CFC · California Fire Code
Where do appendices point to NFPA and other standards for sprinklers and life‑safety systems?
The appendices don’t redefine sprinkler or hazard rules — they tell you which standard to use. Table J102.1 (per § J102.1) lists NFPA 13—22 as the referenced standard, and § J101.6 requires that the content‑hazard label on the Building Information Sign use the NFPA 13 classifications (LH, MH, HH). Consult the NFPA 13 edition shown in Table J102.1 for the definitive hazard definitions and use § J101.6 to place that label on the sign .
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — 2–4 sentences
The appendices identify which external standards the appendix text relies on. In particular, § J102.1 directs users to the table of referenced standards (Table J102.1) and shows which appendix sections call out specific standards; that table lists NFPA 13—22 as the standard referenced by § J101.6 . § J101.6 requires that the hazards of content designation placed on the Building Information Sign be taken from the classifications defined in NFPA 13 (for example Light hazard, Moderate hazard, High hazard) and displayed in the left wing of the Maltese cross on the sign .
The appendices don't invent new sprinkler classifications — they tell you which external standard to use. See § J102.1 to find the standard (NFPA 13—22) and § J101.6 to apply NFPA 13 hazard labels on the building sign .
Requirements in detail
1) Where the appendix points you to the standard
- § J102.1 (Referenced Standards — General) says to consult Table J102.1 for the list of external standards that the appendix sections reference; the table identifies standards by title, effective date, and which appendix sections use them .
- Table J102.1 specifically lists NFPA 13—22 (Installation of Sprinkler Systems) and shows it is referenced by § J101.6 .
2) What J101.6 requires you to place on the Building Information Sign
- § J101.6 requires the hazards of content (the left wing of the Maltese cross) to be designated using the classifications defined in NFPA 13 — the code explicitly lists LH (Light hazard), MH (Moderate hazard) and HH (High hazard) as allowable entries for that field and requires placement in the left wing of the sign .
- The appendix therefore does not define the hazard classes itself; it points you to NFPA 13 for the definitions and classification criteria (see Table J102.1 / § J102.1) .
3) Practical effect for sprinkler and life‑safety system work
- When the body of the CFC or an appendix requires sprinklers or references a hazard classification, those designs are to follow the NFPA sprinkler standards identified in the referenced‑standards table (Table J102.1) and the chapter(s) of the code that adopt/amend NFPA 13 (see the body references to NFPA 13 in the fire‑protection chapters) .
Decision table — what to consult and where
| Appendix element / task | What the appendix points to | Where to use it (decision) | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lookup which external standard the appendix relies on | Table J102.1 (lists standards & which appendix sections reference them) | Use Table J102.1 whenever an appendix section cites a referenced standard | § J102.1 |
| Determine building contents hazard label for sign | NFPA 13—22 (definitions/classifications: LH, MH, HH) | Place the NFPA 13 classification in the left wing of the Maltese cross on the Building Information Sign | § J101.6 |
| Design/install sprinkler systems where required | NFPA 13 as adopted/amended in the code (chapter references) | Use NFPA 13 design rules for system layout, densities, etc., subject to California amendments in the code | § 903.3.1.1 (see Chapter 9) |
| Inspection/testing authority/standard for systems | Table 901.6.1 lists inspection/testing standards for systems (e.g., NFPA 25/Title 19) | Use the listed standard for ongoing ITM obligations | § 901.6.1 |
Exceptions & special cases
- The appendix itself does not create alternate hazard definitions; if a jurisdiction has locally adopted variations or additional designations for the Building Information Sign, those are handled through fire department policy and the sign‑maintenance provisions in the appendix (see § J101.8 for local sign designation and maintenance duties) — the code still points to NFPA 13 for the hazard classifications unless the local authority specifies otherwise .
- The Table in § J102.1 shows the edition referenced (e.g., NFPA 13—22). If a design or sign relies on a different NFPA edition, confirm whether the adopting authority has amended the reference; the appendix points you to the specific edition listed in the table .
Common mistakes
- Assuming the appendix defines hazard classes. The appendix points to NFPA 13 for the definitions — do not invent definitions; consult NFPA 13 as specified in Table J102.1 and then apply that classification to the sign per § J101.6 .
- Using the wrong edition. Table J102.1 lists the edition (for example NFPA 13—22) — designers and AHJs commonly miss the edition year, which matters when design criteria or classifications have changed .
- Forgetting local sign maintenance/updates. The local fire department defines and inspects the sign designations and owners must comply with updates (see § J101.8) — don’t treat J101.6 labeling as “one and done” without maintenance .
- Treating the Building Information Sign hazard label as the final design determinant. The hazard label communicates the NFPA classification; system design (pipe layout, density, water supplies) must still follow NFPA 13 (and the code’s Chapter 9 adoption/amendments) when sprinkler systems are required .
Worked example — concrete scenario
Scenario: You are preparing the Building Information Sign for a 3‑story office building that will be protected with a standard wet-pipe sprinkler system.
Steps:
- Consult Table J102.1 to see which standard the appendix directs you to for hazard classifications — Table J102.1 lists NFPA 13—22 as the standard referenced by § J101.6 (so NFPA 13 is the source for hazard class definitions) .
- Use NFPA 13 guidance to determine the occupancy hazard classification. Offices are typically classified as Light hazard (LH) per NFPA 13 definitions (confirm in NFPA 13 edition cited) — the appendix does not restate this; it points you to NFPA 13 for the determination .
- On the Maltese cross Building Information Sign, place LH in the left wing as required by § J101.6. That complies with the appendix direction to use NFPA 13 classifications on the sign .
- Separately, design the physical sprinkler system to meet NFPA 13 installation requirements as adopted in the code (see Chapter 9 § 903.3.1.1) — the sign’s LH label communicates hazard to responders but does not replace applying NFPA 13 design/density rules to the system itself .
Related provisions
- § J102.1 — Referenced standards; see Table J102.1 for the list and edition of standards (e.g., NFPA 13—22) .
- § J101.6 — Hazards of content (left wing of the Maltese cross) to be designated per NFPA 13 (LH/MH/HH) .
- § J101.8 — Sign classification maintenance and local fire department responsibilities for sign designations and annual inspection .
- § 903.3.1.1 — Adoption of NFPA 13 for sprinkler system design and installation (as amended in the code) — Chapter 9 connection between the code and NFPA 13 .
- § 903.3.8.2 — Use of NFPA 13 hazard classification in deciding where limited‑area sprinkler systems are permitted (Light Hazard or Ordinary Hazard Group 1) .
- § 901.6.1 — Table of standards for inspection, testing and maintenance of fire protection systems (shows how the code points to NFPA and Title 19 references for ITM) .
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Fire Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CFC § J102 Medium relevance — show source text
to:
- Impact-resistant drywall.
- Impact-resistant glazing, such as blast or hurricane-type glass.
- All types of roof and floor structural members including but not limited to post-tension concrete, bar joists, solid wood joists, rafters, trusses, cold-formed galvanized steel, I-joists and I-beams; green roof with vegetation, soil and plants.
- Hazardous materials (such as explosives, chemicals, plastics).
- Solar panels and DC electrical energy.
- HVAC system; and smoke management system for pressurization and exhaust methods.
- Other unique characteristic(s) within the building that are ranked according to a potential risk to occupants and firefighters.
J101.8 Sign classification maintenance, building information. Sign maintenance shall comply with each of the following:
- Fire departments in the jurisdiction shall define the designations to be placed within the sign.
- Fire departments in the jurisdiction shall conduct annual inspections to verify compliance with this section of the code and shall notify the owner, or the owner’s agent, of any required updates to the sign in accordance with fire department designations and the owner, or the owner’s agent, shall comply within 30 days.
- The owner of a building shall be responsible for the maintenance and updates to the sign in accordance with fire department designations.
J101.9 Training. Jurisdictions shall train fire department personnel on Sections J101.1 through J101.8.
SECTION J102—REFERENCED STANDARDS
J102.1 General. See Table J102.1 for standards that are referenced in various sections of this appendix. Standards are listed by the standard identification with the effective date, standard title, and the section or sections of this appendix that reference the standard.
TABLE J102.1—REFERENCED STANDARDS Col2 Col3 STANDARD ACRONYM STANDARD NAME SECTIONS HEREIN REFERENCED CBC—25 California Building Code J101.3, J101.5 NFPA 13—22 Installation of Sprinkler Systems J101.6 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE APPENDIX J-5
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APPENDIX J-6 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE
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CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE
APPENDIX K – CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS FOR EXISTING AMBULATORY CARE FACILITIES
(Matrix Adoption Tables are nonregulatory, intended only as an aid to the code user. See Chapter 1 for state agency authority and building applications.)
(Not adopted by the State Fire Marshal)
CFC § J102 Medium relevance — show source text
J101.9 Training. Jurisdictions shall train fire department personnel on Sections J101.1 through J101.8.
SECTION J102—REFERENCED STANDARDS
J102.1 General. See Table J102.1 for standards that are referenced in various sections of this appendix. Standards are listed by the standard identification with the effective date, standard title, and the section or sections of this appendix that reference the standard.
TABLE J102.1—REFERENCED STANDARDS Col2 Col3 STANDARD ACRONYM STANDARD NAME SECTIONS HEREIN REFERENCED CBC—25 California Building Code J101.3, J101.5 NFPA 13—22 Installation of Sprinkler Systems J101.6 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE APPENDIX J-5
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APPENDIX J-6 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE
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CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE
APPENDIX K – CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS FOR EXISTING AMBULATORY CARE FACILITIES
(Matrix Adoption Tables are nonregulatory, intended only as an aid to the code user. See Chapter 1 for state agency authority and building applications.)
(Not adopted by the State Fire Marshal)
Adopting Agency BSC BSC-
CGSFM Col5 HCD Col7 Col8 DSA Col10 OSHPD Col12 Col13 Col14 Col15 Col16 BSCC DPH AGR DWR CEC CA SL SLC Adopting Agency BSC BSC-
CGT-24 T-19* 1 2 1/AC AC SS 1 1R 2 3 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 Adopt Entire Chapter Adopt Entire Chapter as
amended (amended sections
listed below)Adopt only those sections that
are listed below[California Code of Regulations,
Title 19, Division 1]Chapter / Section - 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.
2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE APPENDIX K-1
California Fire Code Medium relevance — show source text
G101 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX G-3
APPENDIX H HAZARDOUS MATERIALS MANAGEMENT
PLANS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INVENTORY
STATEMENTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX H-3
H1 Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX H-3 H2 Hazardous Materials Inventory Statements (HMIS). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX H-3
H3 Hazardous Materials Management Plan (HMMP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX H-3
H4 Maintenance of Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX H-4
APPENDIX I FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS—
NONCOMPLIANT CONDITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX I-3
I101 Noncompliant Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX I-3
I102 Referenced Standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX I-5
APPENDIX J BUILDING INFORMATION SIGN . . APPENDIX J-3
J101 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .APPENDIX J-3
J102 Referenced Standards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .APPENDIX J-5
APPENDIX K CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS FOR
EXISTING AMBULATORY CARE FACILITIES . . .APPENDIX K-3
K101 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX K-3
K102 Fire Safety Requirements for Existing Ambulatory Care Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX K-3 K103 Incidental Uses in Existing Ambulatory Care Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX K-4
K104 Means of Egress Requirements for Existing Ambulatory Care Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX K-5 K105 Referenced Standards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX K-6
APPENDIX L REQUIREMENTS FOR FIREFIGHTER
AIR REPLENISHMENT SYSTEMS. . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX L-3
L101 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .APPENDIX L-3
L102 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .APPENDIX L-3
CFC § 1.1 Medium relevance — show source text
CBC—25: California Building Code R101.2, R202, R301.1.1, R301.1.3, R301.2.1.1, R301.2.2.1.1, R301.2.2.1.2, R301.3, Table R302.1(1), Table R302.1(2), R302.2.1, R302.2.2, R302.3, R302.15.4, R322.1, R322.3, R324.5, R403.1.8, Table R602.10.3(3), Table R606.12.2.1, R609.2, R905.10.3
CEBC—25: California Existing Building Code [®]
R110.2, N1109.2
CFC—25: California Fire Code [®]
R102.6, R329.2, N1109.2, M2201.7, G2402.3, G2412.2
CWUIC—25: California Wildland-Urban Interface Code
R102.8, R337, R806.1.1, R907.1.1
ICC 400—2022: Standard on the Design and Construction of Log Structures
R301.1.1, R502.1.4, R602.1.4, R703.1, R802.1.3
ICC 500—2020: ICC/NSSA Standard for the Design and Construction of Storm Shelters
R307.1
ICC 600—2020: 2020 Standard for Residential Construction in High-Wind Regions
R301.2.1.1
ICC 1100—2019: Standard for Spray-applied Polyurethane Foam Plastic Insulation
R303.1.1
IPMC—24: International Property Maintenance Code [®]
R102.6
ISO International Organization for Standardization Chemin de Blandonnet 8 Geneva, Switzerland CP 401 - 1214
8336—2009: Fibre-cement Flat Sheets—Product Specification and Test Methods Table R503.2.1.1(1), Table R503.2.1.1(2), Table R602.3(2), Table R702.4.2, R703.10.1, R703.10.2
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REFERENCED STANDARDS
NFPA National Fire Protection Association 1 Batterymarch Park Quincy, MA 02169-7471
13D— 25 : Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes as amended*
R309.1.1, R309.2.1, R309.3.1, R309.3.1.1, R309.3.2.3, R309.3.6.1, R329.6.2.1
*See California Fire Code for amendments
*NFPA 13D, Amended Sections as follows:
California Fire Code Medium relevance — show source text
J101 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .APPENDIX J-3
J102 Referenced Standards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .APPENDIX J-5
APPENDIX K CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS FOR
EXISTING AMBULATORY CARE FACILITIES . . .APPENDIX K-3
K101 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX K-3
K102 Fire Safety Requirements for Existing Ambulatory Care Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX K-3 K103 Incidental Uses in Existing Ambulatory Care Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX K-4
K104 Means of Egress Requirements for Existing Ambulatory Care Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX K-5 K105 Referenced Standards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX K-6
APPENDIX L REQUIREMENTS FOR FIREFIGHTER
AIR REPLENISHMENT SYSTEMS. . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX L-3
L101 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .APPENDIX L-3
L102 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .APPENDIX L-3
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
CFC § 903.2.19.1.2 Medium relevance — show source text
903.2.19.1.2 Fire-resistive substitution for new campus. A new public school campus shall be entitled to include in the design and construction documents all of the applicable fire-resistive construction substitutions as permitted by this code.
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FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS
903.2.20 Public school campuses. An automatic fire sprinkler system is not required to be provided in the following locations on Kindergarten through 12th grade. 1. A relocatable building that is sited with the intent that it be at the site for less than three years and is sited upon a temporary foundation in a manner that is designed to permit easy removal. Also see CCR, Title 24, Part 1, California Administrative Code, Section 4-314 for definition of relocatable building. 2. Detached buildings designed and used for non-instructional purposes that meet the applicable requirements for that occu- pancy. Buildings would include, but not be limited to:
Concession Stand
Press Box
Restroom Facilities
Shade Structure
Snack Bar Storage Building Ticket Booth
903.2.21 Required exterior entrance covers. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout covered exterior entrances required by California Building Code Section 11B-206.4.10 or Section 1224.33.2.1.
903.3 Installation requirements. Automatic sprinkler systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with Sections 903.3.1 through 903.3.8.
903.3.1 Standards. Automatic sprinkler systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, unless otherwise permitted by Sections 903.3.1.2 and 903.3.1.3 and other chapters of this code, as applicable.
903.3.1.1 NFPA 13 sprinkler systems. Where the provisions of this code require that a building or portion thereof be equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with this section, sprinklers shall be installed throughout in accordance with NFPA 13 as amended in Chapter 80 except as provided in Sections 903.3.1.1.1 through 903.3.1.1.3.
903.3.1.1.1 Exempt locations. Automatic sprinklers shall not be required in the following rooms or areas where such rooms or areas are protected with an approved automatic fire detection system in accordance with Section 907.2 that will respond to visible or invisible particles of combustion. Sprinklers shall not be omitted from a room merely because it is damp, of fireresistance-rated construction or contains electrical equipment.
- A room or space where sprinklers constitute a serious life or fire hazard as determined by the authority having jurisdiction. 2. Machine rooms, machinery spaces, control rooms, control spaces and hoistways associated with f ire service access elevator s in accordance with Section 3007.
3. Machine rooms, machinery spaces, control rooms and control spaces and hoistways associated with occupant evacuation elevators designed in accordance with Section 3008 of the California Building Code .
California Fire Code Medium relevance — show source text
H105 Design and Construction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX H-3
H106 Electrical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX H-3
H107 Combustible Materials. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX H-3
H108 Animated Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX H-3
H109 Ground Signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX H-4
H110 Roof Signs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX H-4
H111 Wall Signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX H-4
H112 Projecting Signs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX H-4
H113 Marquee Signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX H-5
H114 Portable Signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX H-5
H115 Thickness of Signs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX H-5
H116 Referenced Standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX H-6
APPENDIX I PATIO COVERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX I-1
I101 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX I-2
I102 Definition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX I-2
I103 Exterior Walls and Openings . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX I-2
I104 Height . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX I-2
I105 Structural Provisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX I-2
APPENDIX J GRADING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX J-1
J101 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .APPENDIX J-2
CONTENTS
J102 Definitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX J-2
J103 Permits Required. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . APPENDIX J-2
J104 Permit Application and Submittals . . . . . APPENDIX J-3
CFC § 903.3.2 Medium relevance — show source text
903.3.2 Quick-response and residential sprinklers. Where automatic sprinkler systems are required by this code, quickresponse or residential automatic sprinklers shall be installed in all of the following areas in accordance with Section 903.3.1 and their listings:
- Throughout all spaces within a smoke compartment containing care recipient sleeping units in Group I-2 in accordance with the California Building Code .
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FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS
Reserved.
Throughout all spaces within a smoke compartment containing treatment rooms in ambulatory care facilities.
Dwelling units and sleeping units in Group I-1 and R occupancies.
Light-hazard occupancies as defined in NFPA 13.
903.3.3 Obstructed locations. Automatic sprinklers shall be installed with regard to obstructions that will delay activation or obstruct the water distribution pattern and shall be in accordance with the applicable automatic sprinkler system standard that is being used. Automatic sprinklers shall be installed in or under covered kiosks, displays, booths, concession stands or equipment that exceeds 4 feet (1219 mm) in width. Not less than a 3-foot (914 mm) clearance shall be maintained between automatic sprinklers and the top of piles of combustible fibers.
Exception: Kitchen equipment under exhaust hoods protected with a fire-extinguishing system in accordance with Section 904.
903.3.4 Actuation. Automatic sprinkler systems shall be automatically actuated unless specifically provided for in this code.
903.3.5 Water supplies. Water supplies for automatic sprinkler systems shall comply with this section and the standards referenced in Section 903.3.1. The potable water supply shall be protected against backflow in accordance with Health and Safety Code 13114.7 . For connections to public waterworks systems, the water supply test used for design of fire protection systems shall be adjusted to account for seasonal and daily pressure fluctuations based on information from the water supply authority and as approved by the fire code official.
903.3.5.1 Domestic services. Where the domestic service provides the water supply for the automatic sprinkler system, the supply shall be in accordance with this section.
903.3.5.2 Residential combination services. A single combination water supply shall be allowed provided that the domestic demand is added to the sprinkler demand as required by NFPA 13R.
903.3.6 Hose threads. Fire hose threads and fittings used in connection with automatic sprinkler systems shall be as prescribed by the fire code official.
903.3.7 Fire department connections. Fire department connections for automatic sprinkler systems shall be installed in accordance with Section 912.
903.3.8 Limited area sprinkler systems. Limited area sprinkler systems shall be in accordance with the standards listed in Section 903.3.1 except as provided in Sections 903.3.8.1 through 903.3.8.5.
903.3.8.1 Number of sprinklers. Limited area sprinkler systems shall not exceed six sprinklers in any single fire area.
903.3.8.2 Occupancy hazard classification. Only areas classified by NFPA 13 as Light Hazard or Ordinary Hazard Group 1 shall be permitted to be protected by limited area sprinkler systems.
CFC § 903.3.1.1 Medium relevance — show source text
- 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.
2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE APPENDIX M-1
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APPENDIX M-2 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE
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M HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS—RETROACTIVE AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER
REQUIREMENTS
The provisions contained in this appendix are not mandatory unless specifically referenced in the adopting ordinance or legislation of the jurisdiction.
User notes:
About this appendix: Appendix M was created with the intent to provide an option for adoption by jurisdictions that choose to require existing high-rise buildings to be retrofitted with automatic sprinklers. Modern fire and building codes require complete automatic fire sprinkler protection and a variety of other safety features in new high-rise construction. Many older high-rise buildings lack automatic sprinkler protection and other basic fire protection features necessary to protect the occupants, emergency responders and the structure itself. Without complete automatic sprinkler protection, fire departments cannot provide the level of protection that high-rise buildings demand. Existing high-rise buildings that are not protected with automatic sprinklers represent a significant hazard to occupants and firefighters, and can significantly impact a community’s infrastructure and economic viability in the event of a fire loss.
ICC code development note: Code change proposals to this appendix will be considered by the IFC Code Development Committee during the 2024 (Group A) Code Development Cycle.
SECTION M101—SCOPE
M101.1 Scope. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in all existing high-rise buildings in accordance with the requirements and compliance schedule of this appendix.
SECTION M102—WHERE REQUIRED
M102.1 High-rise buildings. An automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 shall be provided throughout existing high-rise buildings.
Exceptions:
Airport traffic control towers.
Open parking structures.
Group U occupancies.
Occupancies in Group F-2.
SECTION M103—COMPLIANCE
M103.1 Compliance schedule. Building owners shall file a compliance schedule with the fire code official not later than 365 days after receipt of a written notice of violation. The compliance schedule shall not exceed 12 years for an automatic sprinkler system retrofit.
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CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE
APPENDIX N – INDOOR TRADE SHOWS AND EXHIBITIONS
(Matrix Adoption Tables are nonregulatory, intended only as an aid to the code user. See Chapter 1 for state agency authority and building applications.)
(Not adopted by the State Fire Marshal)
CFC § 721.1 Medium relevance — show source text
TEK 5—8B(2005): Detailing Concrete Masonry Fire Walls Table 721.1(2)
NFPA National Fire Protection Association, 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471
04—24: Standard for Integrated Fire Protection and Life Safety System Testing
901.6.2.1, 901.6.2.2
10—22: Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers 906.2, Table 906.3(1), Table 906.3(2), 906.3.2, 906.3.4
11— 24 : Standard for Low-, Medium-, and High-Expansion Foam
904.7, 904.14, 3109F
12—22: Standard on Carbon Dioxide Extinguishing Systems
904.8, 904.14
12A—22: Standard on Halon 1301 Fire Extinguishing Systems
904.9
13— 25 : Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems as amended*
403.3.3, 712.1.3.1, 903.3.1.1, 903.3.2, 903.3.8.2, 903.3.8.5, 904.14, 905.3.4, 907.6.4, 1019.3
*NFPA 13, Amended Sections as follows:
Revise Section 2.2 and add publications as follows: 2.2 NFPA Publications.
NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems, 2013 California edition.
Revise Section 6.4.3.1.1 as follows:*
6.4.3.1.1* Pipe joints shall not be located under foundation footings. The pipe under the building or building foundation shall not contain mechanical joints.
Exceptions:
Where allowed in accordance with Section 6.4.3.1.
Alternate designs may be utilized where designed by a registered professional engineer and approved by the enforcing
agency.
Revise Section 9.2.1.16 as follows:
9.2.1.16 Exterior columns under 10 ft [2] (0.93m [2] ) in total area, formed by studs or wood joist, with no sources of ignition within the column, supporting exterior canopies that are fully protected with a sprinkler system, shall not require sprinkler protection.
Revise Section 9.2.3.1 as follows:*
9.2.3.1* Sprinklers shall be permitted to be omitted where the exterior canopies, roofs, portecocheres, balconies, decks or similar projections are constructed with materials that are noncombustible, limited-combustible or fire retardant treated wood as defined in NFPA 703, Standard for Fire Retardant–Treated Wood and Fire-Retardant Coatings for Building Materials.
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REFERENCED STANDARDS
Delete Section A.9.2.3.1 of Annex
CFC § 302.1 Medium relevance — show source text
DS Dry sprinkler system and designated areas
FA Fire alarm system
FP Fire pump
FW Fire wall and designated areas
PAS Pre-action sprinkler system and designated floor
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APPENDIX J—BUILDING INFORMATION SIGN
PS Partial automatic sprinkler system, and designated floor
S Standpipe system
NS No system installed
J101.5 Occupancy type (bottom wing). The occupancy of a building or structure shall be designated in accordance with the occupancy classification found in Section 302.1 of the California Building Code and the corresponding designation shall be placed in the bottom wing of the Maltese cross. Where a building or structure contains a mixture of uses and occupancies, all uses and occupancies shall be identified.
A Assembly
B Business
E Educational
F Factory or Industrial
H High Hazard
I Institutional
M Mercantile
R Residential
J101.6 Hazards of content (left wing). The hazards of building contents shall be designated by one of the following classifications as defined in NFPA 13 and the appropriate designation shall be placed inside the left wing of the Maltese cross:
LH Light hazard
MH Moderate hazard
HH High hazard
J101.7 Tactical considerations (center circle). The center circle shall include the name of the local fire service and, where required, the letters “TC” for “tactical considerations.” Where firefighters conduct preplan operations, a unique situation(s) for tactical considerations shall be identified and the information provided to the fire dispatch communications center to further assist firefighters in identifying that there is special consideration(s) for this occupancy. Special consideration designations include, but are not limited
to:
- Impact-resistant drywall.
- Impact-resistant glazing, such as blast or hurricane-type glass.
- All types of roof and floor structural members including but not limited to post-tension concrete, bar joists, solid wood joists, rafters, trusses, cold-formed galvanized steel, I-joists and I-beams; green roof with vegetation, soil and plants.
- Hazardous materials (such as explosives, chemicals, plastics).
- Solar panels and DC electrical energy.
- HVAC system; and smoke management system for pressurization and exhaust methods.
- Other unique characteristic(s) within the building that are ranked according to a potential risk to occupants and firefighters.
J101.8 Sign classification maintenance, building information. Sign maintenance shall comply with each of the following:
- Fire departments in the jurisdiction shall define the designations to be placed within the sign.
- Fire departments in the jurisdiction shall conduct annual inspections to verify compliance with this section of the code and shall notify the owner, or the owner’s agent, of any required updates to the sign in accordance with fire department designations and the owner, or the owner’s agent, shall comply within 30 days.
- The owner of a building shall be responsible for the maintenance and updates to the sign in accordance with fire department designations.
J101.9 Training. Jurisdictions shall train fire department personnel on Sections J101.1 through J101.8.
SECTION J102—REFERENCED STANDARDS
J102.1 General. See Table J102.1 for standards that are referenced in various sections of this appendix. Standards are listed by the standard identification with the effective date, standard title, and the section or sections of this appendix that reference the standard.
CFC § 903.3.1 Medium relevance — show source text
[F] 903.3.1 Standards. Automatic sprinkler systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 unless otherwise permitted by Sections 903.3.1.2 and 903.3.1.3 and other chapters of this code, as applicable.
[F] 903.3.1.1 NFPA 13 sprinkler systems. Where the provisions of this code require that a building or portion thereof be equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with this section, sprinklers shall be installed throughout in accordance with NFPA 13 as amended in Chapter 35 except as provided in Sections 903.3.1.1.1 through 903.3.1.1. 4 .
[F] 903.3.1.1.1 Exempt locations. Automatic sprinklers shall not be required in the following rooms or areas where such rooms or areas are protected with an approved automatic fire detection system in accordance with Section 907.2 that will respond to visible or invisible particles of combustion. Sprinklers shall not be omitted from a room merely because it is damp, of fire-resistance-rated construction or contains electrical equipment.
- A room or space where sprinklers constitute a serious life or fire hazard because of the nature of the contents, as determined by the authority having jurisdiction. 2. Machine rooms, machinery spaces, control rooms, control spaces and hoistways associated with fire service access elevators provided in accordance with Section 3007.
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FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS
3 . Machine rooms, machinery spaces, control rooms and control spaces and hoistways associated with occupant evacuation elevators designed in accordance with Section 3008. 4. Spaces or areas in telecommunications buildings used exclusively for telecommunications equipment, and associ- ated electrical power distribution equipment, provided those spaces or areas are equipped throughout with an automatic smoke detection system in accordance with Section 907.2 and are separated from the remainder of the building by not less than 1-hour fire barriers constructed in accordance with Section 707 or not less than 2-hour hori- zontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 712, or both.
[F] 903.3.1.1.2 Bathrooms. In Group R occupancies sprinklers shall not be required in bathrooms that do not exceed 55 square feet (5 m [2] ) in area and are located within individual dwelling units or sleeping units, provided that walls and ceilings, including the walls and ceilings behind a shower enclosure or tub, are of noncombustible or limited-combustible materials with a 15-minute thermal barrier rating.
[F] 903.3.1.1.3 Lithium-ion or lithium metal batteries. Where automatic sprinkler systems are required by this code for areas containing lithium-ion or lithium metal batteries, the design of the system shall be based on a series of fire tests. Such tests shall be conducted or witnessed and reported by an approved testing laboratory involving test scenarios that address the range of variables associated with the intended arrangement of the hazards to be protected.
Frequently asked questions
What exactly does Table J102.1 do?
Table J102.1 lists the external standards the appendix uses (by identification and edition) and shows which appendix sections reference each standard; for example, it lists NFPA 13—22 as the standard referenced by § J101.6 .
Do I write the NFPA hazard wording on the sign or the code wording?
You must place the hazard designation using the classifications defined in NFPA 13 (e.g., LH, MH, HH) in the left wing of the Maltese cross as required by § J101.6; the appendix points you to NFPA 13 for the definitions and criteria .
Which edition of NFPA 13 should I use?
Use the edition and publication year listed in Table J102.1 under § J102.1 (Table J102.1 will show the referenced edition, e.g., NFPA 13—22). If a jurisdiction amends the reference, follow the adopting/amending language in the code/jurisdictional ordinance .
If the local fire department wants a different label on the sign, which controls?
Local fire department designations and maintenance requirements are addressed in § J101.8; the local authority may define and require specific designations, but the appendix still points to NFPA 13 for the hazard classification unless the jurisdiction has formally adopted a different practice .
Does the sign classification change sprinkler design requirements?
No. The sign communicates the NFPA classification to responders and inspectors per § J101.6, but sprinkler design and installation must still be performed to NFPA 13 (as adopted/amended in Chapter 9 and as listed in Table J102.1) when the code requires sprinklers .
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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