CFC · California Fire Code

How to determine occupant load and size exits/capacity

For homeowners: the code requires you to compute how many people a space can hold (the occupant load), use that number to determine the minimum number of exits from Table 1006.3.3, and size stairs/doors/corridors by multiplying occupants by the capacity factors in §1005—sprinklered buildings can sometimes use smaller factors.

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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

What the code requires — plain English

  • The design occupant load (how many people a space is planned for) controls how many exits are required and how wide those exits and egress components must be. The rules for determining occupant load are in § 1004 , the sizing rules for egress capacity are in § 1005 , and the minimum number of exits per story is in § 1006.3.3 .
  • In short: calculate the occupant load from area or fixed seating (use Table § 1004.5 or the seating rules), then apply the required minimum number of exits (Table § 1006.3.3) and size each egress component by the capacity factors in § 1005 so the total capacity meets or exceeds the required inches (or millimetres) of egress width. See the controlling sections § 1004, § 1005, § 1006.3.3 for the exact text .

The single most important rule: compute occupant load from the applicable factor or seating rule in § 1004, then size exits so total egress capacity (inches of clear width) equals occupant load multiplied by the capacity factor in § 1005; provide the minimum number of exits required by § 1006.3.3.

Requirements in detail

1) How to determine the design occupant load (who counts)

  • The design occupant load is the number of occupants for whom egress facilities are provided; determine it by area or fixed seating as set out in § 1004.1 and following subsections .
  • When egress paths pass through intervening rooms, add the loads for those spaces cumulatively per § 1004.2.1; mezzanine loads that egress through an adjacent level must be added per § 1004.2.2; do not add occupant loads from separate stories except where convergence is specifically addressed in § 1005.6 and related text (§ 1004.2.3) .
  • Where multiple functions exist in one area, apply the factor for each function to its area and add (multiple‑function rule) per § 1004.3 .
  • Assembly rooms with an occupant load of 50 or more must have the occupant load posted near the main exit per § 1004.9 .

2) Occupant‑load factors (decision‑relevant excerpts)

  • The full list of factors is in Table 1004.5 (see § 1004.5) — below are commonly used entries taken from that table and related text (use the table when in doubt) .
Decision / input Typical value(s) Code Reference
Areas without fixed seating — use floor area ÷ factor Use the applicable factor in Table 1004.5 (example: accessory storage 300 gross) § 1004.5
Fixed seating (bench/rows without dividing arms) 1 person per 18 inches of seating length § 1004 (seating rules)
Booth seating 1 person per 24 inches of booth seat length § 1004 (seating rules)
Concentrated business use (telephone centers, trading floors) Use actual or not less than 1 per 50 sq ft when approved § 1004.8

(Always consult the full Table 1004.5 in § 1004.5 for the exact factor for your function) .

3) Minimum number of exits (per story / occupiable roof)

  • Use Table 1006.3.3: 1–500 occupants = 2 exits, 501–1,000 = 3 exits, >1,000 = 4 exits. This is the minimum number of separate and distinct exits or access to exits required from each story or occupiable roof (see § 1006.3.3 and Table 1006.3.3) .

4) Sizing egress: capacity factors and minimum widths

  • Required capacity of egress components is based on occupant load times a capacity factor per § 1005.3 .
    • Stairways: default factor 0.3 inch per occupant (0.3 in/ocp) — § 1005.3.1 .
      • Exception: in buildings with an automatic sprinkler system and emergency voice/alarm system (see exception text) the stair factor may be reduced to 0.2 in/ocp for most occupancies (see § 1005.3.1 exception) .
    • Other egress components (corridors, doors, ramps, level egress): default factor 0.2 in/ocp — § 1005.3.2 .
      • Exception: sprinklered + EVACS buildings may use 0.15 in/ocp for non‑stair components — § 1005.3.2 exception .
  • Minimum component widths (for special components) are also stated elsewhere in the code and must be respected; § 1005.2 reminds that component minimum widths cannot be less than other minimums specified for that component .

5) Distribution & convergence rules (how capacity is allocated)

  • If more than one exit is required, the means of egress must be arranged so that loss of any one exit does not reduce available capacity to less than 50% of the required capacity (§ 1005.5) — plan to distribute capacity accordingly .
  • Where egress from adjacent stories converges at an intermediate level, the capacity at the convergence point must be not less than the larger of (a) the largest minimum width or (b) the sum of the required capacities for the stairways/ramps serving the two stories — see § 1005.6 (egress convergence) .

Exceptions & special cases

  • Sprinklered buildings with the required emergency communication system can use reduced capacity factors (stairways to 0.2 in/ocp, other components to 0.15 in/ocp) — see the exceptions in § 1005.3.1 and § 1005.3.2 .
  • Single exit from a story is allowed only under limited conditions in § 1006.3.4 (e.g., small occupant loads and travel distance limits) — § 1006.3.4 refers to Tables 1006.3.4(1) and 1006.3.4(2) for the numeric thresholds. Those specific tables were not present in the retrieved files, so check the official code text for the exact numeric limits before relying on a single‑exit design (text: § 1006.3.4) .
  • When egress paths pass through intervening rooms, you must use the cumulative occupant load of interconnected spaces at the point along the path per § 1004.2.1 .
  • Mezzanines that require egress through an adjacent level: add the mezzanine occupant load to the adjacent room’s load per § 1004.2.2 .
  • Outdoor occupiable roofs, patios, courts: the fire code official assigns occupant load based on anticipated use (§ 1004.7); where outdoor use adds people whose egress passes through the building, include those people in the building’s egress calculations .

If you need to apply any special tables referenced by exceptions (for example the Tables in § 1006.3.4), I can fetch those exact tables — they were not included in the files returned to me in this session.

Common mistakes

  • Using the wrong occupant‑load factor (gross vs net or the wrong function entry) — always cite Table 1004.5 in § 1004.5 for the function you have .
  • Forgetting to add mezzanine or intervening accessory loads when egress passes through another space (misses § 1004.2.1/1004.2.2) .
  • Designing total egress width to equal required capacity but placing almost all capacity in one exit — this can violate the distribution rule in § 1005.5 (must not fall below 50% if one exit is lost) .
  • Using the reduced capacity factors without meeting the automatic sprinkler / alarm system criteria (the exceptions are conditional — see § 1005.3.1 / § 1005.3.2) .
  • Assuming exit counts are per building rather than per story — Table 1006.3.3 applies per story or occupiable roof (see § 1006.3.3) .

Worked example — step by step

Scenario: A single story assembly hall with a calculated occupant load of 400 (fixed seating or calculation produced 400).

  1. Minimum number of exits:

    • Table § 1006.3.3 requires 2 exits for occupant loads 1–500 (so 2 exits) .

  2. Required egress capacity (non‑sprinklered building):

    • Stairway capacity factor: 0.3 in per occupant (§ 1005.3.1) — if you have stairs, required stairway capacity = 400 × 0.3 = 120 inches (3,048 mm) total stair width .
    • Other egress components factor: 0.2 in per occupant (§ 1005.3.2) — required corridor/door total capacity = 400 × 0.2 = 80 inches (2,032 mm) .
    • If the building is sprinklered and meets the emergency communication requirement, you may be allowed reduced factors: stairways 0.2 in/ocp → 400 × 0.2 = 80 in; other components 0.15 in/ocp → 400 × 0.15 = 60 in (see exceptions in § 1005.3.1 and § 1005.3.2) .

  3. Distribution requirement (avoid losing >50% of capacity if one exit is lost):

    • Required stair capacity (non‑sprinklered) = 120 in total. With 2 exits you must arrange capacity so loss of one exit does not reduce available capacity to less than 50% (i.e., remaining capacity ≥ 60 in). That implies each exit path should provide at least 60 inches of the required stair capacity, and you cannot put all capacity in a single exit .

  4. Doors and clearances:

    • Make sure individual components also meet their minimum widths and that door swings and encroachments follow § 1005.7 so doors do not reduce required clear width more than allowed .

This example shows the sequence: determine occupant load → get minimum number of exits (Table § 1006.3.3) → compute required capacity with § 1005 factors → lay out exits so distribution § 1005.5 is satisfied.

Related provisions (check these too)

  • § 1004.5 — Table 1004.5 (occupant load factors) for area‑based calculations
  • § 1004.2.1, § 1004.2.2, § 1004.2.3 — cumulative loads, mezzanine and adjacent story rules
  • § 1004.9 — posting of occupant load for certain assembly spaces (≥ 50)
  • § 1005.3.1 and § 1005.3.2 — capacity factors for stairways and other egress components, and the sprinkler/EVACS exceptions
  • § 1005.5 — distribution of capacity (50% rule)
  • § 1005.6 — egress convergence (sum or largest width at convergence)
  • § 1006.3.3 — minimum number of exits per occupant load per story (Table 1006.3.3)
  • § 1006.3.4 — single‑exit allowances and referenced tables (tables not retrieved here)

Code references

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

  • CFC § 10-5 High relevance — show source text

    CHAPTER 10 MEANS OF EGRESS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-5

    1001 Administration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-5

    1002 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-5

    1003 General Means of Egress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-6 1004 Occupant Load . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-8 1005 Means of Egress Sizing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-10 1006 Numbers of Exits and Exit Access Doorways. . . . . 10-11 1007 Exit and Exit Access Doorway Configuration . . . . 10-15 1008 Means of Egress Illumination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-16 1009 Accessible Means of Egress. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-17 1010 Doors, Gates and Turnstiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-20 1011 Stairways. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-30 101 2 Ramps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-34 1013 Exit Signs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-35 1014 Handrails. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

  • CFC § 10-5 High relevance — show source text

    1002 Maintenance and Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-5

    1003 General Means of Egress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-5

    1004 Occupant Load . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-7

    1005 Means of Egress Sizing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-9

    1006 Number of Exits and Exit Access Doorways . . . . . 10-10

    1007 Exit and Exit Access Doorway Configuration . . . . 10-14

    1008 Means of Egress Illumination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-14

    1009 Accessible Means of Egress. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-15

    1010 Doors, Gates and Turnstiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-19

    1011 Stairways . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-29

    1012 Ramps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-33

    1013 Exit Signs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-34

    1014 Handrails. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-36

    1015 Guards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-37

    1016 Exit Access . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-39

    1017 Exit Access Travel Distance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-40

    1018 Aisles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-41

    1019 Exit Access Stairways and Ramps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-42

    1020 Corridors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-42

    1021 Egress Balconies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-44

    1022 Exits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-44

  • CFC § 9-53 High relevance — show source text

    911 Fire Command Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-53

    912 Fire Department Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-54

    913 Fire Pumps. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-55

    914 Emergency Responder Safety Features . . . . . . . . . . 9-56

    915 Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-56

    xxii 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE

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

    916 Gas Detection Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-58

    917 Mass Notification Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-59

    918 Emergency Responder Communication Coverage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-59

    CHAPTER 10 MEANS OF EGRESS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-1

    1001 Administration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-5

    1002 Maintenance and Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-5

    1003 General Means of Egress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-5

    1004 Occupant Load . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-7

    1005 Means of Egress Sizing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-9

    1006 Number of Exits and Exit Access Doorways . . . . . 10-10

    1007 Exit and Exit Access Doorway Configuration . . . . 10-14

    1008 Means of Egress Illumination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-14

    1009 Accessible Means of Egress. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-15

    1010 Doors, Gates and Turnstiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-19

    1011 Stairways . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-29

    1012 Ramps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-33

  • 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:

    1. 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.

    2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE 10-13

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

    MEANS OF EGRESS

    1. Exit access stairways serving and contained within a Group R-3 congregate residence or a Group R-4 facility.

    2. Exit access stairways and ramps within an atrium complying with Section 404 of the California Building Code .

    3. Exit access stairways and ramps in open parking garages that serve only the parking garage.

    4. 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.

    5. 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.

    6. 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:

    1. 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).

    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 § 1003.6 High relevance — show source text

    MEANS OF EGRESS

    Throughout a story in a Group I-2 occupancy, any change in elevation in portions of the means of egress that serve nonambulatory persons shall be by means of a ramp or sloped walkway.

    [BE] 1003.6 Means of egress continuity. The path of egress travel along a means of egress shall not be interrupted by a building element other than a means of egress component as specified in this chapter. Obstructions shall not be placed in the minimum width or required capacity of a means of egress component except projections permitted by this chapter. The minimum width or required capacity of a means of egress system shall not be diminished along the path of egress travel.

    [BE] 1003.7 Elevators, escalators and moving walks. Elevators, escalators and moving walks shall not be used as a component of a required means of egress from any other part of the building.

    Exception: Elevators used as an accessible means of egress in accordance with Section 1009.4.

    SECTION 1004—OCCUPANT LOAD

    [BE] 1004.1 Design occupant load. In determining means of egress requirements, the number of occupants for whom means of egress facilities are provided shall be determined in accordance with this section.

    [California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §3.27] Overcrowding.

    The number of occupants of any building, structure or portion thereof, shall not exceed the permitted or posted capacity.

    [BE] 1004.2 Cumulative occupant loads. Where the path of egress travel includes intervening rooms, areas or spaces, cumulative occupant loads shall be determined in accordance with this section.

    [BE] 1004.2.1 Intervening spaces or accessory areas. Where occupants egress from one or more rooms, areas or spaces through others, the design occupant load shall be the combined occupant load of interconnected accessory or intervening spaces. Design of egress path capacity shall be based on the cumulative portion of occupant loads of all rooms, areas or spaces to that point along the path of egress travel.

    [BE] 1004.2.2 Adjacent levels for mezzanines. That portion of the occupant load of a mezzanine with required egress through a room, area or space on an adjacent level shall be added to the occupant load of that room, area or space.

    [BE] 1004.2.3 Adjacent stories. Other than for the egress components designed for convergence in accordance with Section 1005.6, the occupant load from separate stories shall not be added.

    [BE] 1004.3 Multiple-function occupant load. Where an area under consideration contains multiple functions having different occupant load factors, the design occupant load for such area shall be based on the floor area of each function calculated independently.

    [BE] 1004.4 Multiple occupancies. Where a building contains two or more occupancies, the means of egress requirements shall apply to each portion of the building based on the occupancy of that space. Where two or more occupancies utilize portions of the same means of egress system, those egress components shall meet the more stringent requirements of all occupancies that are served.

  • CFC § 1003.7 High relevance — show source text

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

    MEANS OF EGRESS

    1003.7 Elevators, escalators and moving walks. Elevators, escalators and moving walks shall not be used as a component of a required means of egress from any other part of the building.

    Exception: Elevators used as an accessible means of egress in accordance with Section 1009.4.

    SECTION 1004—OCCUPANT LOAD

    1004.1 Design occupant load. In determining means of egress requirements, the number of occupants for whom means of egress facilities are provided shall be determined in accordance with this section.

    1004.2 Cumulative occupant loads. Where the path of egress travel includes intervening rooms, areas or spaces, cumulative occupant loads shall be determined in accordance with this section.

    1004.2.1 Intervening spaces or accessory areas. Where occupants egress from one or more rooms, areas or spaces through others, the design occupant load shall be the combined occupant load of interconnected accessory or intervening spaces. Design of egress path capacity shall be based on the cumulative portion of occupant loads of all rooms, areas or spaces to that point along the path of egress travel.

    1004.2.2 Adjacent levels for mezzanines. That portion of the occupant load of a mezzanine with required egress through a room, area or space on an adjacent level shall be added to the occupant load of that room, area or space.

    1004.2.3 Adjacent stories. Other than for the egress components designed for convergence in accordance with Section 1005.6, the occupant load from separate stories shall not be added.

    1004.3 Multiple function occupant load. Where an area under consideration contains multiple functions having different occupant load factors, the design occupant load for such area shall be based on the floor area of each function calculated independently.

    1004.4 Multiple occupancies. Where a building contains two or more occupancies, the means of egress requirements shall apply to each portion of the building based on the occupancy of that space. Where two or more occupancies utilize portions of the same means of egress system, those egress components shall meet the more stringent requirements of all occupancies that are served.

    1004.5 Areas without fixed seating. The number of occupants shall be computed at the rate of one occupant per unit of area as prescribed in Table 1004.5. For areas without fixed seating, the occupant load shall be not less than that number determined by dividing the floor area under consideration by the occupant load factor assigned to the function of the space as set forth in Table 1004.5. Where an intended function is not listed in Table 1004.5, the building official shall establish a function based on a listed function that most nearly resembles the intended function.

    Exception: Where approved by the building official, the actual number of occupants for whom each occupied space, floor or building is designed, although less than those determined by calculation, shall be permitted to be used in the determination of the design occupant load.

  • CFC § 1030.1.1 High relevance — show source text

    Means of Appeals 112 Means of Egress Chapter 10, 1104, 3312 Accessible means of egress 1009 Assembly 1030 Bleachers 1030.1.1 Buildings under construction or demolition 3312

    Corridors 1020, 1104.17 Defined 202

    Egress court 202, 1029.1 Elevators, escalators and moving walks 1003.7, 1104.2 Emergency escape and rescue 1031 Existing buildings 1104 Exit access 1016 Exit discharge 1028 Exits 1006

    Guards 1015, 1104.6 Handrails 1014

    Illumination 1008, 1104.3 Locks, latches 1010.2.4 Maintenance of 1032

    Membrane structures 3103.11 Monitoring and recording of 1010.2.9 Obscuration of 316.4, 1032.4, 1032.6

    Obstructions 1032.3, 1032.3.1 Outdoor assembly events 3107.3 Ramps 1012 Signs 1013 Sizing 1005 Stairways 1023, 1027 Tents 3103.11 Mechanical Refrigeration (see Refrigeration System) Mechanical Stocking Methods 3206.10.1.1 Defined 202 Medical Care (see Institutional Occupancies) 202, 203 Medical Gas Systems 5306.5 Medical Gases 5306 Membrane Structure Chapter 31 Defined 202 Membrane-Penetration Firestop System

    202

    Merchandise Pad 202, 1018.4 Metal Hydride and Metal Hydride Storage Systems 5807 Defined 202 Metal Hydride Storage System 202 Meters, Gas 605.8 Mezzanine 1004.2.2 Ceiling height 1003.2 Guards 1015.1

    Occupant load 1004.2.2 Stairways 1011.14, 1019, 1023.2 Mills

    Composite Board 2805 Plywood 2805 Process 2806

    Veneer 2805

    Mirrors 1010.1, 1032.6 Miscella 202, 3903.4 Mixtures (Hazardous materials) 5001.2.1 Mobile Food Preparation Vehicles 4106 Permit 105.5.34 Mobile Fueling 5706.5.4.5 Defined 202 Mobile Fueling, Hydrogen 202 Mobile Fueling Operations [see On-Demand Mobile Fueling Operations Modifications (of code requirements)] 104.2.4 Monitoring (sprinkler and fire alarm systems) 903.4.2, 907.6.6 Hazardous materials 5004.2.2.5

    Termination of 907.6.6.3 Motion Picture Projection Rooms and Film

  • CFC § 803.13 High relevance — show source text

    Incidental uses 509 Interior finishes Table 803.13, 804 Live load Table 1607.1 Means of egress Aisles 1018.3

    Stairway, exit access 1019 Travel distance 1006.3, 1017.2,

    1006.2.1

    Mixed occupancies 508.2, 508.3, 508.4 Accessory 303.1.2, 508.2 Ambulatory care facilities 422 Assembly 303.1.2

    Assembly spaces 1030 Exit signs 1013.1 Guards 1015.2, 1030.17 Main exit 1030.3

    Open air 1005.3.1, 1005.3.2, 1006.3, 1009.6.4, 1019.3, 1027, 1030.6.2 Panic hardware 1010.2.8, 1010.4.1 Smoke-protected 1005.3.1, 1005.3.2, 1006.3, 1009.6.4, 1019.3, 1027, 1030.6.2 Travel distance 1006.2.1, 1006.3, 1017.2, 1030.7 Mixed occupancies 508.3, 508.4 Accessory 508.2 Education 303.1.3

    Live/work units 508.5 Mall buildings 402 Other occupancies 303.1.1, 303.1.2, 303.1.3 Parking below/above 510.7, 510.9 Religious facilities 303.1.4 Special mixed 510.2 Motion picture theaters 409, 507.12 Occupancy exceptions 303.1.1, 303.1.2, 303.1.3, 303.1.4, 305.1.1, 305.2.1 Plumbing fixtures Chapter 29 Risk category Table 1604.5 Seating, fixed (see Seating, Fixed) Seating, open-air assembly seating 1030.6.3 Seating, smoke-protected 1030.6.2 Sprinkler protection 410, 504.3, 506.2, 507.12, 507.4, 507.6, 507.7, 903.2.1 Stages and platforms 410 Standpipes 905.3.2, 905.5.1 Unlimited area 507.12, 507.4, 507.4.1, 507.6, 507.7 Assisted Living (see Group I-1 and Group R-4) 308.2, 310.5, 420 Atmospheric Ice Loads 1614 Atrium 404

    Alarms and detection 404.4, 907.2.15 Enclosure 404.6, 707.3.6 Interior finish 404.8 Means of egress 404.9, 404.10, 404.11, 1006.3.2, 1017.3, 1019.3, 1023.2,

    1028.2

    Smoke control 404.5, 909 Sprinkler protection 404.3 Standby power 404.7 Travel distance 404.9, 1006.2.1, 1006.3, 1017.2

    Use 404.2

    Attic 202

  • CFC § 1023.12 High relevance — show source text

    The system shall exhaust not less than six air changes per hour from the floor area. Supply air by mechanical means to the floor area is not required. Containment of smoke shall be considered as confining smoke to the floor area involved without migration to other floor areas. Any other tested and approved design that will adequately accomplish smoke containment is permitted. 6. Category f—Each stairway shall be one of the following: a smokeproof enclosure in accordance with Section 1023.12 of the International Building Code ; pressurized in accordance with Section 909.20.4 of the International Building Code ; or shall have operable exterior windows.

    1305.2.11 Means of egress capacity and number. Evaluate the means of egress capacity and the number of exits available to the building occupants. In applying this section, the means of egress are required to conform to the following sections of the Interna- tional Building Code : 1003.7, 1004, 1005, 1006, 1007, 1016.2, 1026.1, 1028.3, 1028.5, 1030.2, 1030.3, 1030.4 and 1031. The number of exits credited is the number that is available to each occupant of the area being evaluated. Existing fire escapes shall be accepted as a component in the means of egress when conforming to Section 504.

    Under the categories and occupancies in Table 1305.2.11, determine the appropriate value and enter that value into Table 1306.1 under Safety Parameter 1305.2.11, Means of Egress, for means of egress and general safety.

    TABLE 1305.2.11—MEANS OF EGRESS VALUES Col2 Col3 Col4 Col5 Col6
    OCCUPANCY CATEGORIES CATEGORIES CATEGORIES CATEGORIES CATEGORIES
    OCCUPANCY aa b c d e
    A-1, A-2, A-3, A-4, E, I-2 -10 0 2 8 10
    M -3 0 1 2 4
    B, F, S -1 0 0 0 0
    R -3 0 0 0 0
    a. The values indicated are for buildings six stories or less in height. For buildings over six stories above grade plane, add an additional -10 points. a. The values indicated are for buildings six stories or less in height. For buildings over six stories above grade plane, add an additional -10 points. a. The values indicated are for buildings six stories or less in height. For buildings over six stories above grade plane, add an additional -10 points. a. The values indicated are for buildings six stories or less in height. For buildings over six stories above grade plane, add an additional -10 points. a. The values indicated are for buildings six stories or less in height. For buildings over six stories above grade plane, add an additional -10 points. a. The values indicated are for buildings six stories or less in height. For buildings over six stories above grade plane, add an additional -10 points.

    2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE 13-9

  • CFC § 1004.2 High relevance — show source text

    [BE] 1004.2 Cumulative occupant loads. Where the path of egress travel includes intervening rooms, areas or spaces, cumulative occupant loads shall be determined in accordance with this section.

    [BE] 1004.2.1 Intervening spaces or accessory areas. Where occupants egress from one or more rooms, areas or spaces through others, the design occupant load shall be the combined occupant load of interconnected accessory or intervening spaces. Design of egress path capacity shall be based on the cumulative portion of occupant loads of all rooms, areas or spaces to that point along the path of egress travel.

    [BE] 1004.2.2 Adjacent levels for mezzanines. That portion of the occupant load of a mezzanine with required egress through a room, area or space on an adjacent level shall be added to the occupant load of that room, area or space.

    [BE] 1004.2.3 Adjacent stories. Other than for the egress components designed for convergence in accordance with Section 1005.6, the occupant load from separate stories shall not be added.

    [BE] 1004.3 Multiple-function occupant load. Where an area under consideration contains multiple functions having different occupant load factors, the design occupant load for such area shall be based on the floor area of each function calculated independently.

    [BE] 1004.4 Multiple occupancies. Where a building contains two or more occupancies, the means of egress requirements shall apply to each portion of the building based on the occupancy of that space. Where two or more occupancies utilize portions of the same means of egress system, those egress components shall meet the more stringent requirements of all occupancies that are served.

    [BE] 1004.5 Areas without fixed seating. The number of occupants shall be computed at the rate of one occupant per unit of area as prescribed in Table 1004.5. For areas without fixed seating, the occupant load shall be not less than that number determined by dividing the floor area under consideration by the occupant load factor assigned to the function of the space as set forth in Table 1004.5. Where an intended function is not listed in Table 1004.5, the fire code official shall establish a function based on a listed function that most nearly resembles the intended function.

    Exception: Where approved by the fire code official, the actual number of occupants for whom each occupied space, floor or building is designed, although less than those determined by calculation, shall be permitted to be used in the determination of the design occupant load.

    [BE]TABLE 1004.5—MAXIMUM FLOOR AREA ALLOWANCES PER OCCUPANT Col2
    FUNCTION OF SPACE OCCUPANT LOAD FACTORa
    Accessory storage areas, mechanical equipment room 300 gross
    Agricultural building 300 gross
    Aircraft hangars 500 gross
    Airport terminal
    Baggage claim 20 gross
    Baggage handling 300 gross
    Concourse 100 gross
    Waiting areas 15 gross
    Assembly
    Gaming floors (keno, slots, etc.) 11 gross
    Exhibit gallery and museum 30 net
    Assembly with fixed seats See Section 1004.6

    10-8 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE

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

    MEANS OF EGRESS

    |[BE]TABLE 1004.

  • CFC § 1305.2.8.1 Medium relevance — show source text

    This value shall be 0 if compliance with Category d or e in Section 1305.2.8.1 has not been obtained.|a. This value shall be 0 if compliance with Category d or e in Section 1305.2.8.1 has not been obtained.|

    1305.2.10.1 Categories. The categories for smoke control are:

    1. Category a—None.
    2. Category b—The building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system. Openings are provided in exterior walls at the rate of 20 square feet (1.86 m [2] ) per 50 linear feet (15 240 mm) of exterior wall in each story and distributed around the building perimeter at intervals not exceeding 50 feet (15 240 mm). Such openings shall be readily openable from the inside without a key or separate tool and shall be provided with ready access thereto. In lieu of operable openings, clearly and permanently marked tempered glass panels shall be used.
    3. Category c—One enclosed exit stairway, with ready access thereto, from each occupied floor of the building. The stairway has operable exterior windows, and the building has openings in accordance with Category b.
    4. Category d—One smokeproof enclosure and the building has openings in accordance with Category b.
    5. Category e—The building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system. Each floor area is provided with a mechanical air-handling system designed to accomplish smoke containment. Return and exhaust air shall be moved directly to the outside without recirculation to other floor areas of the building under fire conditions. The system shall exhaust not less than six air changes per hour from the floor area. Supply air by mechanical means to the floor area is not required. Containment of smoke shall be considered as confining smoke to the floor area involved without migration to other floor areas. Any other tested and approved design that will adequately accomplish smoke containment is permitted.
    6. Category f—Each stairway shall be one of the following: a smokeproof enclosure in accordance with Section 1023.12 of the International Building Code ; pressurized in accordance with Section 909.20.4 of the International Building Code ; or shall have operable exterior windows.

    1305.2.11 Means of egress capacity and number. Evaluate the means of egress capacity and the number of exits available to the building occupants. In applying this section, the means of egress are required to conform to the following sections of the Interna- tional Building Code : 1003.7, 1004, 1005, 1006, 1007, 1016.2, 1026.1, 1028.3, 1028.5, 1030.2, 1030.3, 1030.4 and 1031. The number of exits credited is the number that is available to each occupant of the area being evaluated. Existing fire escapes shall be accepted as a component in the means of egress when conforming to Section 504.

    Under the categories and occupancies in Table 1305.2.11, determine the appropriate value and enter that value into Table 1306.1 under Safety Parameter 1305.2.11, Means of Egress, for means of egress and general safety.

  • CFC § 13-9 Medium relevance — show source text

    The values indicated are for buildings six stories or less in height. For buildings over six stories above grade plane, add an additional -10 points.|a. The values indicated are for buildings six stories or less in height. For buildings over six stories above grade plane, add an additional -10 points.|a. The values indicated are for buildings six stories or less in height. For buildings over six stories above grade plane, add an additional -10 points.|a. The values indicated are for buildings six stories or less in height. For buildings over six stories above grade plane, add an additional -10 points.|a. The values indicated are for buildings six stories or less in height. For buildings over six stories above grade plane, add an additional -10 points.|a. The values indicated are for buildings six stories or less in height. For buildings over six stories above grade plane, add an additional -10 points.|

    2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE 13-9

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

    PERFORMANCE COMPLIANCE METHODS

    1305.2.11.1 Categories. The categories for means-of-egress capacity and number of exits are:

    1. Category a—Compliance with the minimum required means-of-egress capacity or number of exits is achieved through the use of a fire escape in accordance with Section 504.
    2. Category b—Capacity of the means of egress complies with Section 1005 of the International Building Code, and the number of exits complies with the minimum number required by Section 1006 of the International Building Code .
    3. Category c—Capacity of the means of egress is equal to or exceeds 125 percent of the required means-of-egress capacity, the means of egress complies with the minimum required width dimensions specified in the International Building Code, and the number of exits complies with the minimum number required by Section 1006 of the Interna- tional Building Code .
    4. Category d—The number of exits provided exceeds the number of exits required by Section 1006 of the International Building Code . Exits shall be located a distance apart from each other equal to not less than that specified in Section 1007 of the International Building Code .
    5. Category e—The area being evaluated meets both Categories c and d.

    1305.2.12 Dead ends. In spaces required to be served by more than one means of egress, evaluate the length of the exit access travel path in which the building occupants are confined to a single path of travel. Under the categories and occupancies in Table 1305.2.12, determine the appropriate value and enter that value into Table 1306.1 under Safety Parameter 1305.2.12, Dead Ends, for means of egress and general safety.

    TABLE 1305.2.12—DEAD-END VALUES Col2 Col3 Col4 Col5
    OCCUPANCY CATEGORIESa CATEGORIESa CATEGORIESa CATEGORIESa
    OCCUPANCY a b c d
    A-1, A-3, A-4, B, F, M, R, S -2 0 2 -4
    A-2, E -2 0 2 -4
    I-2 -2 0 2 -6
    a.

Frequently asked questions

How do I choose between gross and net area when using Table 1004.5?

Use the floor‑area basis specified in Table 1004.5 for the function listed; many entries are gross floor area—consult § 1004.5 and the table itself to determine whether the factor is gross or net for that function.

Can sprinkler protection always reduce required egress widths?

No. Reduced capacity factors are allowed only where the building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed per the referenced sections and where an emergency voice/alarm communication system is present; see the exceptions in § 1005.3.1 and § 1005.3.2 for the conditions and applicable occupancies.

If an exit discharge passes through another story, do I add occupant loads?

Except where egress components are designed to converge as described in § 1005.6, occupant loads from separate stories are not added; however, if occupants egress through intervening rooms, you must use the cumulative load at that point per § 1004.2.1.

Where do I find the numeric thresholds to allow a single exit?

Single exits are allowed only under the conditions listed in § 1006.3.4, which in turn references Tables 1006.3.4(1) and 1006.3.4(2). Those specific tables were not included in the retrieved files here — consult the official code text for the numeric thresholds before designing a single‑exit condition.

Do I have to post occupant loads for all rooms?

Posting is required for rooms or spaces that are assembly occupancies with an occupant load of 50 or more per § 1004.9.

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