CHBC · California Historical Building Code

What special provisions bridge historic high‑rise buildings and sprinkler requirements?

If your historic building has occupied floors more than 75 feet above first access, the CHBC can let you sprinkler only the floors above 75 feet (for B, F‑1, F‑2, S occupancies) — but only if the building’s construction and exits meet the regular code, you install a complete fire alarm and annunciation system, and you provide a fire barrier between sprinklered and nonsprinklered floors (see **§ 8-302.5.1** and **§ 8-412**). Note: this article is grounded in the CHBC text excerpts available here. Specific regular‑code high‑rise requirements referenced by **§ 8-412** (standpipes, secondary water supply, emergency voice/alarm communications, etc.) are contained in the regular code and are not reproduced in the CHBC excerpts cited above; consult the regular code and your enforcing agency for those details.

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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

What the code requires — 2–4 sentences

The CHBC allows certain historic high‑rise buildings to avoid full‑building sprinkler retrofit by permitting only the stories above 75 feet to be sprinklered for specified occupancies, provided three conditions are met under § 8-302.5.1. The CHBC also requires qualified historic buildings with occupied floors more than 75 feet above the lowest building access to “conform to the provisions of the regular code for existing high‑rise buildings” as amended by the CHBC (§ 8-412).

In plain terms: for certain historic high‑rises the CHBC permits a limited retrofit — sprinkler only the floors above 75 feet — but only if the building’s construction/exits meet the regular code, a complete fire alarm/annunciation system is installed, and a fire barrier separates sprinklered from nonsprinklered floors.

Requirements in detail

Scope and the controlling clauses

  • The controlling allowance is § 8-302.5.1 (occupancies B, F‑1, F‑2, S): historic high‑rise occupancies of these types “may be permitted” to have only the stories over 75 feet provided with an automatic sprinkler system if three items are satisfied.
    • First mention of § 8-302.5.1 is bolded here.
  • The broader direction for historic high‑rises is § 8-412: qualified historical buildings with occupied floors above 75 feet “shall conform to the provisions of the regular code for existing high‑rise buildings as amended by the CHBC.” This means other high‑rise requirements in the regular code apply unless the CHBC provides an alternative.

What must be installed when partial sprinklering is used

The permission in § 8-302.5.1 requires all three of these, verbatim in concept:

  1. Building construction type and exits must conform to the regular code.
  2. A complete building fire alarm and annunciation system must be installed.
  3. A fire barrier must be provided between the sprinklered and nonsprinklered floors.

Additionally, the CHBC’s sprinkler standards reference NFPA design levels for historic buildings: floors above 75 feet are to use NFPA 13 (see § 8-410.2(3)). That means sprinklers installed on those floors must be designed/installed per NFPA 13 unless another CHBC‑approved solution is accepted by the enforcing agency.

Decision‑relevant table

Decision dimension Key value / threshold Effect / required approach Code Reference
Height threshold 75 feet above lowest floor level having building access Only stories above this threshold may be sprinklered under the CHBC exception for certain occupancies § 8-302.5.1
Applicable occupancies B, F‑1, F‑2, S Those occupancies may use the “sprinkle only floors over 75 ft” option § 8-302.5.1
Construction/exits Must conform to regular code If not, the partial sprinkler option is not available — must rectify per regular code or other CHBC measures § 8-302.5.1
Fire alarm Complete building fire alarm & annunciation Required even if only upper floors are sprinklered § 8-302.5.1; see also § 8-409 for fire alarm requirements
Vertical separation Fire barrier between sprinklered & nonsprinklered floors Physical separation to control fire spread between differing protection zones § 8-302.5.1
Sprinkler standard Floors above 75 ft → NFPA 13 Design/installation standard for those sprinklered floors § 8-410.2(3)
Overall high‑rise compliance Conform to regular code for existing high‑rise buildings as amended by CHBC Other high‑rise systems (standpipes, emergency power, communications, etc.) from regular code may apply § 8-412

How this interacts with other CHBC allowances

  • The CHBC accepts “other technologies” and life‑safety evaluations where appropriate, but the specific partial‑sprinkler permission in § 8-302.5.1 is prescriptive and lists the three required conditions. The enforcing agency may accept other equivalencies under CHBC authority, but those are discretionary.
  • The CHBC also recognizes that installing an automatic sprinkler can be used to satisfy several other construction upgrades (e.g., reduced occupancy separations or fire‑resistive upgrades) (see § 8-302.3 and § 8-402.2). If relying on such tradeoffs, reference these sections in plans.

Exceptions & special cases

  • The partial‑sprinkler approach in § 8-302.5.1 is framed as permissive (“may be permitted”), not mandatory. The enforcing agency can require additional measures or deny the partial approach if a distinct hazard or other conditions exist.
  • If the building has floors above 75 feet, § 8-412 requires conformance to the regular code for existing high‑rises “as amended by the CHBC.” That means some regular code high‑rise requirements (e.g., secondary water supplies, floor control valves, fire command center, in‑building communication systems) may still apply even when only upper stories are sprinklered. The CHBC text points you to the regular code — those detailed regular code items are not reproduced in the CHBC excerpts.
  • Where an enforcing agency accepts an engineered life‑safety evaluation or alternative technologies (see § 8-411), that may provide another route instead of the specific partial‑sprinkler solution; these are agency‑by‑agency and project‑by‑project.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming the partial‑sprinkler option applies to all occupancies — it only addresses B, F‑1, F‑2, and S under § 8-302.5.1.
  • Forgetting the fire barrier requirement between sprinklered and nonsprinklered floors — omission defeats the partial‑sprinkler permission. § 8-302.5.1 mandates it.
  • Installing sprinklers on upper floors but not a complete building fire alarm & annunciation system — both are required together under § 8-302.5.1.
  • Treating CHBC sprinklers as a substitute for exits — § 8-410.3 forbids using an automatic sprinkler system to reduce the required number of exits. Check means‑of‑egress provisions separately.
  • Overlooking that sprinkler design standard for floors above 75 ft is NFPA 13 per § 8-410.2(3) — using NFPA 13R or 13D on those high floors would not meet the CHBC requirement unless approved by the enforcing agency.

Worked example — concrete scenario

Scenario: A qualified historic office building (Occupancy B) has its lowest public access at street level and typical floor‑to‑floor heights of 12 feet. The building has 12 stories.

  1. Determine which floors are “above 75 feet”:
    • 75 ft ÷ 12 ft/floor = 6.25 → floors with top-of‑floor elevation above 75 ft are floors 7 through 12.
  2. CHBC application:
    • Under § 8-302.5.1, because this is Occupancy B, the owner may be permitted to install an automatic sprinkler system only on floors 7–12, rather than throughout, provided:
      • Building construction type and exits conform to the regular code;
      • A complete building fire alarm and annunciation system is installed; and
      • A fire barrier is provided between the sprinklered (7–12) and nonsprinklered (1–6) floors.
  3. Sprinkler design standard:
    • Sprinklers on floors 7–12 must be designed/installed to NFPA 13 (CHBC § 8-410.2(3)).
  4. Other high‑rise requirements:
    • Because occupied floors are above 75 ft, § 8-412 requires conformance with the regular code for existing high‑rise buildings (e.g., standpipes, emergency systems). Those specific regular‑code items must be checked with the enforcing agency and are not reproduced in these CHBC excerpts.

Net result for the owner: partial retrofit is feasible, but plan reviewers will check the three § 8-302.5.1 conditions, NFPA 13 design, and other regular‑code high‑rise provisions under § 8-412.

Related provisions

  • § 8-410 — Automatic sprinkler systems (standards and NFPA cross‑references).
  • § 8-402.2 — One‑hour construction upgrade waiver if an automatic sprinkler system is provided (tradeoffs).
  • § 8-302.3 — Occupancy separations and the effect of sprinklers on reducing separations.
  • § 8-409 — Fire alarm systems (CHBC requires fire alarm systems “as required for the use or occupancy by the regular code”).
  • § 8-411 — Acceptance of other technologies and engineering solutions (life‑safety evaluations).

Code references

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

  • CHBC § 8-303.6 High relevance — show source text

    8-303.6 Light and ventilation. Windows in habitable rooms shall have an area of 6 percent of the floor area, or 6 square feet (0.56 m [2] ), whichever is greater. Windows in sleeping rooms shall be openable (see Section 8-503). Residential occupancies need not be provided with electrical lighting.

    8-303.7 Alteration and repair. The alteration and repair of qualified historical buildings or properties may permit the replacement, retention and extension of original materials and the continued use of original methods of construction, provided a life safety hazard is not created or continued. Alterations and repairs shall be consistent with the CHBC.

    The amount of alterations and repairs is not limited, provided there is no nonhistorical increase in floor area, volume or size of the building or property.

    8-303.8 Exiting. See Chapter 8-5.

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    8-4 FIRE PROTECTION

    SECTION 8-401 — PURPOSE, INTENT AND SCOPE

    8-401.1 Purpose. The purpose of this chapter is to provide regulations for fire protection of qualified historical buildings or properties. The CHBC requires enforcing agencies to accept any reasonably equivalent alternatives to the regular code when dealing with qualified historical buildings or properties.

    8-401.2 Intent. The intent of the CHBC is to preserve the integrity of qualified historical buildings or properties while maintaining a reasonable degree of fire protection based primarily on the life safety of the occupants and firefighting personnel.

    8-401.3 Scope. This chapter shall apply when required by the provisions of Section 8-102.

    SECTION 8-402 — FIRE-RESISTIVE CONSTRUCTION

    8-402.1 Exterior wall construction. The fire-resistance requirement for existing exterior walls and existing opening protection may be satisfied when an automatic sprinkler system designed for exposure protection is installed per the CHBC. The automatic sprinklers may be installed on the exterior with at least one sprinkler located over each opening required to be protected. Additional sprinklers shall also be distributed along combustible walls under the roof lines that do not meet the fire-resistive requirement due to relationship to property lines as required by regular code. Such sprinkler systems may be connected to the domestic water supply on the supply-main side of the building shut-off valve. A shut-off valve may be installed for the sprinkler system, provided it is locked in an open position.

    8-402.2 One-hour construction. Upgrading an existing qualified historical building or property to one-hour fire-resistive construction and one-hour fire-resistive corridors shall not be required regardless of construction or occupancy when one of the following is provided:

    1. An automatic sprinkler system throughout. See Section 8-410 for automatic sprinkler systems.
    2. An approved life safety evaluation.
    3. Other alternative measures as approved by the enforcing agency.

    8-402.3 Openings in fire-rated systems. Historical glazing materials and solid wood unrated doors in interior walls required to have one-hour fire rating may be approved when operable windows and doors are provided with appropriate smoke seals and when the area affected is provided with an automatic sprinkler system. See Section 8-410 for automatic sprinkler systems.

    SECTION 8-403 — INTERIOR FINISH MATERIALS

  • CHBC § 8-302.3 High relevance — show source text

    8-302.3 Occupancy separations. Required occupancy separations of more than one hour may be reduced to one-hour fire-resistive construction with all openings protected by not less than three-fourths-hour fire-resistive assemblies of the self-closing or automatic-closing type when the building is provided with an automatic sprinkler system throughout the entire building in accordance with Section 8-410.2. Doors equipped with automatic-closing devices shall be of a type which will function upon activation of a device which responds to products of combustion other than heat.

    Required occupancy separations of one hour may be omitted when the building is provided with an automatic sprinkler system throughout.

    8-302.4 Maximum floor area. Regardless of the use or character of occupancy, the area of a one-story qualified historical building or property may have, but shall not exceed, a floor area of 15,000 square feet (1393.5 m [2] ) unless such an increase is otherwise permitted in regular code. Multistory qualified historical buildings (including basements and cellars) shall be in accordance with regular code requirements.

    Exception: Historical buildings may be unlimited in floor area without fire-resistive area separation walls:

    1. When provided with an automatic sprinkler, or
    2. Residential occupancies of two stories or less when provided with a complete fire alarm and annunciation system and where the exiting system conforms to regular code.

    8-302.5 Maximum height. The maximum height and number of stories of a qualified historical building or property shall not be limited because of construction type, provided such height or number of stories does not exceed that of its historical design.

    8-302.5.1 High-rise buildings. Occupancies B, F-1, F-2 or S in high-rise buildings with floors located more than 75 feet above the lowest floor level having building access may be permitted with only the stories over 75 feet provided with an automatic fire sprinkler system if:

    1. The building construction type and the exits conform to regular code, and
    2. A complete building fire alarm and annunciation system is installed, and
    3. A fire barrier is provided between the sprinklered and nonsprinklered floors.

    8-302.6 Fire-resistive construction. See Chapter 8-4.

    8-302.7 Light and ventilation. Existing provisions for light and ventilation which do not, in the opinion of the enforcing agency, constitute a safety hazard may remain. See Section 8-303.6 for residential requirements. See Section 8-503 for Escape or Rescue Windows and Doors.

    SECTION 8-303 — RESIDENTIAL OCCUPANCIES

    8-303.1 Purpose. The purpose of this section is to provide regulations for those buildings designated as qualified historical buildings or properties and classified as residential occupancies. The CHBC requires enforcing agencies to accept any reasonably equivalent alternative to the regular code when dealing with qualified historical buildings and properties.

    8-303.2 Intent. The intent of the CHBC is to preserve the integrity of qualified historical buildings and properties while maintaining a reasonable degree of protection of life, health and safety for the occupants.

    8-303.3 Application and scope. The provisions of this section shall apply to all qualified historical buildings used for human habitation. Those dwelling units intended only for display, or public use with no residential use involved, need not comply with the requirements of this section.

    8-303.4 Fire escapes. See Chapter 8-5.

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

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    FIRE PROTECTION

    1. 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.
    2. 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.

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    8-5 MEANS OF EGRESS

  • CHBC § 8-410.3 High relevance — show source text

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

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

    3. 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.

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    8-5 MEANS OF EGRESS

    SECTION 8-501 — PURPOSE, INTENT AND SCOPE

    8-501.1 Purpose. The purpose of this chapter is to establish minimum means of egress regulations for qualified historical buildings or properties. The CHBC requires enforcing agencies to accept reasonably equivalent alternatives to the means of egress requirements in the regular code.

    8-501.2 Intent. The intent of these regulations is to provide an adequate means of egress.

    8-501.3 Scope. Every qualified historical building or portion thereof shall be provided with exits as required by the CHBC when required by the provisions of Section 8-102.

    SECTION 8-502 — GENERAL

    8-502.1 General. The enforcing agency shall grant reasonable exceptions to the specific provisions of applicable egress regulations where such exceptions will not adversely affect life safety.

    8-502.2. Existing door openings and corridor widths of less than dimensions required by regular code shall be permitted where there is sufficient width and height for the occupants to pass through the opening or traverse the exit.

    8-502.3 Stairs. Existing stairs having risers and treads or width at variance with the regular code are allowed if determined by the enforcing agency to not constitute a distinct hazard. Handrails with nonconforming grip size or extensions are allowed if determined by the enforcing agency to not constitute a distinct hazard.

    8-502.4 Main entry doors. The front or main entry doors need not be rehung to swing in the direction of exit travel, provided other means or conditions of exiting, as necessary to serve the total occupant load, are provided.

  • CHBC § 8-3 High relevance — show source text

    TREATMENT. An act of work to carry out preservation, restoration, stabilization, rehabilitation or reconstruction.

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    8-3 USE AND OCCUPANCY

    SECTION 8-301 — PURPOSE AND SCOPE

    8-301.1 Purpose. The purpose of the CHBC is to provide regulations for the determination of occupancy classifications and conditions of use for qualified historical buildings or properties.

    8-301.2 Scope. Every qualified historical building or property for which a permit or approval has been requested shall be classified prior to permit issuance according to its use or the character of its occupancy in accordance with the regular code and applicable provisions of this chapter.

    SECTION 8-302 — GENERAL

    8-302.1 Existing use. The use or character of occupancy of a qualified historical building or property, or portion thereof, shall be permitted to continue in use regardless of any period of time in which it may have remained unoccupied or in other uses, provided such building or property otherwise conforms to all applicable requirements of the CHBC.

    8-302.2 Change in occupancy. The use or character of the occupancy of a qualified historical building or property may be changed from or returned to its historical use or character, provided the qualified historical building or property conforms to the requirements applicable to the new use or character of occupancy as set forth in the CHBC. Such change in occupancy shall not mandate conformance with new construction requirements as set forth in regular code.

    8-302.3 Occupancy separations. Required occupancy separations of more than one hour may be reduced to one-hour fire-resistive construction with all openings protected by not less than three-fourths-hour fire-resistive assemblies of the self-closing or automatic-closing type when the building is provided with an automatic sprinkler system throughout the entire building in accordance with Section 8-410.2. Doors equipped with automatic-closing devices shall be of a type which will function upon activation of a device which responds to products of combustion other than heat.

    Required occupancy separations of one hour may be omitted when the building is provided with an automatic sprinkler system throughout.

    8-302.4 Maximum floor area. Regardless of the use or character of occupancy, the area of a one-story qualified historical building or property may have, but shall not exceed, a floor area of 15,000 square feet (1393.5 m [2] ) unless such an increase is otherwise permitted in regular code. Multistory qualified historical buildings (including basements and cellars) shall be in accordance with regular code requirements.

    Exception: Historical buildings may be unlimited in floor area without fire-resistive area separation walls:

    1. When provided with an automatic sprinkler, or
    2. Residential occupancies of two stories or less when provided with a complete fire alarm and annunciation system and where the exiting system conforms to regular code.

    8-302.5 Maximum height. The maximum height and number of stories of a qualified historical building or property shall not be limited because of construction type, provided such height or number of stories does not exceed that of its historical design.

  • CHBC § 407.7.1 High relevance — show source text

    The provisions of this_ exception shall apply to those buildings or structures having bearing walls and structural frames protected in accordance with the provisions of Column Type IA of Table 601.

    4. In detention facilities where inmates are not restrained.

    The provisions of this section shall not apply to any facility used to house six or less persons on the premises.

    407.7.1 When a new addition is to be made to an unsprinklered building or structure as permitted by this subsection, such new addi- tion shall be sprinklered as required by this section and shall be separated from the existing building or structures by not less than a two-hour fire-resistive fire barrier.

    When a sprinkler system is added to an existing unsprinklered building or structure, the sprinklered area(s) shall be separated from the remainder of the building by not less than a one-hour fire-resistive fire barrier. The provisions of this section do not apply to any facility used to house six or less persons on the premises.

    [F] 407.8 Fire alarm system. A fire alarm system shall be provided in accordance with Section 907.2.6.

    [F] 407.9 Automatic smoke detection. A utomatic smoke detection shall be provided in accordance with Section 907.2.6.2.2.

    Group I-2, Condition 2 occupancies shall be equipped with smoke detection as required in Section 407.2.

    Exceptions:

    1. Corridor smoke detection is not required where sleeping rooms are provided with smoke detectors that comply with UL
    2. Such detectors shall provide a visual display on the corridor side of each sleeping room and an audible and visual alarm at the care provider’s station attending each unit.
    3. Corridor smoke detection is not required where sleeping room doors are equipped with automatic door-closing devices with integral smoke detectors on the unit sides installed in accordance with their listing, provided that the integral detectors perform the required alerting function.

    [BE] 407.10 Secured yards. Grounds are permitted to be fenced and gates therein are permitted to be equipped with locks, provided that safe dispersal areas having 30 net square feet (2.8 m [2] ) for bed and stretcher care recipients and 6 net square feet (0.56 m [2] ) for ambulatory care recipients and other occupants are located between the building and the fence. Such provided safe dispersal areas shall be located not less than 50 feet (15 240 mm) from the building they serve. Each safe dispersal area shall have a minimum of two exits. The aggregate clear width of exits from a safe dispersal area shall be determined on the basis of not less than one exit unit of 22 inches (559 mm) for each 500 persons to be accommodated, and no exit shall be less than 44 inches (1118 mm) in width. Gates shall not be installed across corridors or passageways leading to such dispersal areas unless they comply with egress requirements. Keys to gate locks shall be provided in accordance with the California Fire Code.

    [F] 407.11 Electrical systems. In Group I-2 occupancies, electrical construction and installation shall be in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 27, Article 517 of the California Electrical Code and NFPA 99.

  • CHBC § 3311.3 High relevance — show source text

    [F] 3311.3 Detailed requirements. Standpipes shall be installed in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 9.

    Exception: Standpipes shall be either temporary or permanent in nature, and with or without a water supply, provided that such standpipes conform to the requirements of Section 905 as to capacity, outlets and materials.

    SECTION 3312—AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEM

    [F] 3312.1 Completion before occupancy. In buildings where an automatic sprinkler system is required by this code, it shall be unlawful to occupy any portion of a building or structure until the automatic sprinkler system installation has been tested and approved, except as provided in Section 111.3.

    [F] 3312.2 Operation of valves. Operation of sprinkler control valves shall be permitted only by properly authorized personnel and shall be accompanied by notification of duly designated parties. When the sprinkler protection is being regularly turned off and on to facilitate connection of newly completed segments, the sprinkler control valves shall be checked at the end of each work period to ascertain that protection is in service.

    SECTION 3313—WATER SUPPLY FOR FIRE PROTECTION

    [F] 3313.1 Where required. An approved water supply for fire protection, either temporary or permanent, shall be made available as soon as combustible building materials arrive on the site, on commencement of vertical combustible construction, and on installation of a standpipe system in buildings under construction, in accordance with Sections 3313.2 through 3313.5.

    Exception: The fire code official is authorized to reduce the fire-flow requirements for isolated buildings or a group of buildings in rural areas or small communities where the development of full fire-flow requirements is impractical.

    [F] 3313.2 Combustible building materials. When combustible building materials of the building under construction are delivered to a site, a minimum fire flow of 500 gallons per minute (1893 L/m) shall be provided. The fire hydrant used to provide this fire flow supply shall be within 500 feet (152 m) of the combustible building materials, as measured along an approved fire apparatus access lane. Where the site configuration is such that one fire hydrant cannot be located within 500 feet (152 m) of all combustible building materials, additional fire hydrants shall be required to provide coverage in accordance with this section.

    [F] 3313.3 Vertical construction of Types III, IV and V construction. Prior to commencement of vertical construction of Type III, IV or V buildings that utilize any combustible building materials, the fire flow required by Sections 3313.3.1 through 3313.3.3 shall be provided, accompanied by fire hydrants in sufficient quantity to deliver the required fire flow and proper coverage.

    [F] 3313.3.1 Fire separation up to 30 feet. Where a building of Type III, IV or V construction has a fire separation distance of less than 30 feet (9144 mm) from property lot lines, and an adjacent property has an existing structure or otherwise can be built on, the

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    SAFEGUARDS DURING CONSTRUCTION

    water supply shall provide either a minimum of 500 gallons per minute (1893 L/m), or the entire fire flow required for the building when constructed, whichever is greater.

  • CHBC § 403.3 High relevance — show source text

    Sprinkler protection 403.3, 903.2.11.3 Stairways 403.5, 1023, 1025 Standby power 403.4.8, 2702.2 Structural integrity 403.2.2, 1616 Super high-rise (over 420 feet) 403.2.1, 403.2.2, 403.2.3, 403.3.1, 403.5.2 Voice alarm 403.4.4, 907.2.14 Zones 907.6.3, 907.6.4 Historic Buildings 101.4.7 Flood provisions G106.3

    Horizontal Assembly 711 Continuity 509.4.1, 711.2.2, 711.2.3, 713.11, 713.12 Fire-resistance rating 603.1, 703, 704.3.2, 707.3.10, 711.2.4 Glazing, rated 716.3.4 Group I-1 420.3 Group R 420.3 Incidental 509.4

    Insulation 720, 807, 808 Joints 715, 2508.4 Nonfire-resistance rating 711.3 Opening protection 712.1.13.1, 714.5, 716, 717.6 Shaft enclosure 713.1 Special provisions Atrium 404.3, 404.6 Covered and open mall buildings 402.4.2.3, 402.8.7 Fire pumps 913.2.1 Flammable finishes 416.2

    Group H-2 415.9.1.1, 415.9.1.2 Group H-5 415.11.1.2, 415.11.6.1 Group I-2 407.5 Groups H-3 and H-4 415.10.2 Groups I-1, R-1, R-2, R-3 and R-4 420.3

    Hazardous materials 414.2 High-rise 403.2.1, 403.3 Organic coating 418.4, 418.5, 418.6 Stages and platforms 410.3, 410.4.1 Horizontal Exit 1026 Accessible means of egress 1009.2, 1009.2.1, 1009.3, 1009.4, 1009.6,

    1009.6.2

    Doors 1026.3 Exit discharge 1028.2 Fire resistance 1026.2 Institutional I-2 occupancy 407.4, 1026.1 Institutional I-3 occupancy 408.2, 1026.1 Refuge area (see Refuge Areas) Horizontal Fire Separation (see Horizontal Assemblies) Hose Connections (see Standpipe Required) Hospitals and Psychiatric Hospitals (see Institutional, Group I-2) 308.3, 407 Hospitals [OSHPD 1] 1224 Application 1224.2 Communications systems 1224.5 Definitions 1224.3

    General construction 1224.4

    Reserved 1224.6–1224.13

  • CHBC § 3206.10. High relevance — show source text

    Where automatic sprinklers are required for reasons other than those in Chapter 32, the portion of the sprinkler system protecting the high-piled storage
    area shall be designed and installed in accordance with Sections 3207 and 3208.
    b. For aisles, see Section 3206.10.
    c. Piles shall be separated by aisles complying with Section 3206.10.
    d. For storage in excess of the height indicated, special fire protection shall be provided in accordance with Note f where required by the fire code official.
    See Chapters 51 and 57 for special limitations for aerosols and flammable and combustible liquids, respectively.
    e. For storage exceeding 30 feet in height, Option 1 shall be used.
    f.
    Special fire protection provisions including, but not limited to, fire protection of exposed steel columns; increased sprinkler density; additional in-rack
    sprinklers, without associated reductions in ceiling sprinkler density; or fire department hose connections shall be provided where required by the fire code
    official.
    g. Not required where an automatic fire-extinguishing system is designed and installed to protect the high-piled storage area in accordance with Sections
    3207 and 3208.
    h. Not required where storage areas_with an exit access travel distance of 250 feet (76 200 mm) or less are protected by either early suppression fast response
    (ESFR) sprinkler systems or control mode special application sprinklers with a response time index of 50 (meters-seconds)1/2 or less that are listed to control
    a fire in the stored commodities with 12 or fewer sprinklers, installed in accordance with     Section 903.3.1.1._
    i.
    Not required in frozen food warehouses used solely for storage of Class I and II commodities where protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system.|For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 cubic foot = 0.02832 m3, 1 square foot = 0.0929 m2.
    a. Where automatic sprinklers are required for reasons other than those in Chapter 32, the portion of the sprinkler system protecting the high-piled storage
    area shall be designed and installed in accordance with Sections 3207 and 3208.
    b. For aisles, see Section 3206.10.
    c. Piles shall be separated by aisles complying with Section 3206.10.
    d. For storage in excess of the height indicated, special fire protection shall be provided in accordance with Note f where required by the fire code official.
    See Chapters 51 and 57 for special limitations for aerosols and flammable and combustible liquids, respectively.
    e. For storage exceeding 30 feet in height, Option 1 shall be used.
    f.
    Special fire protection provisions including, but not limited to, fire protection of exposed steel columns; increased sprinkler density; additional in-rack
    sprinklers, without associated reductions in ceiling sprinkler density; or fire department hose connections shall be provided where required by the fire code
    official.
    g. Not required where an automatic fire-extinguishing system is designed and installed to protect the high-piled storage area in accordance with Sections
    3207 and 3208.
    h.

  • CHBC § 304.8 High relevance — show source text

    8)|Maximum pile
    dimensionc
    (feet)|Maximum
    permissible
    storage heightd
    (feet)|Maximum pile
    volume
    (cubic feet)**| |High hazard|0–500|Not
    Requireda|Not Required|Not Required|Not Required|60|Not Required|Not Required| |High hazard|501–2,500
    Open to the
    public|Yes|Not Required|Not Required|Not Required|60|30|75,000| |High hazard|501–2,500
    Not open to
    the public
    (Option 1)|Yes|Not Required|Not Required|Not Required|60|30|75,000| |High hazard|501–2,500
    Not open to
    the public
    (Option 2)|Not
    Requireda|Yesg|Yes|Yesh, i|60|20|50,000| |High hazard|2,501–300,000|Yes|Not Required|Yes|Yesh, i|60|30|75,000| |High hazard|Greater than
    300,000f|Yes|Not Required|Yes|Yesh, i|60|30|75,000| |For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 cubic foot = 0.02832 m3, 1 square foot = 0.0929 m2.
    a. Where automatic sprinklers are required for reasons other than those in Chapter 32, the portion of the sprinkler system protecting the high-piled storage
    area shall be designed and installed in accordance with Sections 3207 and 3208.
    b. For aisles, see Section 3206.10.
    c. Piles shall be separated by aisles complying with Section 3206.10.
    d. For storage in excess of the height indicated, special fire protection shall be provided in accordance with Note f where required by the fire code official.
    See Chapters 51 and 57 for special limitations for aerosols and flammable and combustible liquids, respectively.
    e. For storage exceeding 30 feet in height, Option 1 shall be used.
    f.
    Special fire protection provisions including, but not limited to, fire protection of exposed steel columns; increased sprinkler density; additional in-rack
    sprinklers, without associated reductions in ceiling sprinkler density; or fire department hose connections shall be provided where required by the fire code
    official.
    g. Not required where an automatic fire-extinguishing system is designed and installed to protect the high-piled storage area in accordance with Sections
    3207 and 3208.
    h. Not required where storage areas_with an exit access travel distance of 250 feet (76 200 mm) or less are protected by either early suppression fast response
    (ESFR) sprinkler systems or control mode special application sprinklers with a response time index of 50 (meters-seconds)1/2 or less that are listed to control
    a fire in the stored commodities with 12 or fewer sprinklers, installed in accordance with     Section 903.3.1.1._
    i.
    Not required in frozen food warehouses used solely for storage of Class I and II commodities where protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system.|For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 cubic foot = 0.02832 m3, 1 square foot = 0.0929 m2.
    a.

  • CHBC § 3.3 High relevance — show source text


    Title 19, Division 1]|||||||||||||||||||||||| |Chapter / Section|||||||||||||||||||||||| |1103.3.3|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |1103.7|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |1103.7.3|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |1103.7.3.1|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |1103.7.8 – 1103.7.8.2|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |1103.7.9 – 1103.7.9.10|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |1103.8 –_ 1103.8.5.3_|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |1103.9|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |1103.9.1|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |1105.12|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |1105.12.1|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |1107|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |1108|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |1113|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |1114|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |1115|||X||||||||||||||||||||| |1116|||X|||||||||||||||||||||

    • 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.

    2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE 11-1

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

    11-2 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE

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

    11 CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS FOR EXISTING BUILDINGS

    User notes:

    About this chapter: Chapter 11 applies to existing buildings constructed prior to the adoption of the code and is intended to ensure a minimum degree of fire and life safety to persons occupying existing buildings by providing for alterations to such buildings that do not comply with the minimum requirements of the California Building Code . The provisions address general fire safety features such as requirements for fire alarm systems in some existing buildings and general means of egress, and include a section dedicated to existing Group I-2 occupancies.

    SECTION 1101—GENERAL

    1101.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall apply to existing buildings constructed prior to the adoption of this code.

    1101.2 Intent. The intent of this chapter is to provide a minimum degree of fire and life safety to persons occupying existing buildings by providing minimum construction requirements where such existing buildings do not comply with the minimum requirements of the California Building Code .

    1101.3 Permits. Permits shall be required as set forth in Sections 105.5 and 105.6 and the California Building Code .

  • CHBC § 4-1 Medium relevance — show source text

    CHAPTER 4 SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS

    BASED ON OCCUPANCY AND USE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-1

    401 Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5

    402 Covered Mall and Open Mall Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5

    403 High-Rise Buildings and Group I-2 Occupancies Having Occupied Floors Located More Than 75 Feet above the Lowest Level of

    Fire Department Vehicle Access . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-9

    404 Atriums. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-12

    405 Underground Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-13

    406 Motor-Vehicle-Related Occupancies. . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-15

    407 Group I-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-19

    408 Group I-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-24

    409 Motion Picture Projection Rooms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-30

    410 Stages, Platforms and Technical Production Areas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-31

    411 Special Amusement Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-32

    412 Aircraft-Related Occupancies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-33

    413 Combustible Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-37

    414 Hazardous Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-37

    415 Groups H-1, H-2, H-3, H-4 and H-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-42

    416 Spray Application of Flammable Finishes . . . . . . . . 4-51

    417 Drying Rooms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-52

    418 Organic Coatings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-52

    419 Artificial Decorative Vegetation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-52

Frequently asked questions

Can I choose to sprinkler only a single floor that is above 75 feet?

Yes — the CHBC language allows the building owner to be “permitted” to have only the stories over 75 feet provided with sprinklers for the specified occupancies, but the three conditions in § 8-302.5.1 (regular‑code construction/exits, complete fire alarm/annunciation, fire barrier between zones) must be satisfied and the enforcing agency must approve.

Does CHBC change the sprinkler design standard for high floors?

No. The CHBC points to NFPA standards: floors above 75 feet must use NFPA 13 per § 8-410.2(3) unless the enforcing agency approves another solution.

If I partial‑sprinkle the upper floors, do I still need standpipes and emergency power?

Possibly. § 8-412 requires qualified historic high‑rise buildings to conform to the regular code for existing high‑rise buildings. Many regular‑code high‑rise provisions (standpipes, emergency power, communications) can still apply — check the regular code and coordinating fire authority.

What if the building’s construction or exits do not conform to the regular code?

If construction type or exits do not conform to the regular code, the partial‑sprinkler permission in § 8-302.5.1 is not available until those items are addressed to the enforcing agency’s satisfaction; alternative compliance routes (life‑safety evaluations, other technologies) may be available.

Can a local enforcing agency require sprinklers throughout despite § 8-302.5.1?

Yes. The CHBC frames the partial‑sprinkler approach as an allowance (“may be permitted”) and the enforcing agency has authority to require additional measures if needed for life‑safety; also other regular‑code high‑rise requirements under § 8-412 may mandate systems beyond the partial approach.

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