CFC · California Fire Code
What are the basic means-of-egress requirements and applicability
Chapter 10 of the California Fire Code requires nearly all buildings to have an approved means of egress system (exit access, exits, exit discharge). The chapter defines the terms, sets applicability (new construction vs existing), and forbids alterations that reduce exit number or capacity. See **§ 1001.1**, **§ 1002.1**, **§ 1003.1** for the controlling rules.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — plain English (controlling §)
Buildings and portions of buildings must be provided with a functioning means of egress — sized, arranged and constructed so occupants can reach a safe place — and the rules in this chapter control how that system is designed and used. See § 1001.1 for the general requirement and scope.
The code defines the egress vocabulary used throughout the chapter (for example exit, exit access, exit discharge) so terms have specific meanings when you apply the rules in Chapter 10. See § 1002.1 for the definitions list.
The general means-of-egress criteria in this chapter apply to each element of the egress system (exit access, exits and exit discharge); these general rules are the baseline for the rest of Chapter 10. See § 1003.1.
The single-most-important rule: every building (except specified detached houses/townhouses) must have an approved means of egress system and the Chapter 10 provisions control its design and arrangement. See § 1001.1.
Requirements in detail
1) Scope — when Chapter 10 applies
- The Chapter 10 general rules apply to the entire means-of-egress system (exit access, exits, exit discharge). See § 1003.1.
- Sections 1003 through 1015 are the general requirements that apply to new construction; maintenance and retroactive minimums for existing buildings appear elsewhere (see Section 1032 and Chapter 11 references in the code). See § 1001.1.
- Exception: detached one‑ and two‑family dwellings and townhouses (≤ 3 stories, separate egress) are handled by the California Residential Code, not Chapter 10 of the CFC. See § 1001.1.
2) Definitions & why they matter
- The code requires standardized definitions for every common egress term so design and enforcement are consistent. See § 1002.1 (definitions list). Bold terms used later (for the first time) are defined by the code: Exit, Exit Access, Exit Discharge, Occupant Load, Means of Egress.
3) Minimum administrative and alteration rules
- You may not alter a building so that the number of exits or the capacity (width) of the means of egress becomes less than required by the code. (This is a baseline restraint on remodeling that affects egress.) See § 1001.2.
Decision‑relevant table (quick reference)
| Decision dimension | Key value(s) / trigger | Code reference |
|---|---|---|
| Who must provide means of egress | All buildings or portions thereof (except listed residential exception) | § 1001.1 |
| Where definitions live | Chapter 2 definitions (standardized terms for egress elements) | § 1002.1 |
| Which parts of egress are covered by the general rules | Exit access, Exit, Exit discharge — all three elements | § 1003.1 |
| Applicability to new vs existing | Sections 1003–1015 apply to new construction; Section 1032 applies to existing building maintenance | § 1001.1 and § 1003.1 |
| Alteration limitation | Cannot reduce number of exits or required egress capacity | § 1001.2 |
Exceptions & special cases
- Detached one‑ and two‑family dwellings and townhouses (no more than three stories above grade plane) with separate means of egress follow the California Residential Code instead of Chapter 10. See § 1001.1.
- The chapter text for Sections 1003–1015 is applied to new construction; existing buildings are subject to maintenance and retroactive minimums (see Section 1032 and Chapter 11 references). See § 1001.1 and § 1003.1.
- Some occupancy‑specific amendments and exceptions are called out in the code (for example special provisions for hospitals or fixed‑guideway transit systems). Those are referenced in § 1003.1 notes and exceptions. See § 1003.1.
If a provision you need is not visible in the retrieved excerpts, say so plainly and consult the full CFC text or your local fire code official — do not rely on inferred rules.
Common mistakes
- Treating Chapter 10 as “suggestion” rather than mandatory: § 1001.1 makes the means‑of‑egress requirements controlling for design and arrangement.
- Ignoring definitions: designers sometimes use everyday meanings (e.g., “hallway” or “exit”) instead of the code’s defined terms; the list in § 1002.1 is authoritative.
- Applying new‑construction rules to existing buildings without checking maintenance/retroactive requirements — Section 1032 and Chapter 11 may impose different obligations for existing buildings. See § 1001.1 and the code cross‑references.
- Modifying a building that reduces exit count or egress capacity — alteration work can’t lawfully reduce egress below the code minimum (§ 1001.2).
Worked example — concrete scenario
Scenario: An office floor has an occupant load that requires two exits. The owner proposes to close one stair access and rely on a single exit route.
Step 1 — confirm applicability: Chapter 10 general requirements apply to the exit access and exits on the floor (see § 1003.1).
Step 2 — check alteration rule: You may not alter a building so the number of exits or the capacity of egress is reduced below what the code requires — closing one of two required exits would violate that rule. See § 1001.2.
Outcome: The owner cannot close the stair unless an alternative means is provided that meets code requirements (for example, a code‑approved alternate path or physical upgrade that maintains required capacity). The designer should document occupant load, required exit count and proposed changes, and obtain the fire code official’s approval before making the change. See § 1001.1 and § 1001.2.
Related provisions (CFC sections you will commonly consult)
- § 1001.1 — General; prescribes that buildings shall be provided with a means of egress system.
- § 1001.2 — Minimum requirements; alteration limits (cannot reduce exits/capacity).
- § 1002.1 — Definitions (Chapter 2 list of egress terms).
- § 1003.1 — Applicability of general means‑of‑egress requirements to all three elements.
- § 1003.2 — Ceiling height minimums for egress (see Chapter 10 general requirements).
- § 1005.1–1005.3 — Means‑of‑egress sizing and capacity based on occupant load.
- § 1008.1–1008.2 — Required means‑of‑egress illumination and emergency lighting.
- § 1009.1 — Accessible means of egress requirements.
- § 1022.1 — General exit requirements (continuity, no interference with egress function).
- § 1032.1–1032.3 — Maintenance of the means of egress in existing buildings (keeping exits free of obstructions, security device rules).
(If you need text of any one of those sections quoted verbatim, I can extract and display the official wording from the file you supplied.)
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Fire Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CFC § 1001.1 High relevance — show source text
The requirements detail the size, arrangement, number and protection of means of egress components. Functional and operational characteristics that will permit the safe use of components without special knowledge or effort are specified.
The means of egress protection requirements work in coordination with other sections of the code, such as protection of vertical openings (see Chapter 7), interior finish (see Chapter 8), fire suppression and detection systems (see Chapter 9) and numerous others, all having an impact on life safety. Sections 1003 through 1031 are duplicated text from Chapter 10 of the California Building Code ; however, the California Fire Code contains an additional Section 1032 on maintenance of the means of egress system in existing buildings. Retroactive minimum means of egress requirements for existing buildings are found in Chapter 11.
SECTION 1001—ADMINISTRATION
1001.1 General. Buildings or portions thereof shall be provided with a means of egress system as required by this chapter. The provisions of this chapter shall control the design, construction and arrangement of means of egress components required to provide an approved means of egress from structures and portions thereof. Sections 1003 through 1031 shall apply to new construction. Section 1032 shall apply to existing buildings.
Exception: Detached one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses not more than three stories above grade plane in height with a separate means of egress and their accessory structures shall comply with the California Residential Code .
[BE] 1001.2 Minimum requirements. It shall be unlawful to alter a building or structure in a manner that will reduce the number of exits or the capacity of the means of egress to less than required by this code.
SECTION 1002—DEFINITIONS
[BE] 1002.1 Definitions. The following terms are defined in Chapter 2:
ACCESSIBLE MEANS OF EGRESS.
AISLE.
AISLE ACCESSWAY.
ALTERNATING TREAD DEVICE.
AREA OF REFUGE.
AUTOMATIC FLUSH BOLT.
BLEACHERS.
BREAKOUT.
CIRCULATION PATH.
COMMON PATH OF EGRESS TRAVEL.
CONSTANT LATCHING BOLT.
CORRIDOR.
DEAD BOLT.
DEFEND-IN-PLACE.
DOOR, BALANCED.
EGRESS COURT.
EMERGENCY ESCAPE AND RESCUE OPENING.
EXIT.
EXIT ACCESS.
EXIT ACCESS DOORWAY.
EXIT ACCESS RAMP.
EXIT ACCESS STAIRWAY.
EXIT DISCHARGE.
EXIT DISCHARGE, LEVEL OF.
EXIT PASSAGEWAY.
EXTERIOR EXIT RAMP.
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MEANS OF EGRESS
EXTERIOR EXIT STAIRWAY.
FIRE EXIT HARDWARE.
FIXED SEATING.
FLIGHT.
FLOOR AREA, GROSS.
FLOOR AREA, NET.
FOLDING AND TELESCOPIC SEATING.
GRADE FLOOR EMERGENCY ESCAPE AND RESCUE OPENINGS.
GRANDSTAND.
GUARD.
HANDRAIL.
HORIZONTAL EXIT.
INTERIOR EXIT RAMP.
INTERIOR EXIT STAIRWAY.
LOW ENERGY POWER-OPERATED DOOR.
MANUAL BOLT.
MEANS OF EGRESS.
MERCHANDISE PAD.
NOSING.
OCCUPANT LOAD.
OPEN-AIR ASSEMBLY SEATING.
OPEN-ENDED CORRIDOR.
CFC § 4.4 High relevance — show source text
3 (a-c)]||||X|||||||||||||||||||| |[T-19 §4.4]||||X|||||||||||||||||||| |[T-19 §4.5 (a)]||||X|||||||||||||||||||| |[T-19 §4.6 (a)(b)]||||X|||||||||||||||||||| |[T-19 §3.11 (a-d)]_||||X||||||||||||||||||||
- The California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 19, Division 1 provisions that are found in the California Fire Code are a reprint from the current CCR, Title 19, Division 1 text for the code user’s convenience only. The scope, applicability and appeals procedures of CCR, Title 19, Division I remain the same. The state agency does not adopt sections identified by the following symbol: The Office of the State Fire Marshal’s adoption of this chapter or individual sections is applicable to structures regulated by other state agencies pursuant to Section 1.11.
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User note:
About this chapter: Chapter 10 provides the general criteria for designing the means of egress established as the primary method for protection of people in buildings by allowing timely relocation or evacuation of building occupants. Both prescriptive and performance language is utilized in this chapter to provide for a basic approach in the determination of a safe exiting system for all occupancies. This chapter addresses all portions of the egress system (exit access, exits and exit discharge) and includes design requirements as well as provisions regulating individual components. The requirements detail the size, arrangement, number and protection of means of egress components. Functional and operational characteristics that will permit the safe use of components without special knowledge or effort are specified.
The means of egress protection requirements work in coordination with other sections of the code, such as protection of vertical openings (see Chapter 7), interior finish (see Chapter 8), fire suppression and detection systems (see Chapter 9) and numerous others, all having an impact on life safety. Sections 1003 through 1031 are duplicated text from Chapter 10 of the California Building Code ; however, the California Fire Code contains an additional Section 1032 on maintenance of the means of egress system in existing buildings. Retroactive minimum means of egress requirements for existing buildings are found in Chapter 11.
SECTION 1001—ADMINISTRATION
1001.1 General. Buildings or portions thereof shall be provided with a means of egress system as required by this chapter. The provisions of this chapter shall control the design, construction and arrangement of means of egress components required to provide an approved means of egress from structures and portions thereof. Sections 1003 through 1031 shall apply to new construction. Section 1032 shall apply to existing buildings.
Exception: Detached one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses not more than three stories above grade plane in height with a separate means of egress and their accessory structures shall comply with the California Residential Code .
[BE] 1001.2 Minimum requirements. It shall be unlawful to alter a building or structure in a manner that will reduce the number of exits or the capacity of the means of egress to less than required by this code.
CFC § 1001.1 High relevance — show source text
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
10 MEANS OF EGRESS
User notes:
About this chapter: Chapter 10 provides the general criteria for designing the means of egress established as the primary method for protection of people in buildings by allowing timely relocation or evacuation of building occupants. Both prescriptive and performance language is utilized in this chapter to provide for a basic approach in the determination of a safe exiting system for all occupancies. It addresses all portions of the egress system (exit access, exits and exit discharge) and includes design requirements as well as provisions regulating individual components. The requirements detail the size, arrangement, number and protection of means of egress components. Functional and operational characteristics that will permit the safe use of components without special knowledge or effort are specified.
The means of egress protection requirements work in coordination with other sections of the code, such as protection of vertical openings (see Chapter 7), interior finish (see Chapter 8), fire suppression and detection systems (see Chapter 9) and numerous others, all having an impact on life safety. Chapter 10 is subdivided into four main sections: general (Sections 1003–1015), exit access (Sections 1016–1021), exit (Sections 1022–1027) and exit discharge (Sections 1028–1029). Special allowances for the unique requirements for assembly spaces (Section 1030) and emergency escape and rescue openings (Section 1031) complete the chapter. Chapter 10 of this code is duplicated in Chapter 10 the California Fire Code; however, the California Fire Code contains one additional section on maintenance of the means of egress system in existing buildings.
SECTION 1001—ADMINISTRATION
1001.1 General. Buildings or portions thereof shall be provided with a means of egress system as required by this chapter. The provisions of this chapter shall control the design, construction and arrangement of means of egress components required to provide an approved means of egress from structures and portions thereof.
1001.2 Minimum requirements. It shall be unlawful to alter a building or structure in a manner that will reduce the number of exits or the minimum width or required capacity of the means of egress to less than required by this code.
SECTION 1002—MAINTENANCE AND PLANS
[F] 1002.1 Maintenance. Means of egress shall be maintained in accordance with the California Fire Code .
[F] 1002.2 Fire safety and evacuation plans. Fire safety and evacuation plans shall be provided for all occupancies and buildings where required by the California Fire Code . Such fire safety and evacuation plans shall comply with the applicable provisions of Sections 401.2 and 404 of the California Fire Code .
SECTION 1003—GENERAL MEANS OF EGRESS
1003.1 Applicability. The general requirements specified in Sections 1003 through 1015 shall apply to all three elements of the means of egress system, in addition to those specific requirements for the exit access, the exit and the exit discharge detailed elsewhere in this chapter.
CFC § 1001.1 High relevance — show source text
Chapter 10 of this code is duplicated in Chapter 10 the California Fire Code; however, the California Fire Code contains one additional section on maintenance of the means of egress system in existing buildings.
SECTION 1001—ADMINISTRATION
1001.1 General. Buildings or portions thereof shall be provided with a means of egress system as required by this chapter. The provisions of this chapter shall control the design, construction and arrangement of means of egress components required to provide an approved means of egress from structures and portions thereof.
1001.2 Minimum requirements. It shall be unlawful to alter a building or structure in a manner that will reduce the number of exits or the minimum width or required capacity of the means of egress to less than required by this code.
SECTION 1002—MAINTENANCE AND PLANS
[F] 1002.1 Maintenance. Means of egress shall be maintained in accordance with the California Fire Code .
[F] 1002.2 Fire safety and evacuation plans. Fire safety and evacuation plans shall be provided for all occupancies and buildings where required by the California Fire Code . Such fire safety and evacuation plans shall comply with the applicable provisions of Sections 401.2 and 404 of the California Fire Code .
SECTION 1003—GENERAL MEANS OF EGRESS
1003.1 Applicability. The general requirements specified in Sections 1003 through 1015 shall apply to all three elements of the means of egress system, in addition to those specific requirements for the exit access, the exit and the exit discharge detailed elsewhere in this chapter.
[DSA-AC & HCD 1-AC] In addition to the requirement of this chapter, means of egress, which provide access to, or egress from, build- ings or facilities where accessibility is required for applications listed in Section 1.8.2.1.2 regulated by the Department of Housing and Community Development, or Section 1.9.1 regulated by the Division of the State Architect—Access Compliance, shall also comply with Chapter 11A or Chapter 11B, as applicable.
Exception: [SFM] Exiting requirements for Fixed Guideway Transit Systems shall be as per Section 443.
1003.1.1 Means of egress for hospitals. [OSHPD 1] In addition to the requirements of this chapter, means of egress for hospitals shall comply with Part 10 California Existing Building Code Section 311A.
1003.1.2 Means of egress for hospital buildings removed from acute care service, skilled nursing facilities, intermediate care facilities and acute psychiatric hospitals. [OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] In addition to the requirements of this chapter, means of egress for hospital buildings removed from acute care service, skilled nursing facilities, intermediate care facilities and acute psychiatric hospi- tals shall comply with OSHPD amendments to Part 10 California Existing Building Code Section 311.
1003.2 Ceiling height. The means of egress shall have a ceiling height of not less than 7 feet 6 inches (2286 mm) above the finished floor.
Exceptions:
Sloped ceilings in accordance with Section 1208.2.
Ceilings of dwelling units and sleeping units within residential occupancies in accordance with Section 1208.2.
Allowable projections in accordance with Section 1003.3.
Stair headroom in accordance with Section 1011.3.
CFC § 4.1 High relevance — show source text
OPEN-ENDED CORRIDOR.
OVERHEAD DOORSTOP.
PANIC HARDWARE.
PHOTOLUMINESCENT.
POWER-ASSISTED DOOR.
POWER-OPERATED DOOR.
PUBLIC WAY.
RAMP.
SCISSOR STAIRWAY.
SELF-LUMINOUS.
SMOKE-PROTECTED ASSEMBLY SEATING.
STAIR.
STAIRWAY.
STAIRWAY, INTERIOR EXIT.
STAIRWAY, SPIRAL.
WINDER.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §4.1(a)] Definitions. (a) Burglar bars – Security bars located on the inside or outside of a door or window of a residential dwelling.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §4.1 (b)] Definitions. (b) Residential Dwelling – A house, apartment, motel, hotel or other type of residential dwelling subject to the State Housing Law Part. 1.5 (commencing with Section 17910), Division 13 of Health and Safety Code and a manufactured home, mobilehome and multi-unit manufactured housing as defined in Part 2 (commencing with Section 18000) of Division 13 of the Health and Safety Code.
SECTION 1003—GENERAL MEANS OF EGRESS
[BE] 1003.1 Applicability. The general requirements specified in Sections 1003 through 1015 shall apply to all three elements of the means of egress system, in addition to those specific requirements for the exit access, the exit and the exit discharge detailed elsewhere in this chapter.
Exception: Exiting requirements for Fixed Guideway Transit Systems shall be in accordance with Section 443 of the California Build- ing Code.
[BE] 1003.2 Ceiling height. The means of egress shall have a ceiling height of not less than 7 feet 6 inches (2286 mm) above the finished floor.
Exceptions:
- Sloped ceilings in accordance with Section 1208.2 of the California Building Code .
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Ceilings of dwelling units and sleeping units within residential occupancies in accordance with Section 1208.2 of the Cali- fornia Building Code .
Allowable projections in accordance with Section 1003.3.
Stair headroom in accordance with Section 1011.3.
Door height in accordance with Section 1010.1.1.
Ramp headroom in accordance with Section 1012.5.2.
The clear height of floor levels in vehicular and pedestrian traffic areas of public and private parking garages in accordance with Section 406.2.2 of the California Building Code .
Areas above and below mezzanine floors in accordance with Section 505.2 of the California Building Code . 9. In Group I-2 and I-3 occupancies, the means of egress shall have a ceiling height of not less than 8 feet (2439 mm).
[BE] 1003.3 Protruding objects. Protruding objects on circulation paths shall comply with the requirements of Sections 1003.3.1 through 1003.3.4.
CFC § 1004.9 High relevance — show source text
[BE] 1004.9 Posting of occupant load. Every room or space which is used for assembly, classroom, dining, drinking or similar purposes having an occupant load of 50 or more that is an assembly occupancy shall have the occupant load of the room or space posted in a conspicuous place, near the main exit or exit access doorway from the room or space, for the intended configurations. Posted signs shall be of an approved legible permanent design and shall be maintained by the owner or the owner’s authorized agent.
SECTION 1005—MEANS OF EGRESS SIZING
[BE] 1005.1 General. All portions of the means of egress system shall be sized in accordance with this section.
Exception: Aisles and aisle accessways in rooms or spaces used for assembly purposes complying with Section 1030.
[BE] 1005.2 Minimum width based on component. The minimum width, in inches (mm), of any means of egress components shall be not less than that specified for such component, elsewhere in this code.
[BE] 1005.3 Required capacity based on occupant load. The required capacity, in inches (mm), of the means of egress for any room, area, space or story shall be not less than that determined in accordance with Sections 1005.3.1 and 1005.3.2.
[BE] 1005.3.1 Stairways. The capacity, in inches, of means of egress stairways shall be calculated by multiplying the occupant load served by such stairways by a means of egress capacity factor of 0.3 inch (7.6 mm) per occupant. Where stairways serve more than one story, only the occupant load of each story considered individually shall be used in calculating the required capacity of the stairways serving that story. Exceptions:
For other than Group H and I-2 occupancies, the capacity, in inches, of means of egress stairways shall be calculated by multiplying the occupant load served by such stairways by a means of egress capacity factor of 0.2 inch (5.1 mm) per occupant in buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2 and an emergency voice/alarm communication system in accordance with Section 907.5.2.2.
Facilities with smoke-protected assembly seating shall be permitted to use the capacity factors in Table 1030.6.2 indicated for stepped aisles for exit access or exit stairways where the entire path for means of egress from the seating to the exit discharge is provided with a smoke control system complying with Section 909.
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- Facilities with open-air assembly seating shall be permitted to the capacity factors in Section 1030.6.3 indicated for stepped aisles for exit access or exit stairways where the entire path for means of egress from the seating to the exit discharge is open to the outdoors.
4. For Group H-1, H-2, H-3 and H-4 occupancies, the total width of means of egress in inches (mm) shall not be less than the total occupant load served by the means of egress multiplied by 0.7 inches (7.62 mm) per occupant.
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 § 1023.9.1 High relevance — show source text
9
(2nd paragraph only)|||||||X|||||||||||||||||| |1023.9.1|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |1023.11||||||X||||||||||||||||||| |1024.2|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |1026.4.1|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |1026.4.2|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |1026.6|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |1028.5|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |1029.3.1|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |1029.9.1|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |1030.2|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |1030.3|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |1030.6.3.2|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |1030.9|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |1031.2|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |1031.2.1|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |1031.2.2|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |1031.2.3|||X||||||||||||||||||||||The state agency does not adopt sections identified with the following symbol: The Office of the State Fire Marshal’s adoption of this chapter or individual sections is applicable to structures regulated by other state agencies pursuant to Section 1.11.
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User notes:
About this chapter: Chapter 10 provides the general criteria for designing the means of egress established as the primary method for protection of people in buildings by allowing timely relocation or evacuation of building occupants. Both prescriptive and performance language is utilized in this chapter to provide for a basic approach in the determination of a safe exiting system for all occupancies. It addresses all portions of the egress system (exit access, exits and exit discharge) and includes design requirements as well as provisions regulating individual components. The requirements detail the size, arrangement, number and protection of means of egress components. Functional and operational characteristics that will permit the safe use of components without special knowledge or effort are specified.
The means of egress protection requirements work in coordination with other sections of the code, such as protection of vertical openings (see Chapter 7), interior finish (see Chapter 8), fire suppression and detection systems (see Chapter 9) and numerous others, all having an impact on life safety. Chapter 10 is subdivided into four main sections: general (Sections 1003–1015), exit access (Sections 1016–1021), exit (Sections 1022–1027) and exit discharge (Sections 1028–1029). Special allowances for the unique requirements for assembly spaces (Section 1030) and emergency escape and rescue openings (Section 1031) complete the chapter. Chapter 10 of this code is duplicated in Chapter 10 the California Fire Code; however, the California Fire Code contains one additional section on maintenance of the means of egress system in existing buildings.
SECTION 1001—ADMINISTRATION
CFC § 1007.1.1.1 High relevance — show source text
[BE] 1007.1.1.1 Measurement point. The separation distance required in Section 1007.1.1 shall be measured in accordance with the following:
- The separation distance to exit or exit access doorways shall be measured to any point along the width of the doorway.
- The separation distance to exit access stairways shall be measured to the closest riser.
- The separation distance to exit access ramps shall be measured to the start of the ramp run.
[BE] 1007.1.2 Three or more exits or exit access doorways. Where access to three or more exits is required, not less than two exit or exit access doorways shall be arranged in accordance with the provisions of Section 1007.1.1. Additional required exit or exit access doorways shall be arranged a reasonable distance apart so that if one becomes blocked, the others will be available.
[BE] 1007.1.3 Remoteness of exit access stairways or ramps. Where two exit access stairways or ramps provide the required means of egress to exits at another story, the required separation distance shall be maintained for all portions of such exit access stairways or ramps.
[BE] 1007.1.3.1 Three or more exit access stairways or ramps. Where more than two exit access stairways or ramps provide the required means of egress, not less than two shall be arranged in accordance with Section 1007.1.3.
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SECTION 1008—MEANS OF EGRESS ILLUMINATION
[BE] 1008.1 Means of egress illumination. Illumination shall be provided in the means of egress in accordance with Section 1008.2. In the event of power supply failure, means of egress illumination shall comply with Section 1008.2.4.
[BE] 1008.2 Illumination required. The means of egress serving a room or space shall be illuminated at all times that the room or space is occupied.
Exceptions:
- Occupancies in Group U.
- Self-service storage units 400 square feet (37.2 m [2] ) or less in area and accessed directly from the exterior of the building.
- Aisle accessways in Group A.
- Dwelling units and sleeping units in Groups R-1, R-2 and R-3.
- Sleeping units of Group I, R-2.1 and R-4 occupancies.
[BE] 1008.2.1 Illumination level under normal power. The means of egress illumination level shall be not less than 1 footcandle (11 lux) at the walking surface. Along exit access stairways, exit stairways and at their required landings, the illumination level shall be not less than 10 footcandles (108 lux) at the walking surface when the stairway is in use.
CFC § 1104.24 High relevance — show source text
1104.24 Stairway floor number signs. Existing stairways shall be marked in accordance with Section 1023.9.
1104.25 Egress path markings. Existing high-rise buildings of Group A, B, E, I, M and R-1 occupancies shall be provided with luminous egress path markings in accordance with Section 1025.
Exception: Open, unenclosed stairwells in historic buildings designated as historic under a state or local historic preservation
program.
SECTION 1105 —CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS FOR EXISTING GROUP I-2
1105.1 General. Existing Group I-2 shall meet all of the following requirements:
- The minimum fire safety requirements in Section 1103.
- The minimum means of egress requirements in Section 1104.
- The additional egress and construction requirements in Section 1105.
Where the provisions of this chapter conflict with the construction requirements that applied at the time of construction, the most restrictive provision shall apply.
1105.2 Applicability. The provisions of Sections 1105.3 through 1105.8, 1105.10 and 1105.11 shall apply to the existing Group I-2 fire area.
1105.3 Construction. Group I-2, Condition 2 shall not be located on a floor level higher than the floor level limitation in Table 1105.3 based on the type of construction.
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CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS FOR EXISTING BUILDINGS
TABLE 1105.3—FLOOR LEVEL LIMITATIONS FOR GROUP I-2, CONDITION 2 Col2 Col3 Col4 Col5 Col6 CONSTRUCTION TYPE AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEM ALLOWABLE FLOOR LEVELa ALLOWABLE FLOOR LEVELa ALLOWABLE FLOOR LEVELa ALLOWABLE FLOOR LEVELa CONSTRUCTION TYPE AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEM 1 2 3 4 or more IA Note b P P P P IA Note c P P P P IB Note b P P P P IB Note c P P P P IIA Note b P P P NP IIA Note c P NP NP NP IIB Note b P P NP NP IIB Note c NP NP NP NP IIIA Note b P P NP NP IIIA Note c P NP NP NP IIIB Note b P NP NP NP IIIB Note c NP NP NP NP IV Note b P P NP NP IV Note c NP NP NP NP VA Note b P P NP NP VA Note c NP NP NP NP VB Note b P NP NP NP VB Note c NP NP NP NP P = Permitted; NP = Not Permitted.
a.CFC § 1004.7 High relevance — show source text
For areas having fixed seating without dividing arms, the occupant load shall be not less than the number of seats based on one person for each 18 inches (457 mm) of seating length.
The occupant load of seating booths shall be based on one person for each 24 inches (610 mm) of booth seat length measured at the backrest of the seating booth.
[BE] 1004.7 Outdoor areas. Yards, patios, occupiable roofs, courts and similar outdoor areas accessible to and usable by the building occupants shall be provided with means of egress as required by this chapter. The occupant load of such outdoor areas shall be assigned by the fire code official in accordance with the anticipated use. Where outdoor areas are to be used by persons in addition to the occupants of the building, and the path of egress travel from the outdoor areas passes through the building, means of egress requirements for the building shall be based on the sum of the occupant loads of the building plus the outdoor areas.
Exceptions:
- Outdoor areas used exclusively for service of the building need only have one means of egress.
- Both outdoor areas associated with Group R-3 and individual dwelling units of Group R-2.
[BE] 1004.8 Concentrated business use areas. The occupant load factor for concentrated business use shall be applied to telephone call centers, trading floors, electronic data entry centers and similar business use areas with a higher density of occupants than would normally be expected in a typical business occupancy environment. Where approved by the code official, the occupant load for concentrated business use areas shall be the actual occupant load, but not less than one occupant per 50 square feet (4.65 m [2] ) of gross occupiable floor space.
[BE] 1004.9 Posting of occupant load. Every room or space which is used for assembly, classroom, dining, drinking or similar purposes having an occupant load of 50 or more that is an assembly occupancy shall have the occupant load of the room or space posted in a conspicuous place, near the main exit or exit access doorway from the room or space, for the intended configurations. Posted signs shall be of an approved legible permanent design and shall be maintained by the owner or the owner’s authorized agent.
SECTION 1005—MEANS OF EGRESS SIZING
[BE] 1005.1 General. All portions of the means of egress system shall be sized in accordance with this section.
Exception: Aisles and aisle accessways in rooms or spaces used for assembly purposes complying with Section 1030.
[BE] 1005.2 Minimum width based on component. The minimum width, in inches (mm), of any means of egress components shall be not less than that specified for such component, elsewhere in this code.
[BE] 1005.3 Required capacity based on occupant load. The required capacity, in inches (mm), of the means of egress for any room, area, space or story shall be not less than that determined in accordance with Sections 1005.3.1 and 1005.3.2.
[BE] 1005.3.1 Stairways. The capacity, in inches, of means of egress stairways shall be calculated by multiplying the occupant load served by such stairways by a means of egress capacity factor of 0.3 inch (7.6 mm) per occupant.
CFC § 2.3. High relevance — show source text
2.3. Exit passageways. 2.4. Vestibules and areas on the level of discharge used for exit discharge in accordance with Section 1028.2. 2.5. Exterior landings as required by Section 1010.1.5 for exit doorways that lead directly to the exit discharge. 3. In other rooms and spaces: 3.1. Electrical equipment rooms.
3.2. Fire command centers.
3.3. Fire pump rooms.
3.4. Generator rooms.
3.5. Public restrooms with an area greater than 300 square feet (27.87 m [2] ). 4. Group I-2 exit discharge stairways, ramps, aisles, walkways and escalators leading to a public way or to a safe dispersal area in accordance with Section 1028.5.
[BE] 1008.3.1 Duration. The emergency power system shall provide power for a duration of not less than 90 minutes and shall consist of storage batteries, unit equipment or an on-site generator. The installation of the emergency power system shall be in accordance with Section 2702 of the California Building Code .
[BE] 1008.3.2 Illumination level under emergency power. Emergency lighting facilities shall be arranged to provide initial illumination that is not less than an average of 1 footcandle (11 lux) and a minimum at any point of 0.1 footcandle (1 lux) measured
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MEANS OF EGRESS
along the path of egress at floor level. Illumination levels shall be permitted to decline to 0.6 footcandle (6 lux) average and a minimum at any point of 0.06 footcandle (0.6 lux) at the end of the emergency lighting time duration. A maximum-to-minimum illumination uniformity ratio of 40 to 1 shall not be exceeded. In Group I-2 occupancies, failure of a single lamp in a luminaire shall not reduce the illumination level to less than 0.2 footcandle (2.2 lux).
SECTION 1009—ACCESSIBLE MEANS OF EGRESS
[BE] 1009.1 Accessible means of egress required. Accessible means of egress shall comply with this section. Accessible spaces shall be provided with not less than one accessible means of egress. Where more than one means of egress is required by Section 1006.2 or 1006.3 from any accessible space, each accessible portion of the space shall be served by not less than two accessible means of egress in at least the same number as required by Section 1006.2 or 1006.3. In addition to the requirements of this chapter, means of egress, which provide access to, or egress from, buildings for persons with disabilities, shall also comply with the requirements of Chap- ter 11A or 11B of the California Building Code, as applicable. Exceptions:
- One accessible means of egress is required from an accessible mezzanine level in accordance with Section 1009.3, 1009.4 or 1009.5 and Chapter 11A or 11B of the California Building Code.
Frequently asked questions
What does “means of egress” refer to in one sentence?
It’s the continuous and unobstructed path from any occupied portion of a building to a public way, composed of exit access, exit, and exit discharge as defined in § 1002.1.
Do these rules apply to an existing building undergoing a tenant improvement?
Yes — Chapter 10 general design rules apply to means of egress elements, but existing buildings are also subject to maintenance and retroactive requirements (see Section 1032 and Chapter 11) and you cannot alter a building to reduce exit count or capacity. See § 1001.1, § 1032.1 and § 1001.2.
If I change the use of a room, do I need to recalc egress?
Yes — occupant load and function affect required egress capacity and number of exits; these are calculated per the sizing and occupant load sections referenced by Chapter 10. Start with the definitions in § 1002.1 and the general applicability in § 1003.1.
Are single‑family homes covered by these rules?
Detached one‑ and two‑family dwellings and qualifying townhouses (≤ 3 stories with separate means of egress) are governed by the California Residential Code, not Chapter 10 of the CFC. See § 1001.1.
More in California Fire Code
- Administration and Definitions
- General Requirements and Emergency Planning
- Fire Service Features and Fire Department Access
- Referenced Standards and Adoptable Appendices (Chapter 80; Appendices A–Q)
- Fire and Smoke Protection Features (fire‑resistance, barriers)
- Interior Finish, Decorative Materials and Furnishings
- Fire Protection and Life‑Safety Systems (sprinklers, alarms, smoke control)
- Means of Egress (exit design and maintenance)
- Construction Requirements for Existing Buildings (retrofit rules)
- Energy Systems and Stationary Energy Storage (ESS)
- Special Occupancies and Operations (chapters 20–41, 48–49)
- Hazardous Materials — Storage, Use and Handling (Chapters 50–67)
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