CFC · California Fire Code

What is the scope of Chapter 36 and when are plans required?

If it’s a marina facility, Chapter 36 applies. Plans for any marina fire‑protection systems must be approved before installation and the installed work must pass final inspection and approval, per **§ 3601.1** and **§ 3601.2**.

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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

What the code requires — 2–4 sentences

Chapter 36 (Marinas) applies to marina facilities — in plain language, if it’s part of a marina operation the chapter’s provisions apply (§ 3601.1) and the chapter’s fire-protection rules must be followed. Plans for marina fire protection facilities must be approved prior to installation, and the work is subject to final inspection and approval after installation (§ 3601.2) .

If it’s a marina-related fire protection installation, submit plans and obtain approval before you install anything; the installed work must then pass final inspection and approval.

Requirements in detail

Scope (what Chapter 36 covers)

  • The controlling rule is § 3601.1: Marina facilities shall be in accordance with Chapter 36. This means the chapter’s requirements govern fire protection, prevention and safe practices for marinas and their associated structures (piers, wharves, floats, vessels as defined elsewhere in the chapter) .
  • Related defined terms in Chapter 36 include FLOAT, MARINA, PIER, VESSEL, and WHARF (see § 3602) .

Plans and approvals (what must be submitted and when)

  • The controlling rule is § 3601.2: Plans for marina fire protection facilities shall be approved prior to installation. The installed work must be subject to final inspection and approval after installation .
  • Key plain-English requirements to extract from § 3601.2:
    • "Plans" means the documents that describe the proposed marina fire protection facilities.
    • Plans must be reviewed and approved before any installation work begins.
    • After installation, the jurisdiction must perform a final inspection and grant approval before the work is considered complete.

Decision table — when Chapter 36 applies and when plans are required

Decision question Relevant value / trigger Code Reference
Is the facility governed by Chapter 36? Marina facilities (including marina structures and operations) § 3601.1
Are plans required before work starts? Yes — all plans for marina fire protection facilities must be approved prior to installation § 3601.2
Is post‑installation inspection required? Yes — work is subject to final inspection and approval after installation § 3601.2
Where to find defined terms (e.g., marina, float) Chapter 36 Definitions (Chapter 2 cross‑references shown in 3602.1) § 3602 (see § 3602.1)

What counts as “plans” and “marina fire protection facilities”

  • The text of § 3601.2 uses the phrase plans for marina fire protection facilities but does not enumerate plan contents or specific systems in § 3601.2 itself; those details are found elsewhere in Chapter 36 and related chapters. Rely on the local fire code official for required plan contents and format in your jurisdiction (the code requires approval but defers detailed plan content to applicable sections and authorities) .

Exceptions & special cases

  • § 3601.1 and § 3601.2 as printed do not list any express exceptions in those two sections. They state the scope and the plan/inspection requirement plainly; any exceptions or agency-specific adoption choices would appear elsewhere (e.g., matrix adoption tables or local amendments) file.
  • The chapter contains definitions and other sections (e.g., § 3602 and the following sections) that further clarify applicability and technical requirements; consult those sections for system‑specific exceptions or thresholds .
  • Where a state agency has specific adoption choices (see the Code’s matrix/adoption notes), those adoption limitations may affect whether particular sections are applicable to certain state‑regulated facilities — check the matrix and local adopting ordinance for special cases .

Common mistakes

  • Treating Chapter 36 as optional for small marinas: the chapter text sets out that marina facilities shall be in accordance with this chapter (§ 3601.1). Don’t assume “small” means exempt without checking local adoption or specific exceptions .
  • Installing fire protection equipment (pumps, hydrants, hose stations, etc.) before plan approval. § 3601.2 requires plan approval prior to installation — plan approval is not just a formality, it is a prerequisite to starting installation work .
  • Skipping final inspection: even after plans are approved and the work installed, the work remains subject to final inspection and approval under § 3601.2; omitting final sign‑off may leave systems noncompliant and unapproved for use .
  • Confusing Chapter 36 with other chapters: Chapter 36 is focused on marinas; technical requirements for particular equipment might reference other chapters (for example, fire pumps, hydrants, fuel‑dispensing rules) — use Chapter 36 for scope/plan timing and cross‑reference other chapters for technical specs .

Worked example — concrete scenario

Scenario: A marina owner plans to install a new dock hydrant network and a 500 gpm diesel fire pump to serve a slip field with 120 berths.

  1. Determine applicability: this is a marina facility, so Chapter 36 applies per § 3601.1 .
  2. Prepare plans: compile the plans describing the hydrant network, pump specifications, piping, hose connections and locations — these are plans for marina fire protection facilities that must be approved prior to installation under § 3601.2 .
  3. Submit for review: submit the plans to the local fire code official and obtain the written approval BEFORE commencing any installation. (Illustrative schedule: if installation is planned for June 1, submit plans with adequate lead time so approval is received before that date — the code requires approval prior to installation but does not prescribe a fixed review time.)
  4. Install: after plan approval, conduct the installation.
  5. Final inspection: request final inspection; the installed system must pass final inspection and approval after installation per § 3601.2 before it is accepted for use .

Note: the numbers above (120 berths, 500 gpm) are illustrative for the scenario; the code text in § 3601.2 requires plan approval and final inspection but does not itself set pump sizing or berth-based thresholds — those technical details will be governed by other sections and standards referenced by the fire official.

Related provisions

  • § 3602 — Chapter 36 Definitions (e.g., FLOAT, MARINA, PIER, VESSEL, WHARF)
  • § 3603 — General precautions for marinas (combustible debris, ignition sources, spills, rubbish containers, electrical equipment, berthing and storage)
  • § 3604 — Fire protection equipment (see Chapter 36 table of contents for details)
  • § 3605 — Marine motor fuel-dispensing facilities (marine fueling requirements referenced in Chapter 36)

Code references

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

  • CFC § 1.11. High 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. The state agency does not adopt sections identified by the following symbol: The Office of the State Fire Marshal’s adoption of this chapter or individual sections is applicable to structures regulated by other state agencies pursuant to Section 1.11.

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    36 MARINAS

    User notes:

    About this chapter: Chapter 36 addresses the fire protection and prevention requirements for marinas. It was developed in response to the complications encountered by a number of fire departments responsible for the protection of marinas as well as fire loss history in marinas that lacked fire protection. Compliance with this chapter intends to establish safe practices in marina areas, provide an identification method for mooring spaces in the marina, and provide firefighters with safe operational areas and fire protection methods to extend hose lines in a safe manner.

    SECTION 3601—SCOPE

    3601.1 Scope. Marina facilities shall be in accordance with this chapter.

    3601.2 Plans and approvals. Plans for marina fire protection facilities shall be approved prior to installation. The work shall be subject to final inspection and approval after installation.

    SECTION 3602—DEFINITIONS

    3602.1 Definitions. The following terms are defined in Chapter 2:

    FLOAT.

    MARINA.

    PIER.

    VESSEL.

    WHARF.

    SECTION 3603—GENERAL PRECAUTIONS

    3603.1 Combustible debris. Combustible debris and rubbish shall not be deposited or accumulated on land beneath marina structures, piers or wharves.

    3603.2 Sources of ignition. Open-flame devices used for lighting or decoration on the exterior of a vessel, float, pier or wharf shall be approved.

    3603.3 Flammable or combustible liquid spills. Spills of flammable or combustible liquids at or on the water shall be reported immediately to the fire department or jurisdictional authorities.

    3603.4 Rubbish containers. Containers with tight-fitting or self-closing lids shall be provided for temporary storage of combustible debris, rubbish and waste material. The rubbish containers shall be constructed entirely of materials that comply with any one of the following:

    1. Noncombustible materials.

    2. Materials that meet a peak rate of heat release not exceeding 300 kW/m [2] where tested in accordance with ASTM E1354 at an incident heat flux of 50 kW/m [2] in the horizontal orientation.

    3603.5 Electrical equipment. Electrical equipment shall be installed and used in accordance with its listing, Section 603 of this code and Chapter 5 of NFPA 303 as required for wet, damp and hazardous locations.

    3603.6 Berthing and storage. Berthing and storage shall be in accordance with Chapter 7 of NFPA 303.

  • CFC § 1.11. High relevance — show source text

    CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE

    CHAPTER 36 – MARINAS

    (Matrix Adoption Tables are nonregulatory, intended only as an aid to the code user. See Chapter 1 for state agency authority and building applications.)

    Adopting Agency BSC BSC-
    CG    		 SFM Col5 HCD Col7 Col8 DSA Col10 OSHPD Col12 Col13 Col14 Col15 Col16 BSCC DPH AGR DWR CEC CA SL SLC
    Adopting Agency BSC BSC-
    CG    		 T-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 X
    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. The state agency does not adopt sections identified by the following symbol: The Office of the State Fire Marshal’s adoption of this chapter or individual sections is applicable to structures regulated by other state agencies pursuant to Section 1.11.

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    36 MARINAS

    User notes:

    About this chapter: Chapter 36 addresses the fire protection and prevention requirements for marinas. It was developed in response to the complications encountered by a number of fire departments responsible for the protection of marinas as well as fire loss history in marinas that lacked fire protection. Compliance with this chapter intends to establish safe practices in marina areas, provide an identification method for mooring spaces in the marina, and provide firefighters with safe operational areas and fire protection methods to extend hose lines in a safe manner.

    SECTION 3601—SCOPE

    3601.1 Scope. Marina facilities shall be in accordance with this chapter.

    3601.2 Plans and approvals. Plans for marina fire protection facilities shall be approved prior to installation. The work shall be subject to final inspection and approval after installation.

    SECTION 3602—DEFINITIONS

  • CFC § 35-3 High relevance — show source text

    3502 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35-3

    3503 General Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35-3 3504 Fire Safety Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35-4 3505 Gas Welding and Cutting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35-5 3506 Electric Arc Hot Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35-5

    3507 Calcium Carbide Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35-5 3508 Acetylene Generators. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35-5 3509 Piping Manifolds and Hose Systems for Fuel Gases and Oxygen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35-6 3510 Hot Work on Flammable and Combustible Liquid Storage Tanks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35-6

    CHAPTER 36 MARINAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36-3

    3601 Scope. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36-3 3602 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36-3

    3603 General Precautions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36-3

    3604 Fire Protection Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36-3 3605 Marine Motor Fuel-Dispensing Facilities . . . . . . . . . 36-4

    CHAPTER 37 COMBUSTIBLE FIBERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37-3

    3701 General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37-3

    3702 Definitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37-3

    3703 General Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37-3

  • CFC § 36-3 High relevance — show source text

    CHAPTER 36 MARINAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36-3

    3601 Scope. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36-3 3602 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36-3

    3603 General Precautions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36-3

    3604 Fire Protection Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36-3 3605 Marine Motor Fuel-Dispensing Facilities . . . . . . . . . 36-4

    CHAPTER 37 COMBUSTIBLE FIBERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37-3

    3701 General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37-3

    3702 Definitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37-3

    3703 General Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37-3

    3704 Loose Fiber Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37-3 3705 Baled Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37-4

    CHAPTER 38 RESERVED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38-1

    CHAPTER 39 PROCESSING AND EXTRACTION

    FACILITIES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39-3

    3901 General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39-3

    3902 Definitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39-3

    3903 Processing and Extraction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39-3 3904 Systems and Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39-4 3905 Safety Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39-4

    CHAPTER 40 STORAGE OF DISTILLED SPIRITS

  • CWUIC § B101 Medium relevance — show source text

    SECTION B101—GENERAL

    B101.1 Scope. Vegetation management plans shall be submitted to the code official for review and approval as part of the plans required for a permit.

    B101.2 Plan content. Vegetation management plans shall describe all actions that will be taken to prevent a fire from being carried toward or away from the building. A vegetation management plan shall include the following information:

    1. A copy of the site plan.
    2. Methods and timetables for controlling, changing or modifying areas on the property. Elements of the plan shall include removal of slash, snags, vegetation that may grow into overhead electrical lines, other ground fuels, ladder fuels and dead trees, and the thinning of live trees.
    3. A plan for maintaining the proposed fuel-reduction measures.

    B101.3 Fuel modification. To be considered a fuel modification for purposes of this code, continuous maintenance of the clearance is required.

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    CALIFORNIA WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE APPENDIX C – COMMUNITY WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE (WUI) FIRE HAZARD EVALUATION FRAMEWORK

    (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-
    CG    		 SFM Col5 HCD Col7 Col8 DSA Col10 OSHPD Col12 Col13 Col14 Col15 Col16 BSCC DPH AGR DWR CEC CA SL SLC
    Adopting Agency BSC BSC-
    CG    		 T-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
  • CFC § 1.1.9 Medium relevance — show source text

    1.1.9 Effective date of this code. Only those standards approved by the California Building Standards Commission that are effective at the time an application for building permit is submitted shall apply to the plans and specifications for, and to the construction performed under, that permit. For the effective dates of the provisions contained in this code, see the History Note page of this code.

    Exceptions: (1) [HCD 1 & HCD 2] Retroactive permits issued in accordance with Health and Safety Code Section 17958.12. (2) [HCD 1 & HCD 2] Plans approved by the Department of Housing and Community Development or a Department-approved design approval agency for factory-built housing as defined by Health and Safety Code Section 19971. Approved plans, pursuant to the California Code of Regulations, Title 25, Division 1, Chapter 3, Subchapter 1, Article 3, Section 3048 remain valid for a period of 36 months from the date of plan approval.

    1.1.10 Availability of codes. At least one complete copy each of Titles 8, 19, 20, 24 and 25 with all revisions shall be maintained in the office of the building official responsible for the administration and enforcement of this code. Each state department concerned and each city, county, or city and county shall have an up-to-date copy of the code available for public inspection. See Health and Safety Code Section 18942(e)(1) and (2).

    1.1.11 Format. This part fundamentally adopts the International Existing Building Code by reference on a chapter-by-chapter basis. When a specific chapter of the International Existing Building Code is not printed in the code and is marked “Reserved”, such chapter of the International Existing Building Code is not adopted as a portion of this code. When a specific chapter of the International Existing Building Code is marked “Not adopted by the State of California” but appears in the code, it may be available for adoption by local ordinance, provided such ordinance and related model code provisions do not conflict with Title 24 provisions applicable to the subject occupancy or building feature.

    Note: Matrix Adoption Tables at the front of each chapter may aid the code user in determining which chapter or sections within a chapter are applicable to buildings under the authority of a specific state agency, but they are not to be considered regulatory.

    1.1.12 Validity. If any chapter, section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of this code is for any reason held to be unconstitutional, contrary to statute, exceeding the authority of the state as stipulated by statutes or otherwise inoperative, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portion of this code.

    SECTION 1.2—BUILDING STANDARDS COMMISSION

    1.2.1 BSC. Specific scope of application of the agency responsible for enforcement, the enforcement agency and the specific authority to adopt and enforce such provisions of this code, unless otherwise stated. 1. State buildings for all occupancies.

    Application— State buildings (all occupancies), including buildings constructed by the Trustees of the California State University (CSU) and the Regents of the University of California (UC) where no state agency has the authority to adopt building standards applicable to such buildings.

    Enforcing agency— State or local agency specified by the applicable provisions of law.

    Authority cited— Health and Safety Code Section 18934.5.

  • CFC § 315 Medium relevance — show source text

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    Chapter 32 High-Piled Combustible Storage

    Chapter 32 provides guidance for reasonable protection of life from hazards associated with the storage of combustible materials in closely packed piles or on pallets, in racks, or on shelves where the top of storage is greater than 12 feet in height. This chapter does not cover miscellaneous combustible materials storage regulated in Section 315.

    Chapter 33 Fire Safety during Construction and Demolition

    Chapter 33 outlines general fire safety precautions for all structures and all occupancies during construction and demolition operations. Most importantly, this chapter addresses owner responsibility and provides requirements for a site safety plan and requires a site safety director. This chapter is consistent with both Chapter 33 of the CBC and Chapter 15 of the CEBC.

    Chapter 34 Tire Rebuilding and Tire Storage

    The requirements of Chapter 34 are intended to prevent or control fires and explosions associated with the remanufacture and storage of tires and tire byproducts. Additionally, the requirements are intended to minimize the impact of indoor and outdoor tire storage fires by regulating pile volume and location, segregating the various operations, providing for fire department access and a water supply, and controlling ignition sources.

    Chapter 35 Welding and Other Hot Work

    Chapter 35 covers requirements for safety in welding and other types of hot work by reducing the potential for fire ignitions that often result in large losses. Several different types of hot work would fall under the requirements found in Chapter 35, including both gas and electric arc methods and any open-torch operations. Many of the activities of this chapter focus on the actions of the occupants.

    Chapter 36 Marinas

    Chapter 36 addresses the fire protection and prevention requirements for marinas. It was developed in response to the complications encountered by a number of fire departments responsible for the protection of marinas as well as fire loss history in marinas that lacked fire protection. Compliance with this chapter intends to establish safe practices in marina areas, provide an identification method for mooring spaces in the marina, and provide firefighters with safe operational areas and fire protection methods to extend hose lines in a safe manner.

    Chapter 37 Combustible Fibers

    Chapter 37 establishes the requirements for storage and handling of combustible fibers, including animal, vegetable and synthetic fibers, whether woven into textiles, baled, packaged or loose. Operations involving combustible fibers are typically associated with salvage, paper milling, recycling, cloth manufacturing, carpet and textile mills and agricultural operations, among others. The primary hazard associated with these operations is the abundance of materials and their ready ignitability.

    Chapter 38 Reserved

    Chapter 39 Processing and Extraction Facilities

    Chapter 39 focuses on the plant processing, solvent based, and extraction of oils and fats from various plants, and cultivation and related activities. The processes used are not necessarily typical hazardous material processes and often the systems and equipment associated with such processes are not listed. This chapter provides the tools to appropriately enforce the CFC and provide an appropriate level of safety to meet the unique needs of the industry while providing the appropriate level of safety.

    Chapter 40 Storage of Distilled Spirits and Wines

  • CFC § 903.3.1.1 Medium relevance — show source text

    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:

    1. Airport traffic control towers.

    2. Open parking structures.

    3. Group U occupancies.

    4. 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)

    Adopting Agency BSC BSC-
    CG    		 SFM Col5 HCD Col7 Col8 DSA Col10 OSHPD Col12 Col13 Col14 Col15 Col16 BSCC DPH AGR DWR CEC CA SL SLC
    Adopting Agency BSC BSC-
    CG    		 T-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.
  • CFC § 5001.5.1 Medium relevance — show source text

    APPENDIX H – HAZARDOUS MATERIALS MANAGEMENT PLAN

    AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INVENTORY STATEMENTS

    (Matrix Adoption Tables are nonregulatory, intended only as an aid to the user. See Chapter 1 for state agency authority and building applications.)

    Adopting Agency BSC BSC-
    CG    		 SFM Col5 HCD Col7 Col8 DSA Col10 OSHPD Col12 Col13 Col14 Col15 Col16 BSCC DPH AGR DWR CEC CA SL SLC
    Adopting Agency BSC BSC-
    CG    		 T-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 X
    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.

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    H HAZARDOUS MATERIALS MANAGEMENT PLANS

    AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INVENTORY STATEMENTS (SEE SECTIONS 5001.5.1 AND 5001.5.2)

    SECTION H1—SCOPE

    H1.1 Scope. Hazardous materials inventory statements (HMIS) and hazardous materials management plans (HMMP) which are required by the fire chief, pursuant to Chapter 50, shall be provided for hazardous materials in accordance with Appendix H.

    Exceptions: 1. Materials which have been satisfactorily demonstrated not to present a potential danger to public health, safety or welfare, based upon the quantity or condition of storage, when approved. 2. Chromium, copper, lead, nickel and silver need not be considered hazardous materials for the purposes of Appendix H unless they are stored in a friable, powdered or finely divided state.

    Proprietary and trade secret information shall be protected under the laws of the state or jurisdiction having authority.

  • CFC § 90.1 Medium relevance — show source text

    (2) Systems serving zones where specific humidity levels are required, such as museums and hospitals, and approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction or required by accreditation standards, and where humidistatic controls are capable of and configured to maintain a dead band of at least 10 percent relative humidity where no active humidification or dehumidification takes place.

    (3) Systems serving zones where humidity levels are required to be maintained with precision of not more than ±5 percent relative humidity to comply with applicable codes or accreditation standards or as approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction.

    [ASHRAE 90.1:6.4.3.6.1]

    E 503.4.6.7.2 Humidification. Humidistatic controls shall not use fossil fuel or electricity to produce relative humidity above 30 percent in the warmest zone served by the system.

    Exceptions:

    (1) Systems serving zones where specific humidity levels are required, such as museums and hospitals, and approved by the Authority Having Jurisdiction or required by accreditation standards, and where humidistatic controls are capable of and configured to maintain a dead band of at least 10 percent relative humidity where no active humidification or dehumidification takes place.

    TABLE E 503.4.6.4.2 MAXIMUM DAMPER LEAKAGE [1, 2]

    (cubic foot per minute per square foot) at 1.0 inch water gauge

    [ASHRAE 90.1: TABLE 6.4.3.4.3]

    Col1 OUTDOOR AIR INTAKE (CFM/ft2) Col3 EXHAUST/RELIEF (CFM/ft2) Col5
    CLIMATE ZONE NONMOTORIZED1 MOTORIZED NONMOTORIZED3 MOTORIZED
    0, 1, 2 0, 1, 2 0, 1, 2 0, 1, 2 0, 1, 2
    Any height 20 4 20 4
    3 3 3 3 3
    Any height 20 10 20 10
    4, 5B, 5C 4, 5B, 5C 4, 5B, 5C 4, 5B, 5C 4, 5B, 5C
    Fewer than three stories 204 10 20 10
    Three or more stories 204 10 204 10
    5A, 6, 7, 8 5A, 6, 7, 8 5A, 6, 7, 8 5A, 6, 7, 8 5A, 6, 7, 8
    Fewer than three stories 204 4 20 4
    Three or more stories 204 4 204 4
  • CFC § 307.1.1 Medium relevance — show source text

    Chapter 36 Marinas

    Chapter 36 addresses the fire protection and prevention requirements for marinas. It was developed in response to the complications encountered by a number of fire departments responsible for the protection of marinas as well as fire loss history in marinas that lacked fire protection. Compliance with this chapter intends to establish safe practices in marina areas, provide an identification method for mooring spaces in the marina, and provide firefighters with safe operational areas and fire protection methods to extend hose lines in a safe manner.

    Chapter 37 Combustible Fibers

    Chapter 37 establishes the requirements for storage and handling of combustible fibers, including animal, vegetable and synthetic fibers, whether woven into textiles, baled, packaged or loose. Operations involving combustible fibers are typically associated with salvage, paper milling, recycling, cloth manufacturing, carpet and textile mills and agricultural operations, among others. The primary hazard associated with these operations is the abundance of materials and their ready ignitability.

    Chapter 38 Reserved

    Chapter 39 Processing and Extraction Facilities

    Chapter 39 focuses on the plant processing, solvent based, and extraction of oils and fats from various plants, and cultivation and related activities. The processes used are not necessarily typical hazardous material processes and often the systems and equipment associated with such processes are not listed. This chapter provides the tools to appropriately enforce the CFC and provide an appropriate level of safety to meet the unique needs of the industry while providing the appropriate level of safety.

    Chapter 40 Storage of Distilled Spirits and Wines

    Chapter 40 provides specific requirements for the storage of distilled spirits and wines, including basic fire prevention requirements, fire protection features, storage configuration and signage. Additionally, in accordance with Section 307.1.1 of the CBC, these occupancies are not classified as a Group H occupancy. Instead, as listed in Sections 311.2 and 311.3 of the CBC, the storage of beverages that contain up to and including 20 percent alcohol are classified as a Group S-2 occupancy, and those that contain over 20 percent alcohol content are classified as a Group S-1 occupancy.

    Chapter 41 Temporary Heating and Cooking Operations

    Chapter 41 provides all requirements relative to temporary heating and cooking operations in a single chapter. Some of these provisions were originally found in Chapters 3, 6 and 31. This chapter is intended to facilitate consistent enforcement of temporary heating and cooking operations by making the requirements more straightforward. Temporary heating on construction sites is addressed in Chapter 33.

    Chapters 42 through 47 Reserved for future use.

    2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE xvii

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

    Chapter 48 Motion Picture and Television Production Studio Stages, Approved Production Facilities and Production Locations

    On July 23, 1982, a Bell UH-1 Iroquois helicopter crashed at Indian Dunes in Valencia, Santa Clarita, California, during the making of Twilight Zone: The Movie. The crash killed three people on the ground and injured the six helicopter passengers. Those killed were actor Vic Morrow and child actors Myca Dinh Le and Renee Shin-Yi Chen. The incident led to years of civil and criminal action and was responsi- ble for the introduction of new procedures and safety standards in the filmmaking industry.

    Chapter 49 Requirements for Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Areas

Frequently asked questions

Do §§ 3601.1–3601.2 require permits?

No. § 3601.2 requires that plans for marina fire protection facilities be approved prior to installation and that work be subject to final inspection and approval; permit requirements (if any) are handled under the code’s administrative sections and local permitting processes. The two sections themselves state scope and plan/inspection timing, not the specific permit application process .

Where can I find definitions of terms like “marina” or “pier”?

Chapter 36 points to Chapter 2 definitions. See § 3602 for the chapter’s defined terms (FLOAT, MARINA, PIER, VESSEL, WHARF) .

If I already installed equipment, can I submit plans afterward?

No — § 3601.2 requires plan approval prior to installation. If equipment is already installed without prior approval, coordinate with the local fire code official immediately; the work remains subject to final inspection and the authority may require corrective measures or formal plan submittal retroactively .

Who decides what must be on the plans?

The local fire code official or authority having jurisdiction determines plan content and any additional submittal requirements. § 3601.2 establishes that plans must be approved before installation, but the code defers detailed plan content and review process to the authority having jurisdiction and other applicable sections of the code .

Where do I look for the technical requirements referenced by Chapter 36?

Technical specifications for components (pumps, hydrants, electrical equipment, fueling systems, etc.) may be in other sections of the California Fire Code or in referenced standards (for example, NFPA standards). Use Chapter 36 for scope and timing, and cross‑reference the chapter’s specific sections and referenced standards for technical requirements file.

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