this limit.

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APPENDIX P—TEMPORARY HAUNTED HOUSES, GHOST WALKS AND SIMILAR AMUSEMENT USES

P103.6 Exits. Exiting shall be in accordance with Chapter 10 and this section. 1. Two exits shall be provided from each room with an occupant load of 50 or more. Required exit doors shall swing in the direc- tion of egress. 2. Illuminated exit signs shall be provided at each exit serving an occupant load of 50 or more. 3. Exit doors serving an occupant load of 50 or more shall not be provided with a latch or lock unless it is panic hardware. 4. When tents or membrane structures are approved for use, curtains shall not be allowed to cover the exits. 5. Emergency lighting shall be provided in exit pathways. 6. Exhibits and decorative materials shall not obstruct, confuse or obscure exits, exit pathways, exit signs or emergency lights. 7. Additional exit pathway markings, such as low level exit signs and directional exit path markings, may be required.

P103.7 Fire protection. Haunted houses and ghost walks shall be provided with fire protection systems in accordance with Appendix P103.7.

Exception: When the total floor area of haunted houses or indoor portions of ghost walks are less than 1,000 square feet and the travel distance to an exit is less than 50 feet.

P103.7.1 Fire sprinkler protection. An automatic fire sprinkler system shall be required for haunted houses and indoor portions of ghost walks. Fire sprinkler systems shall be in accordance with Section 903.

P103.7.2 Fire detection systems. An approved automatic fire detection system shall be provided in accordance with Section 907.2.12, as required for amusement buildings.
CFC § 452.1.2 High relevance — show source text
452.1.2 Separate means of egress systems required. Every room with an occupant load of 300 or more shall have one of its exits or exit-access doorways lead directly into a separate means of egress system that consists of not less than two paths of exit travel which are separated by a smoke barrier in accordance with Section 709 in such a manner to provide an atmospheric separation that precludes contamination of both paths of exit travel by the same fire. Not more than two required exits or exit-access doorways shall enter into the same means of egress system.

452.1.3 Fences and gates. School grounds may be fenced and gates therein may be equipped with locks, provided that safe disper- sal areas based on 3 square feet (0.28 m [2] ) per occupant are located between the school and the fence. Such required safe dispersal areas shall not be located less than 50 feet (15 240 mm) from school buildings.

4-66 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE

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

SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON OCCUPANCY AND USE

Every public and private school shall conform with Section 32020 of the Education Code which states:

The governing board of every public school district, and the governing authority of every private school, which maintains any building used for the instruction or housing of school pupils on land entirely enclosed (except for building walls) by fences of walls, shall, through cooperation with the local law enforcement and fire-protection agencies having jurisdiction of the area, make provi- sion for the erection of gates in such fences or walls. The gates shall be of sufficient size to permit the entrance of the ambulances, police equipment and firefighting apparatus used by the law enforcement and fire-protection agencies. There shall be no less than one such access gate and there shall be as many such gates as needed to assure access to all major buildings and ground areas. If such gates are to be equipped with locks, the locking devices shall be designed to permit ready entrance by the use of the chain or bolt-cutting devices with which the local law enforcement and fire-protection agencies may be equipped.

452.1.4 Special provisions. Rooms used by kindergarten, first- or second-grade pupils, and Group E child care, shall not be located above or below the first story.

Exceptions: 1. Kindergarten, first- or second-grade pupils, or Group E child care may be located in basements or stories having floor levels located within 4 feet (1219 mm), measured vertically, from the adjacent ground level at the level of exit discharge, provided the basement or story has exterior exit doors at that level. 2. In buildings equipped with an automatic sprinkler system throughout, rooms used for kindergarten, first- and second-grade children or for Group E child-care purposes may be located on the second story, provided there are at least two exterior exit _doors, or other egress systems complying with Section 1020 with two exits, for the exclusive use of such occupants.
CFC § 803.2 High relevance — show source text
803.2 Automatic sprinkler systems. Automatic sprinkler systems shall be provided in accordance with the requirements of Section 903 of the California Building and California Fire Codes.

803.3 Reserved.

803.4 Fire alarm and detection. An approved fire alarm system shall be installed in accordance with California Fire Code Sections 907 and 1103.7.

803.4.1 Systems out of service. Existing fire alarm and detection systems shall be maintained in accordance with Section 901.7 of the California Fire Code. Site fire protection during construction shall be in accordance with Chapter 33 of the California Building and California Fire Codes.

SECTION 804—MEANS OF EGRESS

804.1 Scope. The requirements of this section shall be limited to work areas that include exits or corridors shared by more than one tenant within the work area in which Level 2 alterations are being performed, and where specified they shall apply throughout the floor on which the work areas are located or otherwise beyond the work area.

804.2 General. The means of egress shall comply with the requirements of this section.

Exceptions:
1. Where the work area and the means of egress serving it complies with NFPA 101.
2. Means of egress complying with the requirements of the building code under which the building was constructed shall be considered to be compliant means of egress if, in the opinion of the code official, they do not constitute a distinct hazard to life.
804.3 Reserved.

804.4 Refuge areas. Where alterations affect the configuration of an area utilized as a refuge area, the capacity of the refuge area shall not be reduced below the required capacity of the refuge area for horizontal exits in accordance with Section 1026.4 of the Cali- fornia Building Code . Where the horizontal exit also forms a smoke compartment, the capacity of the refuge area for ambulatory care facilities shall not be reduced below that required in Sections 407.5.3, 408.6.2, 420.6.1 and 422.3.2 of the California Building Code, as applicable.

804.5 Number of exits. The number of exits or access to exits shall be in accordance with Sections 804.5.1 through 804.5.3.

804.5.1 Minimum number. Every story utilized for human occupancy on which there is a work area that includes exits or corridors shared by more than one tenant within the work area shall be provided with the minimum number of exits based on the occupancy and the occupant load in accordance with the California Building Code . In addition, the exits shall comply with Sections 804.5.1.1 and 804.5.1.2.

804.5.1.1 Single-exit buildings. A single exit or access to a single exit shall be permitted from spaces, any story or any occupiable roof where one of the following conditions exists:
1. The occupant load, number of dwelling units and exit access travel distance do not exceed the values in Table 804.5.1.1(1) or 804.5.1.1(2).
2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE 8-5

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

ALTERATIONS—LEVEL 2
CFC § 115.2 High relevance — show source text
Evacuation 115.2, 405, 2603.3.4, 2603.3.5 Evacuation Diagrams 403.9.1.1, 403.9.2.3 Evacuation Drills 405 Frequency 405.3, Table 405.3 Notification 405.7 Recall and reentry 405.10 Evacuation Plans 404

Excess Flow Control

Defined 202

Excess Flow Valve

Defined 202

Exhausted Enclosure 202, 5003.8.5 Exhibit Gallery Occupancy load Table 1004.5 Exhibition Halls (Occupancy Group A-3)

202

Exhibits and Trade Shows 105.5.15 Existing Defined 202 Existing Buildings Chapter 11 Group I-2 1105 Outdoor occupancies 1106 Exit 1022 Configuration 1007 Defined 202

Enclosure 1023

Horizontal 1026 Number required 1006 Passageways 1024

Ramps, interior and exterior 1023, 1027 Stairways, interior or exterior 1023, 1027 Stories 1004.2.3, 1006.3, 1017.3.1 Exit Access 101, 1016, 1017, 1018, 1019 Aisles 1018

Atriums 1006.3.2, 1017.3.2, 1019.3 Balconies 1017.2.1, 1021 Common path 1006.2.1 Corridor 1020

Doors 1005.7, 1006.2, 1007, 1010,

1022.2

Intervening spaces 1016.2 Ramps 1019 Seating at tables 1030.13.1 Single exit 1006.2, 1006.3.3 Stairways 1019 Exit Discharge 202, 1023.12.1, 1023.3, 1024.4, 1028, 1029 Barriers 1023.8

Courts 1029

Horizontal exits 1028.2

Lobbies 1028.2 Public way 1028.5 Termination 1023.3

Vestibule 1028.2 Expanded Plastic Figure 3203.9(1), Figure 3203.9(2) Defined 202 Expanded Vinyl Wall or Ceiling Coverings 803.7, 803.8 Explosion Defined 202 Explosion Control 911, 2204.1, 2803.2, 2803.2.1, 2905.4, 5004.6, 5005.2.1.2, 5005.2.2.2, 5704.2.5, 5705.3.7.5.2, 5705.3.7.6.2, 5808.6, 6204.1.10, 6304.1.1,

6704.1.6 Explosive Material Chapter 56 Buildings under construction or demolition 3308

Defined 202 Explosives and Fireworks Chapter 56 Defined 202 Manufacture, assembly and testing 5605
CFC § 1028.1 High relevance — show source text
SECTION 1028—EXIT DISCHARGE

[BE] 1028.1 General. The exit discharge shall comply with Sections 1028 and 1029 and the applicable requirements of Sections 1003 through 1015.

[BE] 1028.2 Exit discharge. Exits shall discharge directly to the exterior of the building. The exit discharge shall be at grade or shall provide a direct path of egress travel to grade. The exit discharge shall not reenter a building. The combined use of Exceptions 1 and 2 shall not exceed 50 percent of the number and minimum width or required capacity of the required exits.

Exceptions:
1. Not more than 50 percent of the number and minimum width or required capacity of interior exit stairways and ramps is permitted to egress through areas, including atriums, on the level of discharge provided that all of the following conditions are met:
1.1. Discharge of interior exit stairways and ramps shall be provided with a free and unobstructed path of travel to an exterior exit door and such exit is readily visible and identifiable from the point of termination of the enclosure.

1.2. The entire area of the level of exit discharge is separated from areas below by construction conforming to the fire-resistance rating for the enclosure. 1.3. The egress path from the interior exit stairway and ramp on the level of exit discharge is protected throughout by an approved automatic sprinkler system. Portions of the level of exit discharge with access to the egress path shall either be equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2, or separated from the egress path in accordance with the requirements for the enclosure of interior exit stairways or ramps. 1.4. Where a required interior exit stairway or ramp and an exit access stairway or ramp serve the same floor level and terminate at the same level of exit discharge, the termination of the exit access stairway or ramp and the exit discharge door of the interior exit stairway or ramp shall be separated by a distance of not less than 30 feet (9144 mm) or not less than one-fourth the length of the maximum overall diagonal dimension of the building, whichever is less. The distance shall be measured in a straight line between the exit discharge door from the interior exit stairway or ramp and the last tread of the exit access stairway or termination of slope of the exit

access ramp. 2. Not more than 50 percent of the number and minimum width or required capacity of the interior exit stairways and ramps is permitted to egress through a vestibule provided that all of the following conditions are met: 2.1. The entire area of the vestibule is separated from areas below by construction conforming to the fire-resistance rating of the interior exit stairway or ramp enclosure. 2.2. The depth from the exterior of the building is not greater than 10 feet (3048 mm) and the length is not greater than 30 feet (9144 mm). 2.3. The area is separated from the remainder of the level of exit discharge by a fire partition constructed in accordance with Section 708 of the California Building Code .

Exception: The maximum transmitted temperature rise is not required. 2.4. The area is used only for means of egress and exits directly to the outside. 3. Horizontal exits complying with Section 1026 shall not be required to discharge directly to the exterior of the building.

Frequently asked questions

When do I always need at least two exits?

Any story whose occupant load and travel‑distance conditions do not qualify it for a single‑exit allowance must have at least two exits per § 1006.3.3 and Table 1006.3.3 .

Are all single‑family homes allowed a single exit?

Individual dwelling units (including single‑family homes) can be single exit only if they meet the two criteria in § 1006.3.4(5) (one‑means‑of‑egress space per § 1006.2.1, and either direct discharge to exterior or access outside the unit to two independent exits) .

Does having sprinklers automatically allow one exit?

No. Sprinklers are a condition in some single‑exit table footnotes (for certain R‑2 allowances), but sprinklers alone do not automatically permit a single exit — you must meet the specific table limits in § 1006.3.4 and its tables .

For mixed‑use floors, how do I check single‑exit eligibility?

Use § 1006.3.4.1: apply the applicable table entry to each occupancy, compute the ratio (actual occupants ÷ allowable occupants) for each, and confirm the sum does not exceed 1. Also respect any dwelling unit adjustments specified in that section .

Where do I find the numeric limits for single‑exit cases?

See Table 1006.3.4(1) and Table 1006.3.4(2) and their footnotes referenced by § 1006.3.4 for occupancy‑specific numeric limits (dwelling unit counts, travel distances, sprinkler conditions) file.

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