CFC · California Fire Code

What special egress rules apply to assembly occupancies?

Assembly rooms (theaters, auditoria, banquet halls) have special egress rules in the CFC: main exits must carry at least half the crowd for large rooms, at least one exit must discharge to a street or a 20‑ft open area, aisles and seat layouts follow §1030 aisle‑capacity rules, and travel distances/common‑path limits are tighter (with specific exceptions for smoke‑protected and open‑air seating). Follow **§ 1030** and **§ 1030.7** when sizing and locating exits.

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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

What the code requires — plain English, controlling §

Assembly spaces have their own special exit rules in § 1030 (Assembly) of the California Fire Code. These rules require larger and sometimes differently arranged exits and aisle capacity, special travel‑distance limits for seating (including separate limits for smoke‑protected and open‑air seating), and minimum distribution/discharge requirements (for example, at least one exit must discharge to a street or an unoccupied area 20 feet wide). See § 1030 and the travel‑distance specifics in § 1030.7 for the controlling text.

The single most important rule: rooms with fixed seating or assembly functions must meet the special provisions of § 1030 — number/distribution of exits, aisle capacity, travel distances and common‑path limits are different (and stricter) than ordinary spaces.

Requirements in detail

Number, capacity and distribution of exits

  • Occupant load greater than 300: the main exit must be sized to serve not less than one‑half of the occupant load; additional means must provide the remaining capacity and comply with Section 1007. See § 1030.2 and § 1030.3.
    • At least one exit must discharge on a street or unoccupied space at least 20 feet (6096 mm) wide that adjoins a street or public way. § 1030.2 & § 1030.3.
  • Occupant load 100 to 300 (Group A or assembly accessory to Group E): at least one required means of egress must exit directly to an exit, or through a lobby not used to reach the other required exit, or through a 1‑hour corridor/lobby to an exit. See § 1030.3.1.

Travel distance and common‑path limits

  • Exit access travel distance for assembly seating must be measured along aisles and aisle accessways (no travel over seats). § 1030.7.
  • Exceptions (examples in § 1030.7):
    • Smoke‑protected seating: total exit access travel distance ≤ 400 ft; from a seat to the nearest vomitory/concourse ≤ 200 ft, and from that entrance to an exit/stair/ramp ≤ 200 ft. § 1030.7(1).
    • Open‑air assembly seating (Type III/IV/V construction): total exit access travel distance ≤ 400 ft to an exit/stair/ramp (Type I/II open‑air seating has no limit). § 1030.7(2–3).
  • Common path of egress travel from any seat to the first point where two exit choices exist: ≤ 30 ft for fixed seating. Exceptions: areas serving < 50 occupants (≤ 75 ft) and smoke‑protected/open‑air seating (≤ 50 ft). § 1030.8.

Aisles, aisle capacity and seating layout

  • Aisles are required wherever seating/tables/displays are located; aisle capacity rules in § 1030.6 apply specifically to assembly seating (different factors for smoke‑protected and open‑air seating are provided). § 1030.9 and § 1030.6.
  • Stairway/egress capacity (used to size required exit widths) is governed by Chapter 10 sizing factors (for example, stairways are sized by multiplying occupant load × 0.3 in per occupant, with an exception allowing 0.2 in per occupant where an automatic sprinkler system and an emergency voice/alarm system are provided — see § 1005.3.1). Use Chapter 10 factors together with the assembly rules in § 1030 when converting occupant counts to inches of required egress width.

Decision‑relevant dimensions and values (quick reference)

Decision factor Value / threshold Code Reference
Main‑exit minimum capacity for A > 300 Not less than one‑half of occupant load § 1030.2
At least one exit discharge to street/unoccupied area 20 feet (6096 mm) minimum § 1030.2
Special rule for occupant load 100–300 One required means must exit directly to exit / 1‑hr corridor/lobby options § 1030.3.1
Exit access travel distance (smoke‑protected / open‑air exceptions) 400 ft total; seat→vomitory ≤ 200 ft § 1030.7
Common path from seat to choice of two paths 30 ft (standard); 75 ft if <50 occupants; 50 ft for smoke‑protected or open‑air § 1030.8
Stairway capacity factor (general) 0.3 in per occupant (stairways); exception 0.2 in if sprinklers + EVACS § 1005.3.1
Balconies/galleries/press boxes ≥ 50 seats → not less than two means of egress (one from each side) § 1030.5

Where to measure travel and capacity

  • Measure travel distance along aisles/aisle accessways — you may not count travel over seats. § 1030.7.
  • When multiple levels or mezzanines contribute to cumulative loads, follow Chapter 10 rules for cumulative occupant loads when sizing egress components; assembly rules still apply to the seating areas. See Chapter 10 cross‑references in the assembly section.

Exceptions & special cases

  • Smoke‑protected seating: special, more liberal travel‑distance allowances (≤ 400 ft total, split 200/200 ft) but different common‑path limits; see § 1030.7(1) and § 1030.8.
  • Open‑air seating: Types I/II vs III/IV/V treated differently for travel distance (Type I/II may have no limit). § 1030.7(2–3).
  • Balconies/galleries/press boxes with 50 or more seats require at least two means of egress (one from each side). § 1030.5.
  • Bleachers/grandstands/folding seating that are not building elements: comply with ICC 300 (callout in § 1030.1.1). § 1030.1.1.
  • Seat fastening and bonding rules have multiple exceptions (for example, fewer than 200 loose seats may not require bonding; see seat stability and CCR Title 19 references in the assembly section). § 1030.15 and related notes.

If a specific seating configuration or construction type (smoke‑protected system details, type of open‑air structure) is not fully described in the excerpts available here, consult the full CFC text for the applicable exception language and the local fire official for interpretation. The file excerpts used above contain the controlling language for the cited sections; if you need verbatim text for a narrow edge case, I can pull the exact code lines for that subsection.

Common mistakes

  • Treating assembly egress like ordinary rooms — failing to apply § 1030 special rules (main‑exit capacity, discharge to 20‑ft space, aisle/seat rules).
  • Measuring travel distance “as the crow flies” instead of along aisles and aisle accessways (CFC requires measurement along aisles; § 1030.7).
  • Missing the difference between common path limits (seat common path 30 ft) and general room common path exceptions for <50 occupants or smoke‑protected seating (75 ft and 50 ft, respectively). § 1030.8.
  • Forgetting to reserve at least one exit to discharge to a street or 20‑ft unoccupied area where required (many designers distribute exits but omit the required discharge). § 1030.2/1030.3.
  • Applying wrong capacity factor when converting occupant load to inches of width — check Chapter 10 factors and exceptions (e.g., 0.3 in vs 0.2 in with sprinklers + EVACS). § 1005.3.1.

Worked example — single‑level theater, 600 fixed seats

Scenario: single‑level assembly room, fixed seating, occupant load = 600.

Step 1 — Main exit capacity (§ 1030.2): main exit must be sized to accommodate not less than one‑half the occupant load = 300 occupants. § 1030.2.

Step 2 — Convert occupant capacity to required width (use Chapter 10 capacity factors):

  • If the building is not fully sprinklered (or does not meet the electrical/voice/alarm system exception), stair/egress capacity factor for sizing is 0.3 in per occupant → required width = 300 × 0.3 in = 90 in (7 ft 6 in) for that main exit capacity. § 1005.3.1.
  • If the building is sprinklered throughout and has the required emergency voice/alarm system, the exception allows 0.2 in per occupant → 300 × 0.2 in = 60 in (5 ft) required width. § 1005.3.1.

Step 3 — Travel distance and common path (§ 1030.7, § 1030.8): determine whether the seating is smoke‑protected or open‑air. If smoke‑protected, the total allowed exit access travel distance is 400 ft, with seat→vomitory ≤ 200 ft and vomitory→exit ≤ 200 ft. Also verify that the common path from any seat to a point where two choices exist does not exceed 30 ft (or the adjusted limits if smoke‑protected). § 1030.7 and § 1030.8.

Step 4 — Distribution and discharge: ensure not all exits feed a single main exit; at least one exit must discharge to a 20‑ft unoccupied area or to a street. § 1030.2, § 1030.3.

This example shows how the assembly rules change the sizing/distribution/calculation steps compared with non‑assembly spaces.

Related provisions (see these CFC sections)

  • § 1030.1 — General assembly provisions (definition, scope).
  • § 1030.1.1 — Bleachers/grandstands: ICC 300 reference.
  • § 1030.2 — Assembly main exit capacity and discharge.
  • § 1030.3 / § 1030.3.1 — Additional exits and special rules for 100–300 occupants.
  • § 1030.4 — Foyers and lobbies rules for Group A‑1.
  • § 1030.5 — Balconies, galleries, press boxes (≥50 seats need two egresses).
  • § 1030.6 — Aisle capacity rules and factors for assembly seating.
  • § 1030.7 — Exit access travel distance for assemblies (special exceptions).
  • § 1030.8 / § 1030.8.1 — Common path limits; path through adjacent row rules.
  • § 1005.3.1 — Means of egress capacity factors (used to size stairs/exits).
  • § 1004.9 — Posting occupant load for assembly spaces ≥50 occupants.
  • § 1030.15 — Seat stability and bonding rules and exceptions (CCR Title 19 cross‑references).

If you want, I can produce a plan‑check checklist you can apply to a set of seating drawings (measuring common path, vomitory distances, exit widths converted from inches to door/stair widths, and noting required discharges) using these sections as the controlling references.

Code references

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

  • CFC § 1030.6.2. High relevance — show source text

    Not less than one-half of the additional means of egress required by this section shall be directly to an exit, or through a lobby, that is not used to access the main exit, to an exit or to a 1-hour-rated corridor to an exit. In a building used for assembly purposes where there is not a well-defined main exit or where multiple main exits are provided, exits for each level shall be permitted to be distributed around the perimeter of the building, provided that the total width of egress is not less than 100 percent of the required width and not less than one exit shall discharge on a street or an unoccupied space of not less than 20 feet (6096 mm) in capacity that adjoins a street or public way. Smoke-protected seating shall comply with Section 1030.6.2.

    1030.3.1 Occupant loads between 100 and 300. Group A occupancies or assembly occupancies accessory to Group E occupancies that have an occupant load of 100 to 300 not less than one of the required means of egress shall exit through one of the following: 1. Directly to an exit 2. Egress through a lobby that is not used to access the other required exit

    3. To a one-hour rated corridor to an exit

    4. Continuous through a one-hour rated lobby to an exit.

    Not less than one exit shall discharge on a street or an unoccupied space of not less than 20 feet (6096 mm) in capacity that adjoins a street or public way.

    1030.4 Foyers and lobbies. In Group A-1 occupancies, where persons are admitted to the building at times when seats are not available, such persons shall be allowed to wait in a lobby or similar space, provided that such lobby or similar space shall not encroach on the minimum width or required capacity of the means of egress. Such foyer, if not directly connected to a public street by all the main entrances or exits, shall have a straight and unobstructed corridor or path of travel to every such main entrance or exit.

    1030.5 Interior balcony and gallery means of egress. For balconies, galleries or press boxes having a seating capacity of 50 or more located in a building, room or space used for assembly purposes, not less than two means of egress shall be provided, with one from each side of every balcony, gallery or press box.

    1030.6 Capacity of aisle for assembly. The required capacity of aisles shall be not less than that determined in accordance with Section 1030.6.1 where smoke-protected assembly seating is not provided, Section 1030.6.2 where smoke-protected assembly seating is provided and Section 1030.6.3 where open-air assembly seating is provided.

    1030.6.1 Without smoke protection. The required capacity in inches (mm) of the aisles for assembly seating without smoke protection shall be not less than the occupant load served by the egress element in accordance with all of the following, as applicable:

    1. Not less than 0.3 inch (7.6 mm) of aisle capacity for each occupant served shall be provided on stepped aisles having riser heights 7 inches (178 mm) or less and tread depths 11 inches (279 mm) or greater, measured horizontally between tread nosings.
  • CFC § 1030.6.3.2 High relevance — show source text

    1030.6.3.2 Public address system. See Section 907.2.1.1.

    [BE] 1030.7 Travel distance. The exit access travel distance shall comply with Section 1017. Where aisles are provided for seating, the distance shall be measured along the aisles and aisle accessways without travel over or on the seats.

    Exceptions:

    1. In facilities with smoke-protected assembly seating the total exit access travel distance shall be not greater than 400 feet (122 m). That portion of the total permitted exit access travel distance from each seat to the nearest entrance to a vomitory or concourse shall not exceed 200 feet (60 960 mm). The portion of the total permitted exit access travel distance from the entrance to the vomitory or concourse to one of the following shall not exceed 200 feet (60 960 mm). 1.1. The closest riser of an exit access stairway. 1.2. The closest slope of an exit access ramp.

    1.3. An exit.

    1. In facilities with open-air assembly seating of Type III, IV or V construction, the total exit access travel distance to one of the following shall not exceed 400 feet (122 m). 2.1. The closest riser of an exit access stairway. 2.2. The closest slope of an exit access ramp.

    2.3. An exit.

    1. In facilities with open-air assembly seating of Type I or II construction, the exit access travel distance shall not be limited.

    [BE] 1030.8 Common path of egress travel. The common path of egress travel for a room or space used for assembly purposes having fixed seating shall not exceed 30 feet (9144 mm) from any seat to a point where an occupant has a choice of two paths of egress travel to two exits.

    Exceptions:

    1. For areas serving less than 50 occupants, the common path of egress travel shall not exceed 75 feet (22 860 mm).
    2. For smoke-protected or open-air assembly seating, the common path of egress travel shall not exceed 50 feet (15 240 mm).

    [BE] 1030.8.1 Path through adjacent row. Where one of the two paths of travel is across the aisle through a row of seats to another aisle, there shall be not more than 24 seats between the two aisles, and the minimum clear width between rows for the row between the two aisles shall be 12 inches (305 mm) plus 0.6 inch (15.2 mm) for each additional seat above seven in the row between aisles.

    Exception: For smoke-protected or open-air assembly seating there shall be not more than 40 seats between the two aisles and the minimum clear width shall be 12 inches (305 mm) plus 0.3 inch (7.6 mm) for each additional seat.

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    [BE] 1030.9 Assembly aisles are required. Every occupied portion of any building, room or space used for assembly purposes that contains seats, tables, displays, similar fixtures or equipment shall be provided with aisles leading to exits or exit access doorways in accordance with this section.

  • CFC § 1030.1 High relevance — show source text

    Exceptions:

    1. Egress courts serving an occupant load of less than 10.
    2. Egress courts serving Group R-3.
    3. Egress courts, located at grade, that provide direct and unobstructed access to a public way through two or more independent paths. The minimum width provided along each path shall be based on the required width or the required capacity, whichever is greater, and shall be maintained along each path.

    SECTION 1030—ASSEMBLY

    1030.1 General. A room or space used for assembly purposes that contains seats, tables, displays, equipment or other material shall comply with this section.

    Exception: Group A occupancies within Group I-3 facilities are exempt from egress requirements of Section 1030.

    1030.1.1 Bleachers. Bleachers, grandstands and folding and telescopic seating, that are not building elements, shall comply with ICC 300.

    1030.1.1.1 Spaces under grandstands and bleachers. Spaces under grandstands or bleachers shall be separated by fire barriers complying with Section 707 and horizontal assemblies complying with Section 711 with not less than 1-hour fire-resistance-rated construction.

    Exceptions:

    1. Ticket booths less than 100 square feet (9.29 m [2] ) in area.

    2. Toilet rooms.

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    1. Other accessory use areas 1,000 square feet (92.9 m [2] ) or less in area and equipped with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.

    1030.2 Assembly main exit. A building, room or space used for assembly purposes that has an occupant load of greater than 300 and is provided with a main exit, that main exit shall be of sufficient capacity to accommodate not less than one-half of the occupant load, but such capacity shall be not less than the total required capacity of all means of egress leading to the exit. Where the building is classified as a Group A occupancy, the main exit shall front on not less than one street or an unoccupied space of not less than 20 feet (6096 mm) in width that adjoins a street or public way. In a building, room or space used for assembly purposes where there is not a well-defined main exit or where multiple main exits are provided, exits shall be permitted to be distributed around the perimeter of the building provided that the total capacity of egress is not less than 100 percent of the required capacity and not less than one exit shall discharge on a street or an unoccupied space of not less than 20 feet (6096 mm) in capacity that adjoins a street or public way. Smoke-protected seating shall comply with Section 1030.6.2.

    1030.3 Assembly other exits. In addition to having access to a main exit, each level in a building used for assembly purposes having an occupant load greater than 300 and provided with a main exit, shall be provided with additional means of egress that shall provide an egress capacity for not less than one-half of the total occupant load served by that level and shall comply with Section 1007.1.

  • CFC § 1030.6.2. High relevance — show source text

    Smoke-protected seating shall comply with Section 1030.6.2._

    [BE] 1030.3 Assembly other exits. In addition to having access to a main exit, each level in a building used for assembly purposes having an occupant load greater than 300 and provided with a main exit, shall be provided with additional means of egress that shall provide an egress capacity for not less than one-half of the total occupant load served by that level and shall

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    comply with Section 1007.1. Not less than one-half of the additional means of egress required by this section shall be directly to an exit, or through a lobby, that is not used to access the main exit, to an exit, or to a 1-hour rated corridor to an exit. In a building used for assembly purposes where there is not a well-defined main exit or where multiple main exits are provided, exits for each level shall be permitted to be distributed around the perimeter of the building, provided that the total width of egress is not less than 100 percent of the required width and not less than one exit shall discharge on a street or an unoccupied space of not less than 20 feet (6096 mm) in capacity that adjoins a street or publicway. Smoke-protected seating shall comply with Section 1030.6.2.

    1030.3.1 Occupant loads 300 or less. Group A occupancies or assembly occupancies accessory to Group E occupancies that have an occupant load of 100 or more and 300 or less, shall have not less than one of the required means of egress directly to an exit, or through a lobby, that is not used to access the other required exit, to an exit, or to a 1-hour rated corridor to an exit or continuous through a 1-hour rated lobby to an exit. Not less than one exit shall discharge on a street or an unoccupied space of not less than 20 feet (6096 mm) in capacity that adjoins a street or public way.

    [BE] 1030.4 Foyers and lobbies. In Group A-1 occupancies, where persons are admitted to the building at times when seats are not available, such persons shall be allowed to wait in a lobby or similar space, provided that such lobby or similar space shall not encroach on the minimum width or required capacity of the means of egress. Such foyer, if not directly connected to a public street by all the main entrances or exits, shall have a straight and unobstructed corridor or path of travel to every such main entrance or exit.

    [BE] 1030.5 Interior balcony and gallery means of egress. For balconies, galleries or press boxes having a seating capacity of 50 or more located in a building, room or space used for assembly purposes, not less than two means of egress shall be provided, with one from each side of every balcony, gallery or press box.

    [BE] 1030.6 Capacity of aisle for assembly. The required capacity of aisles shall be not less than that determined in accordance with Section 1030.6.1 where smoke-protected assembly seating is not provided, with Section 1030.6.2 where smoke-protected assembly seating is provided, and with Section 1030.6.3 where open-air assembly seating is provided.

  • 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

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    |[BE]TABLE 1004.

  • 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:

    1. 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.

    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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    1. 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 § 2.1 High relevance — show source text

    Group R-2.1 occupancies housing bedridden clients shall be provided with smoke barriers constructed in accordance with Section 709 regardless of the number of clients. When smoke barriers are required, the area within a smoke compartment shall not exceed 22,500 square feet (2090 m [2] ) nor shall its travel distance exceed 200 feet (60 960 mm). Such smoke barriers shall divide the floor as equally as possible.

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    SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON OCCUPANCY AND USE

    435.5.2 Smoke partitions. Group R-2.1 occupancies where smoke partitions are required, framing shall be covered with noncombus- tible materials having an approved thermal barrier with an index of not less than 15 in accordance with FM 4880, UL 1040, NFPA 286 or UL 1715.

    435.5.3 Independent egress. At least two means of egress shall be provided from each smoke compartment created by smoke barri- ers. Means of egress may pass through adjacent compartments provided it does not return through the smoke compartment from which means of egress originated. Smoke compartments that do not contain an exit shall be provided with direct access to not less than two adjacent smoke compartments.

    435.6 Interior finish provisions.

    435.6.1 Interior wall and ceiling finish. Group R-3.1 occupancies housing a bedridden client shall comply with interior wall and ceil- ing finish requirements specified for Group I-2 occupancies in Table 803.13.

    435.6.2 Safety padding. Padding material used on walls, floors and ceilings in Group I and R-2.1 occupancies shall be of an approved type tested in accordance with the procedures established by State Fire Marshal Standard 12-8-100, Room Fire Test for Wall and Ceil- ing Materials, California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 12.

    435.7 Fire protection system provisions.

    435.7.1 Automatic sprinkler systems in Group R-2.1, R-3.1 and R-4 occupancies. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed where required in Section 903.

    435.7.2 Fire alarm systems in Group R-2.1 and R-4 occupancies. An approved fire alarm system shall be installed where required in Section 907.

    435.7.3 Smoke alarms in Groups R-2.1, R-3.1 and R-4 occupancies. Smoke alarms shall be installed where required in Section 907.2.11.2.

    435.7.4 Hearing impaired. See Section 907.5.2.3.4.

    435.8 Means of egress provisions.

    435.8.1 General. In addition to the general means of egress requirements of Chapter 10, this section shall apply to Group R-2.1, R-3.1 and R-4 occupancies.

    435.8.2 Number of exits.

    435.8.2.1 Group R-2.1, R-3.1 and R-4 occupancies shall have a minimum of two exits.

  • CFC § 435.8.6 High relevance — show source text

    435.8.6 Stairways.

    435.8.6.1 Group R-2.1 and Group R-4 occupancies housing more than six nonambulatory clients above the first floor shall be provided with two vertical exit enclosures. Stairway enclosures shall be in compliance with Section 1023. Exceptions to Section 1023 shall not apply in facilities licensed as a 24-hour care facility.

    435.8.6.2 Group R-3.1 occupancies may continue to use existing stairways (except for winding and spiral stairways which are not permitted as a required means of egress) provided the stairs have a maximum rise of 8 inches (203 mm) with a minimum run of 9 inches (229 mm). The minimum stairway width may be 30 inches (762 mm).

    435.8.7 Floor separation. Group R-3.1 occupancies with non-ambulatory clients housed above the first floor shall be provided with a non-fire resistance constructed floor separation at stairs which will prevent smoke migration between floors. Such floor separation shall have equivalent construction of 0.5 inch (12.7 mm) gypsum wallboard on one side of wall framing.

    Exceptions: 1. Occupancies with at least one exterior exit from floors occupied by clients. 2. Occupancies provided with automatic fire sprinkler systems complying with Chapter 9. 435.8.7.1 Doors within floor separations. Doors within such floor separations shall be tight fitting solid wood at least 1 [3] / 8 inches (35 mm) in thickness. Door glazing shall not exceed 1296 square inches (32 918 mm2) with no dimension greater than 54 inches (1372 mm). Such doors shall be positive latching, smoke gasketed and shall be automatic-closing by smoke detection.

    435.8.8 Fences and gates. Grounds of a Residential Care Facility for the Elderly serving Alzheimer clients may be fenced and gates therein equipped with locks, provided safe dispersal areas are located not less than 50 feet (15 240 mm) from the buildings. Dispersal areas shall be sized to provide an area of not less than 3 square feet (0.28 m2) per occupant. Gates shall not be installed across corri- dors or passageways leading to such dispersal areas unless they comply with egress requirements.

    435.8.9 Basement exits. One exit is required to grade level when the basement is accessible to clients.

    435.8.10 Delayed egress locks. See Section 1010.2.13.

    435.9 Request for alternate means of protection for facilities housing bedridden clients. Request for alternate means of protection shall apply to Sections 435 through 435.9. Request for approval to use an alternative material, assembly or materials, equipment, method of construction, method of installation of equipment or means of protection shall be made in writing to the local fire authority having jurisdiction by the facility, client or the client’s authorized representative. Sufficient evidence shall be submitted to substantiate the need for an alternate means of protection.

    4-60 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE

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

    SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON OCCUPANCY AND USE

  • CFC § 10-42 High relevance — show source text

    purposes.

    10-42 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE

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

    MEANS OF EGRESS

    (3) Upon approval of the enforcing agency, the bonding of chairs shall not be required when the placement and location of such chairs does not obstruct any required exit or any line of egress toward required exits and does not constitute a fire hazard as defined in California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Section 3.14.

    [California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §3.06(b)] Bonding of Chairs and Spacing of Tables.

    (b) Spacing of Tables. In occupancies having rectangular conference or banquet-type tables, such tables shall be placed not less than 54 inches apart and not less than 36 inches from walls.

    [BE] 1018.2 Aisles in assembly spaces. Aisles and aisle accessways serving a room or space used for assembly purposes shall comply with Section 1030.

    [BE] 1018.3 Aisles in Groups B and M. In Group B and M occupancies, the minimum clear aisle width shall be determined by Section 1005.1 for the occupant load served, but shall be not less than that required for corridors by Section 1020.3.

    Exception: Nonpublic aisles serving less than 50 people and not required to be accessible by Chapter 11A or 11B of the California Building Code need not exceed 28 inches (711 mm) in width.

    [BE] 1018.4 Aisle accessways in Group M. An aisle accessway shall be provided on not less than one side of each element within the merchandise pad. The minimum clear width for an aisle accessway not required to be accessible shall be 30 inches (762 mm). The required clear width of the aisle accessway shall be measured perpendicular to the elements and merchandise within the merchandise pad. The 30-inch (762 mm) minimum clear width shall be maintained to provide a path to an adjacent aisle or aisle accessway. The common path of egress travel shall not exceed 30 feet (9144 mm) from any point in the merchandise pad.

    Exception: For areas serving not more than 50 occupants, the common path of egress travel shall not exceed 75 feet (22 860 mm).

    [BE] 1018.5 Aisles in other than assembly spaces and Groups B and M. In other than rooms or spaces used for assembly purposes and Group B and M occupancies, the minimum clear aisle capacity shall be determined by Section 1005.1 for the occupant load served, but the width shall be not less than that required for corridors by Section 1020.3.

    Exception: Nonpublic aisles serving less than 50 people and not required to be accessible by Chapter 11 of the California Building Code need not exceed 28 inches (711 mm) in width.

    SECTION 1019—EXIT ACCESS STAIRWAYS AND RAMPS

    [BE] 1019.1 General. Exit access stairways and ramps serving as an exit access component in a means of egress system shall comply with the requirements of this section. The number of stories connected by exit access stairways and ramps shall include basements, but not mezzanines.

    [BE] 1019.2 All occupancies. Exit access stairways and ramps that serve floor levels within a single story are not required to be enclosed.

  • CFC § 1030.14.2.4 High relevance — show source text

    Exception: The contrasting marking stripe is permitted to be omitted where tread surfaces are such that the location of each tread is readily apparent when viewed in descent.

    [BE] 1030.14.2.4 Nosing and profile. Nosing and riser profile shall comply with Sections 1011.5.5 through 1011.5.5.3.

    [BE] 1030.15 Seat stability. In a building, room or space used for assembly purposes, the seats shall be securely fastened to the floor.

    Exceptions:

    1. In a building, room or space used for assembly purposes or portions thereof without ramped or tiered floors for seating and with 200 or fewer seats, the seats shall not be required to be fastened to the floor.
    2. In a building, room or space used for assembly purposes or portions thereof with seating at tables and without ramped or tiered floors for seating, the seats shall not be required to be fastened to the floor.
    3. In a building, room or space used for assembly purposes or portions thereof without ramped or tiered floors for seating and with greater than 200 seats, the seats shall be fastened together in groups of not less than three or the seats shall be securely fastened to the floor.
    4. In a building, room or space used for assembly purposes where flexibility of the seating arrangement is an integral part of the design and function of the space and seating is on tiered levels, not more than 200 seats shall not be required to be fastened to the floor. Plans showing seating, tiers and aisles shall be submitted for approval.
    5. Groups of seats within a building, room or space used for assembly purposes separated from other seating by railings, guards, partial height walls or similar barriers with level floors and having not more than 14 seats per group shall not be required to be fastened to the floor.
    6. Seats intended for musicians or other performers and separated by railings, guards, partial height walls or similar barriers shall not be required to be fastened to the floor.

    [California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §3.06(a)] Bonding of Chairs and Spacing of Tables.

    (a) Bonding of chairs. In every Group A and Group E occupancy, all loose seats, folding chairs or similar seating facilities that are not fixed to the floor shall be bonded together in groups of not less than three.

    Exceptions: (1) When not more than 200 such seats, chairs or facilities are provided, bonding thereof may be deleted. (2) The bonding of chairs shall not be required when tables are provided as when the occupancy is used for dining or similar

    purposes. (3) Upon approval of the enforcing agency, the bonding of chairs shall not be required when the placement and location of such chairs do not obstruct any required exit or any line of egress toward required exits and do not constitute a fire hazard as defined in California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Section 3.14.

  • CFC § 1029.2 High relevance — show source text

    [BE] 1029.2 Width or capacity. The required capacity of egress courts shall be determined as specified in Section 1005.1, but the minimum width shall be not less than 44 inches (1118 mm), except as specified herein. Egress courts serving Group R-3 and U occupancies shall be not less than 36 inches (914 mm) in width. The required capacity and width of egress courts shall be unobstructed to a height of 7 feet (2134 mm).

    The width of the egress court shall be not less than the required capacity.

    Exception: Encroachments complying with Section 1005.7.

    [BE] 1029.3 Construction and openings. Where an egress court serving a building or portion thereof is less than 10 feet (3048 mm) in width, the egress court walls shall have not less than 1-hour fire-resistance-rated construction for a distance of 10 feet (3048 mm) above the floor of the egress court. Openings within such walls shall be protected by opening protectives having a fire protection rating of not less than [3] / 4 hour.

    Exceptions:

    1. Egress courts serving an occupant load of less than 10.
    2. Egress courts serving Group R-3.
    3. Egress courts, located at grade, that provide direct and unobstructed access to a public way through two or more independent paths. The minimum width provided along each path shall be based on the required width or the required capacity, whichever is greater, and shall be maintained along each path.

    SECTION 1030—ASSEMBLY

    [BE] 1030.1 General. A room or space used for assembly purposes that contains seats, tables, displays, equipment or other material shall comply with this section.

    Exception: Group A occupancies within Group I-3 facilities are exempt from egress requirements of Section 1029.

    [BE] 1030.1.1 Bleachers. Bleachers, grandstands and folding and telescopic seating, that are not building elements, shall comply with ICC 300.

    [BE] 1030.1.1.1 Spaces under grandstands and bleachers. Spaces under grandstands or bleachers shall be separated by fire barriers complying with Section 707 of the California Building Code and horizontal assemblies complying with Section 711 of the California Building Code with not less than 1-hour fire-resistance-rated construction.

    Exceptions:

    1. Ticket booths less than 100 square feet (9 m [2] ) in area.

    2. Toilet rooms.

    3. Other accessory use areas 1,000 square feet (93 m [2] ) or less in area and equipped with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.

    [BE] 1030.2 Assembly main exit. A building, room or space used for assembly purposes that has an occupant load of greater than 300 and is provided with a main exit, that main exit shall be of sufficient capacity to accommodate not less than one-half of the occupant load, but such capacity shall be not less than the total required capacity of all means of egress leading to the exit. Where the building is classified as a Group A occupancy, the main exit shall front on not less than one street or an unoccupied space of not less than 20 feet (6096 mm) in width that adjoins a street or public way.

  • CFC § 0.6503 High relevance — show source text
    1. The area shall be provided with a safe and unobstructed path of travel from the building. 5. In correctional facilities, the area shall be of a size to accommodate not less than 7 square feet (0.6503 m [2] ) for each person. Accessible path of egress travel to the safe dispersal area and clear ground space for 5 percent of the occupants meeting Section 11B-305.3 shall be provided. 6. At facilities regulated by Chapter 11B, an accessible area within the space required by Exception Item 1 shall be provided for a minimum of 2 percent of the facility occupants served by the safe dispersal area. For each occupant, the accessible area shall provide clear ground space complying with Section 11B-305. Accessible routes complying with Chapter 11B, Division 4 shall connect the accessible area with all accessible exits served by the safe dispersal area.

    SECTION 1029—EGRESS COURTS

    1029.1 General. Egress courts serving as an exit discharge component in the means of egress system shall comply with the requirements in this section.

    1029.2 Width or capacity. The required capacity of egress courts shall be determined as specified in Section 1005.1, but the minimum width shall be not less than 44 inches (1118 mm), except as specified herein. Egress courts serving Group R-3 and U occupancies shall be not less than 36 inches (914 mm) in width. The required capacity and width of egress courts shall be unobstructed to a height of 7 feet (2134 mm). The width of the egress court shall be not less than the required capacity.

    Exception: Encroachments complying with Section 1005.7.

    1029.3 Construction and openings. Where an egress court serving a building or portion thereof is less than 10 feet (3048 mm) in width, the egress court walls shall have not less than 1-hour fire-resistance-rated construction for a distance of 10 feet (3048 mm) above the floor of the egress court. Openings within such walls shall be protected by opening protectives having a fire protection rating of not less than [3] / 4 hour.

    Exceptions:

    1. Egress courts serving an occupant load of less than 10.
    2. Egress courts serving Group R-3.
    3. Egress courts, located at grade, that provide direct and unobstructed access to a public way through two or more independent paths. The minimum width provided along each path shall be based on the required width or the required capacity, whichever is greater, and shall be maintained along each path.

    SECTION 1030—ASSEMBLY

    1030.1 General. A room or space used for assembly purposes that contains seats, tables, displays, equipment or other material shall comply with this section.

    Exception: Group A occupancies within Group I-3 facilities are exempt from egress requirements of Section 1030.

    1030.1.1 Bleachers. Bleachers, grandstands and folding and telescopic seating, that are not building elements, shall comply with ICC 300.

    1030.1.1.1 Spaces under grandstands and bleachers. Spaces under grandstands or bleachers shall be separated by fire barriers complying with Section 707 and horizontal assemblies complying with Section 711 with not less than 1-hour fire-resistance-rated construction.

    Exceptions:

    1. Ticket booths less than 100 square feet (9.29 m [2] ) in area.

Frequently asked questions

What is a “smoke‑protected” assembly and why does it matter?

A smoke‑protected assembly is an arrangement with a smoke control system that changes allowable travel distances and some seating layout tolerances. The CFC provides longer permitted exit‑access distances and modified common‑path limits for smoke‑protected seating — see § 1030.7 and § 1030.8.

Do aisles have to be a minimum fixed width in every assembly space?

Aisles in assembly spaces must meet the capacity/width requirements in § 1030.6 and Chapter 10 sizing rules; the required width depends on occupant load served and whether smoke‑protected or open‑air factors apply. See § 1030.6 and § 1005.3.1.

If I have 150 people in an assembly room, do the “>300” rules still apply?

No — different rules apply depending on occupant load. For 100–300 occupants there are tailored options (one required means must exit directly to an exit or through specified lobbies/corridors). The >300 main‑exit capacity rules apply only when occupant load is greater than 300. See § 1030.3.1 and § 1030.2.

Must one exit always discharge to a public street?

Where the code requires a main exit (Group A and occupant loads above the thresholds), not less than one exit must discharge on a street or an unoccupied space at least 20 feet wide adjoining a street or public way per § 1030.2/1030.3.

Are bleachers covered by § 1030?

Bleachers, grandstands and folding/telescopic seating that are not building elements are required to comply with ICC 300; this is noted in § 1030.1.1.

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