Fire Alarm, Detection & Notification

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

• CHBC § 8-409 High relevance — show source text

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

  FIRE PROTECTION

  2. Wooden roof materials may be utilized where fire resistance is required, provided they are treated with fire-retardant treatments to achieve a Class “B” roof covering rating. Wood roofing in state designated Urban Wildland and High Fire Zones shall be permitted when installed in Class “A” assemblies.
  3. Jurisdictions that prohibit wood roofing materials for application as roof coverings and roof assemblies shall submit documentation for the adoption. Express Terms, statement of reasons and minutes of the action by the adopting authority Health and Safety Code, Section 18959(f).

  SECTION 8-409 — FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS

  Every qualified historical building or property shall be provided with fire alarm systems as required for the use or occupancy by the regular code or other approved alternative.

  SECTION 8-410 — AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEMS

  8-410.1 Every qualified historical building or property which cannot be made to conform to the construction requirements specified in the regular code for the occupancy or use, and which constitutes a distinct fire hazard (for definition of “Distinct Hazard,” see Chapter 8-2), shall be deemed to be in compliance if provided with an automatic sprinkler system or a life safety system or other technologies as approved by the enforcing agency. (“Automatic” is defined in the regular code. “Sprinkler System” is defined in this section.)

  8-410.2 When required by the CHBC, an automatic sprinkler system is defined by the following standards as adopted by the State Fire Marshal (for nonhazardous occupancies).

  1. Buildings of four stories or less: NFPA 13R.

  2. For floors above the fourth, NFPA 13.

  3. Buildings with floors above 75 feet, NFPA 13.

  4. When the building is free standing or with property line separation, two floors and 1500 square feet per floor or less, NFPA 13D.

  5. For exterior wall and opening protection. As required by this chapter.

  Exception: When the automatic sprinkler systems are used to reach compliance using this code, in three or more occasions, NFPA 13D standard shall be increased to NFPA 13R standard, or NFPA 13R standard shall be increased to a NFPA 13 standard.

  8-410.3 Automatic sprinkler systems shall not be used to substitute for or act as an alternate to the required number of exits from any facility. (See Chapter 8-5 for exiting requirements.)

  8-410.4 An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided in all detention facilities.

  SECTION 8-411 — OTHER TECHNOLOGIES

  Fire alarm systems, smoke and heat detection systems, occupant notification and annunciation systems, smoke control systems and fire modeling, timed egress analysis and modeling, as well as other engineering methods and technologies may be accepted by the enforcing agency to address areas of nonconformance.

  SECTION 8-412 — HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS

  Qualified historical buildings having floors for human occupancy located more than 75 feet above the lowest floor level having building access shall conform to the provisions of the regular code for existing high-rise buildings as amended by the CHBC.

  8 2025 CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL BUILDING CODE

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

  8-5 MEANS OF EGRESS

• CHBC § 901.1 High relevance — show source text

  9 FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS

  User notes:

  About this chapter: Chapter 9 prescribes the minimum requirements for active fire protection equipment systems to perform the functions of detecting a fire, alerting the occupants or fire department of a fire emergency, mass notification, gas detection, controlling smoke and controlling or extinguishing the fire. Generally, the requirements are based on the occupancy, the height and the area of the building, because these are the factors that most affect firefighting capabilities and the relative hazard of a specific building or portion thereof. This chapter parallels and is substantially duplicated in Chapter 9 of the California Fire Code.

  SECTION 901—GENERAL

  901.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall specify where fire protection and life safety systems are required and shall apply to the design, installation and operation of fire protection and life safety systems.

  901.2 Fire protection systems. Fire protection and life safety systems shall be installed, repaired, operated and maintained in accordance with this code and the California Fire Code .

  Any fire protection or life safety system for which an exception or reduction to the provisions of this code has been granted shall be considered to be a required system.

  Exception: Any fire protection or life safety system or portion thereof not required by this code shall be permitted to be installed for partial or complete protection provided that such system meets the requirements of this code.

  901.3 Modifications. Persons shall not remove or modify any fire protection system installed or maintained under the provisions of this code or the California Fire Code without approval by the building official.

  901.4 Threads. Threads provided for fire department connections to automatic sprinkler systems, standpipes, yard hydrants or any other fire hose connection shall be compatible with the connections used by the local fire department.

  901.5 Administration of installation acceptance tests. Fire protection systems shall be tested in accordance with the requirements of this code and the California Fire Code . Where required, the tests shall be conducted in the presence of the building official. Tests required by this code, the California Fire Code and the standards listed in this code shall be conducted at the expense of the owner or the owner’s authorized agent. It shall be unlawful to occupy portions of a structure until the required fire protection systems within that portion of the structure have been tested and approved.

  901.6 Supervisory service. Where required, fire protection systems shall be monitored by an approved supervising station in accordance with NFPA 72.

  901.6.1 Automatic sprinkler systems. Automatic sprinkler systems shall be monitored by an approved supervising station.

  Exceptions:

  1. A supervising station is not required for automatic sprinkler systems protecting one- and two-family dwellings.
  2. Limited area systems in accordance with Section 903.3.8.

  901.6.2 Fire alarm systems. Fire alarm systems required by the provisions of Section 907.2 of this code and Sections 907.2 and 907.9 of the California Fire Code shall be monitored by an approved supervising station in accordance with Section 907.6.6 of this code.

  Exceptions:

  1. Single- and multiple-station smoke alarms required by Section 907.2.11.
  2. Smoke detectors in Group I-3 occupancies.
  3. Supervisory service is not required for automatic sprinkler systems in one- and two-family dwellings.

  901.6.3 Group H. Supervision and monitoring of emergency alarm, detection and automatic fire-extinguishing systems in Group H occupancies shall be in accordance with the California Fire Code .

• CHBC § 903.3.1.1 High relevance — show source text

  2. A manual fire alarm system is not required in buildings not more than three stories in height with not more than 20 dwelling units or sleeping units in aggregate and equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.

  3. Manual fire alarm boxes are not required throughout the building where the following conditions are met: 3.1. The building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.

  3.2. The notification appliances will activate upon sprinkler water flow. 3.3. Not less than one manual fire alarm box is installed at an approved location. 1103.7.5.1.1 Group R-1 hotel and motel automatic smoke detection system. An automatic smoke detection system that activates the occupant notification system in accordance with Section 907.5 shall be installed in existing Group R-1 hotels and motels throughout all interior corridors serving sleeping rooms not equipped with an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.

  Exception: An automatic smoke detection system is not required in buildings that do not have interior corridors serving dwelling units or sleeping units and where each dwelling unit or sleeping unit has a means of egress door opening directly to an exit or to an exterior exit access that leads directly to an exit.

  11-8 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE

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

  CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS FOR EXISTING BUILDINGS

  1103.7.5.2 Group R-1 boarding and rooming houses manual fire alarm system. A manual fire alarm system that activates the occupant notification system in accordance with Section 907.5 shall be installed in existing Group R-1 boarding and rooming houses.

  Exception: Buildings less than two stories in height where all sleeping units, attics and crawl spaces are separated by 1hour fire-resistance-rated construction and each dwelling unit or sleeping unit has direct access to a public way, egress court or yard.

  1103.7.5.2.1 Group R-1 boarding and rooming houses automatic smoke detection system. An automatic smoke detection system that activates the occupant notification system in accordance with Section 907.5 shall be installed in existing Group R-1 boarding and rooming houses throughout all interior corridors serving dwelling units or sleeping units not equipped with an approved, supervised sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.

  Exception: Buildings equipped with single-station smoke alarms meeting or exceeding the requirements of Section 907.2.11.1 and where the fire alarm system includes not less than one manual fire alarm box per floor arranged to initiate the alarm.

  1103.7.6 Group R-2. A manual fire alarm system that activates the occupant notification system in accordance with Section 907.5 shall be installed in existing Group R-2 occupancies more than three stories in height or with more than 16 dwelling or sleeping units.

  Exceptions:

  1. Where each living unit is separated from other contiguous living units by fire barriers having a fire-resistance rating of not less than [3] / 4 hour, and where each living unit has either its own independent exit or its own independent stairway or ramp discharging at grade.
• CHBC § 907.4.3 Medium relevance — show source text

  907.4.3 Automatic smoke detection. Where an automatic smoke detection system is required, it shall utilize smoke detectors unless ambient conditions prohibit such an installation. In spaces where smoke detectors cannot be utilized due to ambient conditions, approved automatic heat detectors shall be permitted.

  907.4.3.1 Automatic sprinkler system. For conditions other than specific fire safety functions noted in Section 907.3, in areas where ambient conditions prohibit the installation of smoke detectors, an automatic sprinkler system installed in such areas in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2 and that is connected to the fire alarm system shall be approved as automatic heat detection.

  907.5 Occupant notification. Occupant notification by fire alarms shall be in accordance with Sections 907.5.1 through 907.5.2.5 . Occupant notification by smoke alarms in Group R-1 and R-2 occupancies shall comply with Section 907.5.2.1.3.2.

  907.5.1 Alarm activation and annunciation. Upon activation, fire alarm systems shall initiate occupant notification and shall annunciate at the fire alarm control unit, or where allowed elsewhere by Section 907, at a constantly attended location.

  907.5.1.1 Presignal feature. A presignal feature shall only be provided where approved. The presignal shall be annunciated at an approved, constantly attended location, having the capability to activate the occupant notification system in the event of fire or other emergency.

  Exception: A presignal feature shall not be permitted to be installed in a Group I-2 or R-2.1 occupancy.

  907.5.2 Alarm notification appliances. Alarm notification appliances shall be provided and shall be listed for their purpose.

  907.5.2.1 Audible alarms. Audible alarm notification appliances shall be provided and emit a distinctive sound that is not to be used for any purpose other than that of a fire alarm. In Group I-2 occupancies, audible appliances located in patient areas shall be only chimes or similar sounding appliances for alerting staff. See Section 907.5.2.5.

  Exceptions:

  1. Audible alarm notification appliances are not required in patient areas of Group I-2, Condition 2 occupancies that are in compliance with Section 907.5.2.5 .
  2. A visible alarm notification appliance installed in a nurses’ control station or other continuously attended staff location in a Group I-2 care suite shall be an acceptable alternative to the installation of audible alarm notification appliances throughout a suite or unit in Group I-2, Condition 2 occupancies that are in compliance with Section 907.5.2.5 .
  3. Where provided, audible notification appliances located in each enclosed occupant evacuation elevator lobby in accordance with Section 3008.9.1 of the California Building Code shall be connected to a separate notification zone for manual paging only.

  907.5.2.1.1 Average sound pressure. The audible alarm notification appliances shall provide a sound pressure level of 15 decibels (dBA) above the average ambient sound level or 5 dBA above the maximum sound level having a duration of not less than 60 seconds, whichever is greater, in every occupiable space within the building.

  907.5.2.1.2 Maximum sound pressure. The total sound pressure level produced by combining the ambient sound pressure level with all audible notification appliances operating shall not exceed 110 dBA at the minimum hearing distance from the

• CHBC § 914.3.1.2.1 Medium relevance — show source text

  914.3.1.2.1 Fire pumps. Redundant fire pump systems shall be required for high-rise buildings having an occupied floor more than 200 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access. Each fire pump system shall be capable of automatically supplying the required demand for the automatic sprinkler and standpipe systems.

  914.3.2 Secondary water supply. An automatic secondary on-site water supply having a usable capacity not less than the hydraulically calculated sprinkler demand, including the hose stream requirement, shall be provided for high-rise buildings and Group I-2 occupancies having occupied floors located more than 75 ft above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access assigned to Seismic Design Category C, D, E or F as determined by the California Building Code . An additional fire pump shall not be required for the secondary water supply unless needed to provide the minimum design intake pressure at the suction side of the fire pump supplying the automatic sprinkler system. The secondary water supply shall have a useable capacity of not less than the hydraulically calculated sprinkler demand plus 100 GPM for the inside hose stream, allowance for a duration of not less than 30 minutes as determined by the occupancy hazard classification in accordance with NFPA 13 , whichever is greater. The Class I stand- pipe system demand shall not be required to be included in the secondary on-site water supply calculations. In no case shall the secondary on-site water supply be less than 15,000 gallons.

  914.3.3 Fire alarm system. A fire alarm system shall be provided in accordance with Section 907.2.13.

  914.3.4 Automatic smoke detection. Smoke detection shall be provided in accordance with Section 907.2.13.1.

  914.3.5 Emergency voice/alarm communication system. An emergency voice/alarm communication system shall be provided in accordance with Section 907.5.2.2.

  914.3.6 Emergency responder communication coverage. In-building, two-way emergency responder communication coverage shall be provided in accordance with Section 510.

  914.3.7 Fire command. A fire command center complying with Section 508 shall be provided in a location approved by the fire department.

  914.3.8 Smoke control.

  914.3.8.1 Smoke control system. All portions of high-rise buildings shall be provided with a smoke control system in accordance with California Building Code, Section 909.

  914.3.8.2 Smokeproof exit enclosures. Every exit enclosure in high-rise buildings shall comply with California Building Code, Sections 909.20 and 1023.12. Every required stairway in Group I-2 occupancies serving floors more than 75 feet (22 860 mm) above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access shall comply with Sections 909.20 and 1023.12 of the California Building Code.

  Exception: In high-rise buildings, exit enclosures serving three or less adjacent floors where one of the adjacent floors is the level of exit discharge.

  914.4 Atriums. Atriums shall comply with Sections 914.4.1 and 914.4.2.

  914.4.1 Automatic sprinkler system. An approved automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout the entire building.

• CHBC § 907.4.2.3 Medium relevance — show source text

  [F] 907.4.2.3 Color. Manual fire alarm boxes shall be red in color.

  [F] 907.4.2.4 Signs. Where fire alarm systems are not monitored by an approved supervising station in accordance with Section 907.6.6, an approved permanent sign shall be installed adjacent to each manual fire alarm box that reads: WHEN ALARM SOUNDS CALL FIRE DEPARTMENT.

  Exception: Where the manufacturer has permanently provided this information on the manual fire alarm box.

  [F] 907.4.2.5 Protective covers. The fire code official is authorized to require the installation of listed manual fire alarm box protective covers to prevent malicious false alarms or to provide the manual fire alarm box with protection from physical damage. The protective cover shall be transparent or red in color with a transparent face to permit visibility of the manual fire alarm box. Each cover shall include proper operating instructions. A protective cover that emits a local alarm signal shall not be installed unless approved. Protective covers shall not project more than that permitted by Section 1003.3.3.

  [F] 907.4.2.6 Unobstructed and unobscured. Manual fire alarm boxes shall be provided with ready access, unobstructed, unobscured and visible at all times.

  907.4.2.7 Operation. Manual fire alarm boxes shall be operable with one hand including boxes with protective covers.

  [F] 907.4.3 Automatic smoke detection. Where an automatic smoke detection system is required, it shall utilize smoke detectors unless ambient conditions prohibit such an installation. In spaces where smoke detectors cannot be utilized due to ambient conditions, approved automatic heat detectors shall be permitted.

  [F] 907.4.3.1 Automatic sprinkler system. For conditions other than specific fire safety functions noted in Section 907.3, in areas where ambient conditions prohibit the installation of smoke detectors, an automatic sprinkler system installed in such areas in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2 and that is connected to the fire alarm system shall be approved as automatic heat detection.

  [F] 907.5 Occupant notification. Occupant notification by fire alarms shall be in accordance with Sections 907.5.1 through 907.5.2.5 . Occupant notification by smoke alarms in Group R-1 and R-2 occupancies shall comply with Section 907.5.2.1.3.2.

  [F] 907.5.1 Alarm activation and annunciation. Upon activation, fire alarm systems shall initiate occupant notification and shall annunciate at the fire alarm control unit, or where allowed elsewhere by Section 907, at a constantly attended location.

  [F] 907.5.1.1 Presignal feature. A presignal feature shall be provided only where approved. The presignal shall be annunciated at an approved, constantly attended location, having the capability to activate the occupant notification system in the event of fire or other emergency.

  Exception: A presignal feature shall not be permitted to be installed in a Group I-2 or R-2.1 occupancy.

  [F] 907.5.2 Alarm notification appliances. Alarm notification appliances shall be provided and shall be listed for their purpose.

• CHBC § 9-29 Medium relevance — show source text

  2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 9-29

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

  FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS

  2. Manual fire alarm boxes are not required where the building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 and the occupant notification appliances will automatically activate throughout the notification zones upon sprinkler water flow.

  [F] 907.2.7.1.1 Occupant notification. During times that the building is occupied, the initiation of a signal from a manual fire alarm box or from a waterflow switch shall not be required to activate the alarm notification appliances when an alarm signal is activated at a constantly attended location from which evacuation instructions shall be initiated over an emergency voice/alarm communication system installed in accordance with Section 907.5.2.2.

  [F] 907.2.7.2 Storage of lithium-ion or lithium metal batteries. A fire alarm system activated by an air-sampling-type smoke detection system or a radiant-energy-sensing detection system shall be installed in a room or space within a Group M occupancy where required for the storage of lithium-ion or lithium metal batteries in accordance with Section 320 of the California Fire Code .

  [F] 907.2.8 Group R-1. Fire alarm systems and smoke alarms shall be installed in Group R-1 occupancies as required in Sections 907.2.8.1 through 907.2.8.3.

  [F] 907.2.8.1 Manual fire alarm system. A manual fire alarm system that activates the occupant notification system in accordance with Section 907.5 shall be installed in Group R- 1 occupancies.

  Exceptions:

  1. A manual fire alarm system is not required in buildings not more than two stories in height where all individual sleeping units and contiguous attic and crawl spaces to those units are separated from each other and public or common areas by not less than 1-hour fire partitions and each individual sleeping unit has an exit directly to a public way, egress court or yard.
  2. Manual fire alarm boxes are not required throughout the building where all of the following conditions are met: 2.1. The building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.

  2.2. The notification appliances will activate upon sprinkler water flow. 2.3. Not fewer than one manual fire alarm box is installed at an approved location.

  [F] 907.2.8.2 Automatic smoke detection system. An automatic smoke detection system that activates the occupant notification system in accordance with Section 907.5 shall be installed throughout all interior corridors serving sleeping units.

  Exception: An automatic smoke detection system is not required in buildings that do not have interior corridors serving sleeping units and where each sleeping unit has a means of egress door opening directly to an exit or to an exterior exit access that leads directly to an exit.

  [F] 907.2.8.3 Smoke alarms. Single- and multiple-station smoke alarms shall be installed in accordance with Section 907.2.11.

• CHBC § 907.6 Medium relevance — show source text

  In occupancies housing nonambulatory persons where restraint is practiced, staff and attendants shall be provided and housed or located in such a manner that such supervisory personnel will also be alerted upon activation of the fire alarm system or any detector required by this section.

  [F] 907.6 Installation and monitoring. A fire alarm system shall be installed and monitored in accordance with Sections 907.6.1 through 907.6.6.4 and NFPA 72.

  [F] 907.6.1 Wiring. Wiring shall comply with the requirements of the California Electrical Code and NFPA 72. Wireless protection systems utilizing radio-frequency transmitting devices shall comply with the special requirements for supervision of low-power wireless systems in NFPA 72.

  907.6.1.1 High-rise buildings. Wiring for fire alarm network communication circuits between multiple-control units shall be in accordance with the following:

  1. Class A or Class X in accordance with NFPA 72.

  2. Installed in enclosed continuous metallic raceways or raceways encased in not less than 2 inches (51 mm) of concrete in accordance with the California Electrical Code.

  [F] 907.6.2 Power supply. The primary and secondary power supply for the fire alarm system shall be provided in accordance with NFPA 72.

  Exception: Back-up power for single-station and multiple-station smoke alarms as required in Section 907.2.11.6.

  [F] 907.6.3 Initiating device identification. The fire alarm system shall identify the specific initiating device address, location, device type, floor level where applicable and status including indication of normal, alarm, trouble and supervisory status, as appropriate.

  Exceptions:

  1. Fire alarm systems in single-story buildings less than 22,500 square feet (2090 m [2] ) in area.
  2. Fire alarm systems that only include manual fire alarm boxes, waterflow initiating devices and not more than 10 additional alarm-initiating devices.
  3. Special initiating devices that do not support individual device identification.
  4. Fire alarm systems or devices that are replacing existing equipment.

  [F] 907.6.3.1 Annunciation. The initiating device status shall be annunciated at an approved on-site location.

  [F] 907.6.4 Zones. Fire alarm systems shall be divided into zones where required by this section. For the purposes of annunciation and notification, zoning shall be in accordance with the following: 1. Where the fire-protective signaling system serves more than one building, each building shall be considered as a separate

  zone.

  2. Each floor of a building shall be considered as a separate zone. 3. Each section of floor of a building that is separated by fire walls or by horizontal exits shall be considered as a separate zone. 4. Each zone shall not exceed 22,500 square feet (2090 m [2] ). The length of any zone shall not exceed 300 feet (91 440 mm) in any direction.

  Exception: Automatic sprinkler system zones shall not exceed the area permitted by NFPA 13. 5. For Group I-3 occupancies each cell complex shall be considered a separate zone. 6. For Group H and L occupancies on the 11th story and above, each side of the 2-hour fire-smoke barrier shall be considered a separate zone. 7. Annunciation shall be further divided into zones where deemed necessary by the enforcing agency.

• CHBC § 9-43 Medium relevance — show source text

  2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE 9-43

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

  FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS

  907.2.7 Group M. Fire alarm systems shall be required in Group M occupancies in accordance with Sections 907.2.7.1 and 907.2.7.2.

  907.2.7.1 Occupant load. A manual fire alarm system that activates the occupant notification system in accordance with Section 907.5 shall be installed in Group M occupancies where one of the following conditions exists:

  1. The combined Group M occupant load of all floors is 500 or more persons.
  2. The Group M occupant load is more than 100 persons above or below the lowest level of exit discharge.

  Exceptions:

  1. A manual fire alarm system is not required in covered or open mall buildings complying with Section 402 of the California Building Code .
  2. Manual fire alarm boxes are not required where the building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 and the occupant notification appliances will automatically activate throughout the notification zones upon sprinkler water flow.

  907.2.7.1.1 Occupant notification. During times that the building is occupied, the initiation of a signal from a manual fire alarm box or from a waterflow switch shall not be required to activate the alarm notification appliances when an alarm signal is activated at a constantly attended location from which evacuation instructions shall be initiated over an emergency voice/alarm communication system installed in accordance with Section 907.5.2.2.

  907.2.7.2 Storage of lithium-ion or lithium metal batteries. A fire alarm system activated by an air-sampling-type smoke detection system or a radiant-energy-sensing detection system shall be installed in a room or space within a Group M occupancy where required for the storage of lithium-ion or lithium metal batteries in accordance with Section 320.

  907.2.8 Group R-1. Fire alarm systems and smoke alarms shall be installed in Group R-1 occupancies as required in Sections 907.2.8.1 through 907.2.8.3.

  907.2.8.1 Manual fire alarm system. A manual fire alarm system that activates the occupant notification system in accordance with Section 907.5 shall be installed in Group R-1 occupancies.

  Exceptions:

  1. A manual fire alarm system is not required in buildings not more than two stories in height where all individual sleeping units and contiguous attic and crawl spaces to those units are separated from each other and public or common areas by not less than 1-hour fire partitions and each individual sleeping unit has an exit directly to a public way, egress court or yard.
  2. Manual fire alarm boxes are not required throughout the building where all of the following conditions are met: 2.1. The building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.

  2.2. The notification appliances will activate upon sprinkler water flow. 2.3. Not fewer than one manual fire alarm box is installed at an approved location.

  907.2.8.2 Automatic smoke detection system. An automatic smoke detection system that activates the occupant notification system in accordance with Section 907.5 shall be installed throughout all interior corridors serving sleeping units.

• CHBC § 903.3.1.1 Medium relevance — show source text

  Exception: Manual fire alarm boxes are not required where the building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 and the occupant notification appliances will activate throughout the notification zones upon sprinkler water flow.

  [F] 907.2.4.1 Manufacturing involving lithium-ion or lithium metal batteries. A fire alarm system activated by an airsampling-type smoke detection system or a radiant-energy-sensing detection system shall be installed throughout the entire fire area where lithium-ion or lithium metal batteries are manufactured; and where the manufacturer of vehicles, energy storage systems or equipment containing lithium-ion or lithium metal batteries when the batteries are installed as part of the manufacturing process.

  [F] 907.2.5 Group H. A manual fire alarm system that activates the occupant notification system in accordance with Section 907.5 shall be installed in Group H-5 occupancies and in occupancies used for the manufacture of organic coatings. An automatic smoke detection system shall be installed for highly toxic gases, organic peroxides and oxidizers in accordance with Chapters 60, 62 and 63, respectively, of the California Fire Code .

  907.2.5.1 Group H occupancies located on the 11th story and above. Manual fire alarm boxes shall be required on each side of the 2-hour fire-smoke barrier and at each exit on the 11th story and above.

  [F] 907.2.6 Group I. A manual fire alarm system that activates the occupant notification system in accordance with Section 907.5 shall be installed in Group I occupancies. An automatic smoke detection system that activates the occupant notification system in accordance with Section 907.5 shall be provided in accordance with Sections 907.2.6.1, 907.2.6.2 and 907.2.6.3.3.

  Exceptions: 1. Large family day-care. 2. Manual fire alarm boxes in sleeping units of Group I-2 occupancies shall not be required at exits if located at all care providers’ control stations or other constantly attended staff locations, provided that such manual fire alarm boxes are visible and provided with ready access, and the distances of travel required in Section 907.4.2.1 are not exceeded. 3. Occupant notification systems are not required to be activated where private mode signaling installed in accordance with NFPA 72 is approved by the fire code official and staff evacuation responsibilities are included in the fire safety and evacuation plan required by Section 404 of the California Fire Code .

  [F] 907.2.6.1 Reserved.

  [F] 907.2.6.2 Group I-2. A manual and automatic fire alarm system shall be installed in Group I-2 occupancies. Where automatic fire suppression systems or smoke detectors are installed, such systems or detectors shall be connected to the building fire alarm system.

  Exception: Where an entire facility is used for the housing of persons, none of whom are physically or mentally handicapped or nonambulatory, and are between the ages of 18 and 64, the buildings or structures comprising such facility shall be exempt from the provisions of this subsection relating to the installation of an automatic fire alarm system.

  907.2.6.2.1 Notification. The fire alarm notification system shall be in accordance with Section 907.5.2.5.

• CHBC § 903.3.1.1 Medium relevance — show source text

  Exception: Buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, provided that the occupant notification appliances will activate throughout the notification zones upon sprinkler water flow.

  [F] 907.2.2.2 Laboratories involving research and development or testing. A fire alarm system activated by an airsampling-type smoke detection system or a radiant-energy-sensing detection system shall be installed throughout the entire fire area utilized for the research and development or testing of lithium-ion or lithium metal batteries.

  907.2.2.3 Group B Educational facilities. Every Group B building used for educational purposes shall be provided with a manual or automatic fire alarm system. This provision shall apply to, but shall not necessarily be limited to, every community college and university.

  Exception: Privately owned trade or vocational schools or any firm or company which provides educational facilities and instructions for its employees .

  [F] 907.2.3 Group E. A n automatic fire alarm system that initiates the occupant notification signal utilizing an emergency voice/alarm communication system meeting the requirements of Section 907.5.2.2 and installed in accordance with Section 907.6 shall be installed in Group E occupancies with an occupant load of 50 or more persons or containing more than one classroom or one

  9-26 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE

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

  FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS

  or more rooms used for Group E or I-4 child-care purposes in accordance with this section. Where automatic sprinkler systems or smoke detectors are installed, such systems or detectors shall be connected to the building fire alarm system. One additional manual fire alarm box shall be located at the administration office or location approved by the AHJ.

  Exceptions: 1. For public school state funded construction projects see Section 907.2.29. 2. For public schools see Section 907.2.3.7. 3. For private schools see Section 907.2.3.8.

  907.2.3.1 System connection. Where more than one fire alarm control unit is used at the school campus, they shall be intercon- nected and shall operate all notification appliances.

  Exception: Interconnection of fire alarm control units is not required when all the following are provided: 1. Buildings that are separated a minimum of 20 feet (6096 mm) and in accordance with the California Building Code; and 2. There is a method of two way communication between each classroom and the school administrative office approved by the fire enforcing agency; and 3. A method of manual activation of each fire alarm system is provided.

  907.2.3.2 Assemblies located within a Group E occupancy. Assembly occupancies with an occupant load of less than 1,000 and located within a Group E occupancy campus or building shall be provided with a fire alarm system as required for the Group E

  occupancy.

  907.2.3.3 Notification . The fire alarm system notification shall comply with the requirements of Section 907.5.

  907.2.3.4 Annunciation. Annunciation of the fire alarm system shall comply with the requirements of Section 907.6.3.1.

• CHBC § 809.2.2 Medium relevance — show source text

  11B- 809.2.2 Turning space. All rooms served by an accessible route shall provide a turning space complying with Section 11B- 304 .

  Exception: Turning space shall not be required in exterior spaces 30 inches ( 762 mm) maximum in depth or width.

  11B- 809.3 Kitchen. Where a kitchen is provided, it shall comply with Section 11B- 804 .

  11B- 809.4 Toilet facilities and bathing facilities. At least one bathroom shall comply with Section 11B- 603. No fewer than one of each type of fixture provided within the bathroom shall comply with applicable requirements of Sections 11B- 603 through 11B- 610 . Toilet and bathing fixtures required to comply with Sections 11B- 603 through 11B- 610 shall be located in the same bathroom or toilet and bathing area, such that travel between fixtures does not require travel between other parts of the residential dwelling unit.

  11B-809.4.1 Subsequent bathrooms. In residential dwelling units with more than one bathroom, when a bathtub is installed in the first bathroom in compliance with Section 11B-809.4 and a shower compartment is provided in a subsequent bathroom, at least one shower compartment shall comply with Section 11B-608.

  11B- 809.5 Residential dwelling units with communication features. Residential dwelling units required to provide communication features shall comply with Section 11B- 809.5.

  11B-120 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE

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

  ACCESSIBILITY TO PUBLIC BUILDINGS, PUBLIC ACCOMMODATIONS, COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS AND PUBLIC HOUSING

  11B- 809.5.1 Building fire alarm system. Where a building fire alarm system is provided, the system wiring shall be extended to a point within the residential dwelling unit in the vicinity of the residential dwelling unit smoke detection system.

  11B- 809.5.1.1 Alarm appliances. Where alarm appliances are provided within a residential dwelling unit as part of the building fire alarm system, they shall comply with Chapter 9, Section 907.5.2.3.3.

  11B- 809.5.1.2 Activation. All visible alarm appliances provided within the residential dwelling unit for building fire alarm notification shall be activated upon activation of the building fire alarm in the portion of the building containing the residential dwelling unit.

  11B- 809.5.2 Residential dwelling unit smoke detection system and carbon monoxide detection system. Residential dwelling unit smoke detection systems shall comply with Chapter 9, Section 907.2.11. Residential dwelling unit carbon monoxide detection systems shall comply with Chapter 4.

  11B- 809.5.2.1 Activation. All visible alarm appliances provided within the residential dwelling unit for smoke detection notification shall be activated upon smoke detection. All visible alarm appliances provided within the residential dwelling unit for carbon monoxide detection notification shall be activated upon carbon monoxide detection.

  11B- 809.5.3 Interconnection. The same visible alarm appliances shall be permitted to provide notification of residential dwelling unit smoke detection, building fire alarm activation and carbon monoxide detection.