CFC · California Fire Code
Maintenance, inspections, and special occupancies
This hub orients users to CFC maintenance and inspection duties, the inspection/testing standards (Table 901.6.1 and §§901.6.1–901.6.3), and where to find special‑occupancy rules and special‑inspection requirements.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
Overview
This area of the California Fire Code (CFC) covers the ongoing care, required inspections, testing, recordkeeping, and the occupancy‑specific fire‑safety rules that keep buildings and systems ready for use and emergency response. Operational responsibilities and the code’s maintenance mandate are organized across the administration and enforcement sections (see §110 and the inspection/permit provisions such as §104.7.2 and §109) which set owner/occupant duties and the fire code official’s authority.
Fire protection and life‑safety systems (sprinklers, alarms, smoke control, extinguishing systems, dampers, etc.) are subject to prescriptive inspection, testing and maintenance standards (see §901.6.1 and integrated‑test rules at §901.6.2), and records must be kept as required by the code and Title 19 CCR (see §901.6.3). These rules point to the referenced national and state standards listed in Table 901.6.1 for frequency and procedure.
Special occupancies and uses—high‑hazard operations, spray booths, certain manufacturing and high‑rise conditions—are covered by occupancy‑specific chapters and referenced building‑code provisions; many of those sections cross‑reference the CFC for fire protection, permitting and special inspections (see, e.g., spray‑booth and Group H provisions in the building code that defer to the Fire Code, and the special‑inspection framework in Sections 1704/1705).
In this section
- How must fire escapes and egress balconies be maintained and periodically examined?
- What are requirements for emergency escape and rescue openings (basements, sleeping rooms)?
- What maintenance, inspection and record requirements apply to existing means of egress?
- What special egress rules apply to assembly occupancies?
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Fire Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CFC § 319.2 High relevance — show source text
Nonindustrial 319.2
Permits 105.5.1
Address Number (see Premises Identification) Administration
Alternative methods and materials
104.2.3, 501.4 Applicability 102 Approval 104.7.1, 401.2, 2307.2, 2308.2, 3103.2, 5706.4.7.1 Approved materials and equipment 104.9
INDEX
Emergencies 104.11 General 101
Inspections 104.7.2, 109 Maintenance 110 Means of appeals 112.1 Permits 104.3, 105 Right of entry 104.4 Unsafe buildings 115 Violations 113
Aerosol Container
Defined 202
Glass 5101.4
Plastic 5101.4, 5104.1.1 Aerosol Fire-Extinguishing Systems 904.13 Aerosol Product Warehouse 202, 5104.4 Aerosols Chapter 51 Aerosol cooking spray products 202 Aerosol product 202 Classification levels 5103.1 Classification of products Table 5103.1
Defined 202 Inside storage 5104 Manufacturing facilities 5107 Nonsegregated storage 5104.3.1, Table 5104.3.1 Outside storage 5105 Permit required 105.5.2 Retail display 5106 Segregated storage 5104.3.2, Table 5104.3.2
Agency Defined 202
Agent Defined 202 Agricultural Building (Occupancy Group U) Defined 202
Occupant load Table 1004.5 Agricultural Products 3703.4, 6001.1 Agro-Industrial Byproducts 2801.1 Defined 202
Facilities 2804.1, 2808.1 Aircraft Defueling 2006.5, 2006.18 Fueling 2006 Hangars 914.8.3 Maintenance 2004 Aircraft Motor-Vehicle Fuel-Dispensing Facility 2006.1, 2301.1 Defined 202 Aircraft Operation Area (AOA) Defined 202 Housekeeping in 2003.3 Smoking prohibited 2003.2 Aircraft-Related Occupancies, Fire Protection for 914.8 Air-Inflated Structures (see Tents and Other Membrane Structures) Defined 202
Permit 105.5.51 Airport Defined 202 Airport Traffic Control Towers 907.2.22, 914.8.1, 914.8.2
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INDEX
Refrigerant 608.13.4 Treatment system 608.13.5 Ammonium Nitrate 5601.1.5
Defined 202 Ammunition, Small Arms 202, 5606 Storage and handling 105.5.16, 5601.2.1, 5604 Amusement Building, Special (see Special Amusement Building) Amusement Park Structures (Assembly, Group A-5) Defined 202
Annunciator
Defined 202
CFC § 907.8 High relevance — show source text
[F] 907.8 Inspection, testing and maintenance. The maintenance and testing schedules and procedures for fire alarm and fire detection systems shall be in accordance with Section 907.8 of the California Fire Code .
SECTION 908—EMERGENCY ALARM SYSTEMS
[F] 908.1 Group H occupancies. Emergency alarms for the detection and notification of an emergency condition in Group H occupancies shall be provided in accordance with Section 415.5.
[F] 908.2 Group H-5 occupancy. Emergency alarms for notification of an emergency condition in an HPM facility shall be provided as required in Section 415.11.4.
[F] 908.3 Fire alarm system interface. Where an emergency alarm system is interfaced with a building’s fire alarm system, the signal produced at the fire alarm control unit shall be a supervisory signal.
SECTION 909—SMOKE CONTROL SYSTEMS
[F] 909.1 Scope and purpose. This section applies to mechanical or passive smoke control systems where they are required by other provisions of this code. The purpose of this section is to establish minimum requirements for the design, installation and acceptance testing of smoke control systems that are intended to provide a tenable environment for the evacuation or relocation of occupants. These provisions are not intended for the preservation of contents, the timely restoration of operations or for assistance in fire suppression or overhaul activities. Smoke control systems regulated by this section serve a different purpose than the smoke- and heat-removal provisions found in Section 910. Mechanical smoke control systems shall not be considered exhaust systems under Chapter 5 of the California Mechanical Code .
[F] 909.2 General design requirements. Buildings, structures or parts thereof required by this code to have a smoke control system or systems shall have such systems designed in accordance with the applicable requirements of Section 909 and the generally accepted and well-established principles of engineering relevant to the design. The construction documents shall include sufficient information and detail to adequately describe the elements of the design necessary for the proper implementation of the smoke control systems. These documents shall be accompanied by sufficient information and analysis to demonstrate compliance with these provisions.
[F] 909.3 Special inspection and test requirements. In addition to the ordinary inspection and test requirements that buildings, structures and parts thereof are required to undergo, smoke control systems subject to the provisions of Section 909 shall undergo special inspections and tests sufficient to verify the proper commissioning of the smoke control design in its final installed condition. The design submission accompanying the construction documents shall clearly detail procedures and methods to be used and the items subject to such inspections and tests. Such commissioning shall be in accordance with generally accepted engineering practice and, where possible, based on published standards for the particular testing involved. The special inspections and tests required by this section shall be conducted under the same terms in Section 1704.
[F] 909.4 Analysis. A rational analysis supporting the types of smoke control systems to be employed, their methods of operation, the systems supporting them and the methods of construction to be utilized shall accompany the submitted construction documents and shall include, but not be limited to, the items indicated in Sections 909.4.1 through 909.4.7.
[F] 909.4.1 Stack effect. The system shall be designed such that the maximum probable normal or reverse stack effect will not adversely interfere with the system’s capabilities. In determining the maximum probable stack effect, altitude, elevation, weather history and interior temperatures shall be used.
CFC § 1704A.2.4. Medium relevance — show source text
If they are not corrected, the discrepancies shall be brought to the attention of the building official and to the registered design professional in responsible charge prior to the completion of that phase of the work. A final report documenting required special inspections and tests, and correction of any discrepancies noted in the inspections or tests, shall be submitted at a point in time agreed upon prior to the start of work by the owner or the owner’s authorized agent to the building official. [OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] Report requirement shall be per 1704A.2.4.
1704.2.5 Special inspection of fabricated items. Where fabrication of structural, load-bearing or lateral load-resisting members or assemblies is being conducted on the premises of a fabricator’s shop, special inspections of the fabricated items shall be performed during fabrication, except where the fabricator has been approved to perform work without special inspections in accordance with Section 1704.2.5.1.
1704.2.5.1 Fabricator approval. [OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] Not permitted by OSHPD. Special inspections during fabrication are not required where the work is done on the premises of a fabricator approved to perform such work without special inspection. Approval shall be based on review of the fabricator’s written fabrication procedures and quality control manuals that provide a basis for control of materials and workmanship, with periodic auditing of fabrication and quality control practices by an approved agency or the building official. At completion of fabrication, the approved fabricator shall submit a certificate of compliance to the owner or the owner’s authorized agent for submittal to the building official as specified in Section 1704.5 stating that the work was performed in accordance with the approved construction documents.
1704.3 Statement of special inspections. Where special inspections or tests are required by Section 1705, the registered design professional in responsible charge shall prepare a statement of special inspections in accordance with Section 1704.3.1 for submittal by the applicant in accordance with Section 1704.2.3.
Exception: The statement of special inspections is permitted to be prepared by a qualified person approved by the building official for construction not designed by a registered design professional.
1704.3.1 Content of statement of special inspections. The statement of special inspections shall identify the following:
The materials, systems, components and work required to have special inspections or tests by the building official or by the registered design professional responsible for each portion of the work.
The type and extent of each special inspection.
The type and extent of each test.
Additional requirements for special inspections or tests for seismic or wind resistance as specified in Sections 1705.12, 1705.13 and 1705.14.
For each type of special inspection, identification as to whether it will be continuous special inspection, periodic special inspection or performed in accordance with the notation used in the referenced standard where the inspections are defined.
Deferred submittal items that require a supplemental statement of special inspections.
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CFC § 905.8 Medium relevance — show source text
Exceptions:
- Visual identification panels of glass or other approved transparent frangible material that is easily broken and allows
access.
- Approved locking arrangements.
- Group I-3 occupancies and in mental health areas of Group I-2 occupancies.
905.8 Dry standpipes. Dry standpipes shall not be installed.
Exception: Where subject to freezing and in accordance with NFPA 14.
905.9 Valve supervision. Valves controlling water supplies shall be supervised in the open position so that a change in the normal position of the valve will generate a supervisory signal at the supervising station required by Section 903.4.1. Where a fire alarm system is provided, a signal shall be transmitted to the control unit.
Exceptions:
- Valves to underground key or hub valves in roadway boxes do not require supervision.
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FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS
- Valves locked in the normal position and inspected as provided in this code in buildings not equipped with a fire alarm system.
905.10 During construction. Standpipe systems required during construction and demolition operations shall be provided in accordance with Section 3307.
905.11 Locking standpipe outlet caps. The fire code official is authorized to require locking caps on the outlets on standpipes where the responding fire department carries key wrenches for the removal that are compatible with locking FDC connection caps.
905.12 Existing buildings. Where required in Chapter 11, existing structures shall be equipped with standpipes installed in accordance with Section 905.
SECTION 906—PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
906.1 Where required. Portable fire extinguishers shall be installed in all of the following locations:
In new and existing Group A, B, E, F, H, I, L, M, R-1, R-2, R-2.1, R-2.2, R-3.1, R-4 and S occupancies. Exceptions:
In Group R-2 occupancies, portable fire extinguishers shall be required only in locations specified in Items 2 through 6 where each dwelling unit is provided with a portable fire extinguisher having a minimum rating of 1A:10-B:C.
In Group E occupancies, portable fire extinguishers shall be required only in locations specified in Items 2 through 6 where each classroom is provided with a portable fire extinguisher having a minimum rating of 2-A:20-B:C.
In storage areas of Group S occupancies where forklift, powered industrial truck or powered cart operators are the primary occupants, fixed extinguishers, as specified in NFPA 10, shall not be required where in accordance with all of the following: 3.1. Use of vehicle-mounted extinguishers shall be approved by the fire code official. 3.2. Each vehicle shall be equipped with a 10-pound, 40A:80B:C extinguisher affixed to the vehicle using a mounting bracket approved by the extinguisher manufacturer or the fire code official for vehicular use. 3.3. Not less than two spare extinguishers of equal or greater rating shall be available on-site to replace a discharged extinguisher. 3.4. Vehicle operators shall be trained in the proper operation, use and inspection of extinguishers. 3.5. Inspections of vehicle-mounted extinguishers shall be performed daily.
CFC § 17.1 Medium relevance — show source text
[BF] 1705 A .16 Intumescent fire-resistive materials. Special inspections and tests for intumescent fire-resistive materials applied to structural elements and decks shall be performed in accordance with AWCI 12-B. Special inspections and tests shall be based on the fire-resistance design as designated in the approved construction documents. Special inspections and tests shall be performed during construction. Additional visual inspection shall be performed after the rough installation and, where applicable, prior to the concealment of electrical, automatic sprinkler, mechanical and plumbing systems.
[BF] 1705 A .17 Exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS). Special inspections shall be required for all EIFS applications.
Exceptions:
- Special inspections shall not be required for EIFS applications installed over a water-resistive barrier with a means of draining moisture to the exterior.
- Special inspections shall not be required for EIFS applications installed over masonry or concrete walls.
[BF] 1705 A .17.1 Water-resistive barrier coating. A water-resistive barrier coating complying with ASTM E2570 requires special inspection of the water-resistive barrier coating where installed over a sheathing substrate.
[BF] 1705 A .18 Fire-resistant penetrations and joints. In high-rise buildings, in buildings assigned to Risk Category III or IV, or in fire areas containing Group R occupancies with an occupant load greater than 250, special inspections for through-penetrations, membrane penetration firestops, fire-resistant joint systems and perimeter fire containment systems that are tested and listed in accordance with Sections 714.4.1.2, 714.5.1.2, 715.3.1 and 715.4 shall be in accordance with Section 1705 A .18.1 or 1705 A .18.2.
[DSA SS, DSA-SS/CC] Buildings assigned to Risk Category II, III or IV shall be subject to special inspections for fire-resistant penetrations and joints.
[BF] 1705 A .18.1 Penetration firestops. Inspections of penetration firestop systems that are tested and listed in accordance with Sections 714.4.1.2 and 714.5.1.2 shall be conducted by an approved agency in accordance with ASTM E2174.
[BF] 1705 A .18.2 Fire-resistant joint systems. Inspection of fire-resistant joint systems that are tested and listed in accordance with Sections 715.3.1 and 715.4 shall be conducted by an approved agency in accordance with ASTM E2393.
[F] 1705 A .19 Testing for smoke control. Smoke control systems shall be tested by a special inspector.
[F] 1705 A .19.1 Testing scope. The test scope shall be as follows:
During erection of ductwork and prior to concealment for the purposes of leakage testing and recording of device location.
Prior to occupancy and after sufficient completion for the purposes of pressure difference testing, flow measurements and detection and control verification.
[F] 1705 A .19.2 Qualifications. Approved agencies for smoke control testing shall have expertise in fire protection engineering, mechanical engineering and certification as air balancers.
CFC § 8-36 Medium relevance — show source text
COMPLIANCE FORMS, WORKSHEETS AND REFERENCE MATERIAL
SYSTEM OPERATIONS TRAINING
COMPLIANCE FORM
THIS FORM IS TO BE COMPLETED PRIOR TO INSPECTION
Project Address: _________________________________________________________
Permit Number: _____________________________
Part One: Systems Manual
ITEM # SYSTEMS MANUAL ELEMENTS PAGE
NUMBER
IN MANUALSITE INFORMATION 1 General (i.e. address, acreage, local utility information, other) 2 Facility description (i.e. use/function, square footage, occupancy type, construction type, basis of design, location
of major systems and equipment)3 Project history (i.e. project requirements (BOD/OPR), project undocumented events, record drawings and
documents, final control drawings and schematics, final control sequences, construction documents)4 Current requirements (i.e. building operating schedules, space temperature, humidity, pressure, CO2 setpoints, summer
and winter setback schedules, chilled and hot water temperatures, as-built control setpoints and parameters)SITE CONTACT INFORMATION 5 Owner information 6 Emergency contacts 7 Design team (i.e. architect, mechanical engineer, electrical engineer, other) 8 Prime contractor contact information 9 Subcontractor information 10 Equipment supplier contact information BASIC OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE 11 Basic operation (i.e. narratives of basic equipment operation, interfaces, interlocks and interaction with other
equipment and systems, initial maintenance provided by the contractor)12 General site-operating schedules (i.e. instructions for changes in major system operating schedules, instructions
for changes in major system holiday and weekend schedules)13 Basic troubleshooting (i.e. cite recommended troubleshooting procedures specific to major systems and
equipment, manual operation procedures, standby/backup/bypass operation procedures, major system power fail
resets and restarts, trend log listing)14 Recommended maintenance events log (i.e. HVAC air filler replacement schedule and log, building control system
sensor calibration schedule and log)15 Operation and maintenance manuals (location or delivery information) MAJOR SYSTEMS 19 Water heating systems 20 Landscape irrigation systems (i.e. water distribution diagrams and control system) 21 Water reuse systems (i.e. reclaimed water system for indoor use, reclaimed water for irrigation use) SITE EQUIPMENT INVENTORY AND MAINTENANCE NOTES 22 Spare parts inventory 23 Frequently required parts and supplies 24 Special equipment required to operate or maintain systems 25 Special tools required to operate or maintain systems SPECIAL INSPECTIONS 26 Copies of all special inspection verifications required by the enforcing agency of this code OTHER 27 Other resources and documentation 8-36 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE
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Part Two: Training
CFC § 1704.5 Medium relevance — show source text
At completion of fabrication, the approved fabricator shall submit a certificate of compliance to the owner or the owner’s authorized agent for submittal to the building official as specified in Section 1704.5 stating that the work was performed in accordance with the approved construction documents.
1704.3 Statement of special inspections. Where special inspections or tests are required by Section 1705, the registered design professional in responsible charge shall prepare a statement of special inspections in accordance with Section 1704.3.1 for submittal by the applicant in accordance with Section 1704.2.3.
Exception: The statement of special inspections is permitted to be prepared by a qualified person approved by the building official for construction not designed by a registered design professional.
1704.3.1 Content of statement of special inspections. The statement of special inspections shall identify the following:
The materials, systems, components and work required to have special inspections or tests by the building official or by the registered design professional responsible for each portion of the work.
The type and extent of each special inspection.
The type and extent of each test.
Additional requirements for special inspections or tests for seismic or wind resistance as specified in Sections 1705.12, 1705.13 and 1705.14.
For each type of special inspection, identification as to whether it will be continuous special inspection, periodic special inspection or performed in accordance with the notation used in the referenced standard where the inspections are defined.
Deferred submittal items that require a supplemental statement of special inspections.
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1704.3.2 Seismic requirements in the statement of special inspections. Where Section 1705.13 or 1705.14 specifies special inspections or tests for seismic resistance, the statement of special inspections shall identify the designated seismic systems and seismic force-resisting systems that are subject to the special inspections or tests. [OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] Where Section 1705.13 or 1705.14 specifies special inspections or tests for seismic resistance, the statement of special inspections shall identify the equip- ment/components that require special seismic certification and seismic force-resisting systems that are subject to the special inspection or tests.
1704.3.3 Wind requirements in the statement of special inspections. Where Section 1705.12 specifies special inspection for wind resistance, the statement of special inspections shall identify the main windforce-resisting systems and wind-resisting components that are subject to special inspections.
1704.4 Contractor responsibility. Each contractor responsible for the construction of a main wind- or seismic force-resisting system, designated seismic system or a wind- or seismic force-resisting component listed in the statement of special inspections shall submit a written statement of responsibility to the building official and the owner or the owner’s authorized agent prior to the commencement of work on the system or component. The contractor’s statement of responsibility shall contain acknowledgement of awareness of the special requirements contained in the statement of special inspections.
CFC § 312.1. Medium relevance — show source text
Exceptions:
- Special inspections and tests are not required for construction of a minor nature or as warranted by conditions in the jurisdiction as approved by the building official.
- Unless otherwise required by the building official, special inspections and tests are not required for Group U occupancies that are accessory to a residential occupancy including, but not limited to, those listed in Section 312.1.
- Special inspections and tests are not required for portions of structures designed and constructed in accordance with the cold-formed steel light-frame construction provisions of Section 2206.1.2 or the conventional light-frame construction provisions of Section 2308. [OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] Not permitted by OSHPD.
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- The contractor is permitted to employ the approved agencies where the contractor is also the owner. [OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] Not permitted by OSHPD. 5. [HCD 1] The provisions of Health and Safety Code Division 13, Part 6 and the California Code of Regulations, Title 25, Division 1, Chapter 3, commencing with Section 3000, shall apply to the construction and inspection of factory-built housing as defined in Health and Safety Code Section 19971.
1704.2.1 Special inspector qualifications. Prior to the start of the construction, the approved agencies shall provide written documentation to the building official demonstrating the competence and relevant experience or training of the special inspectors who will perform the special inspections and tests during construction. Experience or training shall be considered to be relevant where the documented experience or training is related in complexity to the same type of special inspection or testing activities for projects of similar complexity and material qualities. These qualifications are in addition to qualifications specified in other sections of this code.
The registered design professional in responsible charge and engineers of record involved in the design of the project are permitted to act as an approved agency and their personnel are permitted to act as special inspectors for the work designed by them, provided they qualify as special inspectors.
1704.2.2 Access for special inspection. The construction or work for which special inspection or testing is required shall remain accessible and exposed for special inspection or testing purposes until completion of the required special inspections or tests.
1704.2.3 Statement of special inspections. The applicant shall submit a statement of special inspections in accordance with Section 107.1 as a condition for permit issuance. This statement shall be in accordance with Section 1704.3.
Exception: A statement of special inspections is not required for portions of structures designed and constructed in accordance with the cold-formed steel light-frame construction provisions of Section 2206.1.2 or the conventional light-frame construction provisions of Section 2308. [OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] Not permitted by OSHPD.
1704.2.4 Report requirement. Approved agencies shall keep records of special inspections and tests. The approved agency shall submit reports of special inspections and tests to the building official and to the registered design professional in responsible charge at frequencies required by the approved construction documents or building official. All reports shall describe the nature and extent of inspections and tests, the location where the inspections and tests were performed, and indicate that work inspected or tested was or was not completed in conformance to approved construction documents.
CFC § 904.2 Medium relevance — show source text
(A) The intent of this section is to cover automatic fire extinguishing systems as originally designed, installed and approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction. It is not, however, intended to require that such systems be upgraded to current adopted standards.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §904.2(h)] Testing and Maintenance Requirements.
(h) At the time of testing and maintenance, building management shall be consulted to avoid unnecessary disturbance of normal building operation.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §904.2(i)] Testing and Maintenance Requirements.
(i) The licensee shall contact the local fire authority having jurisdiction prior to testing and maintenance of a system when required by the local fire authority having jurisdiction to do so.
901.6.1 Standards. Fire protection systems shall be inspected, tested and maintained in accordance with the referenced standards listed in Table 901.6.1 and California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapters 3 and 5.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §904.1(a)] Inspection Requirements.
(a) A license shall not be required to perform inspections. Inspections may be conducted by any person designated by the building owner or occupant who has developed competence through training and experience.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §904.2(g)] Testing and Maintenance Requirements.
(g) Prior to activating any fire alarm component of an automatic fire extinguishing system, the licensee shall ensure that the licensee is capable of restoring the fire alarm system.
TABLE 901.6.1—FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM INSPECTION, TESTING AND MAINTENANCE STANDARDS Col2 SYSTEM STANDARD Portable fire extinguishers California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 3 Carbon dioxide fire-extinguishing systems NFPA 12 Halon 1301 fire-extinguishing systems NFPA 12A Dry-chemical extinguishing systems NFPA 17 Wet-chemical extinguishing systems NFPA 17A Water-based fire protection systems California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 5 Fire alarm systems NFPA 72 Fire dampers NFPA 80 Smoke dampers NFPA 105 Smoke and heat vents NFPA 204 Water-mist systems NFPA 750 Clean-agent extinguishing systems NFPA 2001 Aerosol fire-extinguishing systems NFPA 2010 901.6.2 Integrated testing. Where two or more fire protection or life safety systems are interconnected, the intended response of subordinate fire protection and life safety systems shall be verified when required testing of the initiating system is conducted. In addition, integrated testing shall be performed in accordance with Sections 901.6.2.1 and 901.6.2.2.
CFC § 1705.16 Medium relevance — show source text
[BF] 1705.16 Intumescent fire-resistive materials. Special inspections and tests for intumescent fire-resistive materials applied to structural elements and decks shall be performed in accordance with AWCI 12-B. Special inspections and tests shall be based on the fire-resistance design as designated in the approved construction documents. Special inspections and tests shall be performed during construction. Additional visual inspection shall be performed after the rough installation and, where applicable, prior to the concealment of electrical, automatic sprinkler, mechanical and plumbing systems.
[BF] 1705.17 Exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS). Special inspections shall be required for all EIFS applications.
Exceptions:
- Special inspections shall not be required for EIFS applications installed over a water-resistive barrier with a means of draining moisture to the exterior.
- Special inspections shall not be required for EIFS applications installed over masonry or concrete walls.
[BF] 1705.17.1 Water-resistive barrier coating. A water-resistive barrier coating complying with ASTM E2570 requires special inspection of the water-resistive barrier coating where installed over a sheathing substrate.
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[BF] 1705.18 Fire-resistant penetrations and joints. In high-rise buildings, in buildings assigned to Risk Category III or IV, or in fire areas containing Group R occupancies with an occupant load greater than 250, special inspections for through-penetrations, membrane penetration firestops, fire-resistant joint systems and perimeter fire containment systems that are tested and listed in accordance with Sections 714.4.1.2, 714.5.1.2, 715.3.1 and 715.4 shall be in accordance with Section 1705.18.1 or 1705.18.2.
[OSHPD 1R, 2 & 5] Buildings assigned to all Risk Categories shall be subject to special inspections for fire-resistant penetrations and joints.
[BF] 1705.18.1 Penetration firestops. Inspections of penetration firestop systems that are tested and listed in accordance with Sections 714.4.1.2 and 714.5.1.2 shall be conducted by an approved agency in accordance with ASTM E2174.
[BF] 1705.18.2 Fire-resistant joint systems. Inspection of fire-resistant joint systems that are tested and listed in accordance with Sections 715.3.1 and 715.4 shall be conducted by an approved agency in accordance with ASTM E2393.
[F] 1705.19 Testing for smoke control. Smoke control systems shall be tested by a special inspector.
[F] 1705.19.1 Testing scope. The test scope shall be as follows:
During erection of ductwork and prior to concealment for the purposes of leakage testing and recording of device location.
Prior to occupancy and after sufficient completion for the purposes of pressure difference testing, flow measurements and detection and control verification.
[F] 1705.19.2 Qualifications. Approved agencies for smoke control testing shall have expertise in fire protection engineering, mechanical engineering and certification as air balancers.
CFC § 7-115 Medium relevance — show source text
1704 A .1 General. Special inspections and tests, statements of special inspections, responsibilities of contractors, submittals to the building official and structural observations shall meet the applicable requirements of this section.
1704 A .2 Special inspections and tests. Where application is made to the building official for construction as specified in Section 105 the owner shall employ one or more approved agencies to provide special inspections and tests during construction on the types of work specified in Section 1705 A and identify the approved agencies to the building official. These special inspections and tests are in addition to the inspections by the building official that are identified in Section 110.
[OSHPD 1 & 4] The inspectors shall act under the direction of the architect or structural engineer or both, and be responsible to the Owner. Where the California Administrative Code (CAC) Section 7-115 (a) 2 permits construction documents to be prepared under the
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responsible charge of a mechanical, electrical or civil engineer, inspectors shall be permitted to work under the direction of engineer in appropriate branch as permitted therein.
Exceptions:
- Special inspections and tests are not required for construction of a minor nature or as warranted by conditions in the jurisdiction as approved by the building official.
- [DSA-SS, DSA-SS/CC] Reference to Section 105 and Section 110 shall be to the California Administrative Code instead.
1704 A .2.1 Special inspector qualifications. Prior to the start of the construction, the approved agencies shall provide written documentation to the building official demonstrating the competence and relevant experience or training of the special inspectors who will perform the special inspections and tests during construction. Experience or training shall be considered to be relevant where the documented experience or training is related in complexity to the same type of special inspection or testing activities for projects of similar complexity and material qualities. These qualifications are in addition to qualifications specified in other sections of this code.
The registered design professional in responsible charge and engineers of record involved in the design of the project are permitted to act as an approved agency and their personnel are permitted to act as special inspectors for the work designed by them, provided they qualify as special inspectors.
1704 A .2.2 Access for special inspection. The construction or work for which special inspection or testing is required shall remain accessible and exposed for special inspection or testing purposes until completion of the required special inspections or tests.
1704 A .2.3 Statement of special inspections. The applicant shall submit a statement of special inspections prepared by the regis- tered design professional in general responsible charge in accordance with Section 107.1 as a condition for construction documents review . This statement shall be in accordance with Section 1704 A .3.
[DSA-SS, DSA-SS/CC] Reference to Section 107.1 shall be to the California Administrative Code instead.
1704 A .2.4 Report requirement. The inspector(s) of record and approved agencies shall keep records of special inspections and tests.
California Fire Code Medium relevance — show source text
L103 Permits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .APPENDIX L-3
L104 Design and Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .APPENDIX L-3
L105 Acceptance Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .APPENDIX L-5 L106 Inspection, Testing and Maintenance . . .APPENDIX L-5
L107 Referenced Standards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .APPENDIX L-5
APPENDIX M HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS—RETROACTIVE
AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER REQUIREMENT . . . APPENDIX M-3
M101 Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX M-3 M102 Where Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX M-3 M103 Compliance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX M-3
APPENDIX N INDOOR TRADE SHOWS AND
EXHIBITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .APPENDIX N-3
N101 General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX N-3
N102 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX N-3
N103 Public Safety for Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX N-4 N104 Interior Finish and
Decorative Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX N-4
CONTENTS
N105 Multiple-Level Booths . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX N-4 N106 Covered Booths. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX N-4
N107 Display and Storage of Hazardous and Combustible Materials. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX N-4
N108 Means of Egress. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX N-5 N109 Referenced Standards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX N-5
APPENDIX O VALET TRASH AND RECYCLING
COLLECTION IN GROUP R-2 OCCUPANCIES. . APPENDIX O-3
O102 Containers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX O-3
O103 Container Location. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX O-3
O104 Additional Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX O-3
Frequently asked questions
What inspections and standards apply to fire protection systems?
Fire protection systems must be inspected, tested and maintained per the standards referenced in Table 901.6.1 (portable extinguishers, NFPA standards, Title 19 CCR for water systems, etc.), and interlinked systems require integrated testing under §901.6.2. See §901.6.1 and Table 901.6.1 for the specific standards.
Who must keep inspection records and how long?
Owners (or their agents) are responsible for retaining records of system inspections, tests and maintenance in accordance with §901.6.3 and the retention requirements in Title 19 CCR; records of required inspections are retained on the premises and kept per the referenced retention rules.
Where do I find requirements for a special occupancy (e.g., spray booths or Group H)?
Special‑occupancy requirements are located in the occupancy/use chapters and referenced building‑code sections (for example, spray booths and related protections are addressed in the building code with direct reference to the CFC for fire protection), and construction or equipment requiring special inspections follows the special‑inspection provisions in Sections 1704/1705. Review the occupancy chapter and the cited CFC sections for permitting and protection specifics.
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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