| Adopting agency | BSC | BSC-CG | SFM | HCD | DSA | OSHPD | BSCC | DPH | AGR | DWR | CEC | CA | SL | SLC | |||||||
| 1 | 2 | 1/AC | AC | SS | SS/CC | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | ||||||||||||
| Adopt entire chapter | X | X | X | X | X | X | |||||||||||||||
| Adopt entire chapter as amended (amended sections listed below) | X | X | X | ||||||||||||||||||
| Adopt only those sections that are listed below | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Chapter / Section | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 503.1, Exception 1 | X | X | |||||||||||||||||||
| Figure 5-1 | X | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Table 504.3 | X | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Table 504.4 | X | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Table 506.2 | X | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 506.2.3 | X | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 506.2.4 | X | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 507.4 | X | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 507.11 | X | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 508.2.4 | X | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 508.3.3 | X | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Table 508.4 | X | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Table 509 | X | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 509.3 | X | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 510.10 | X | ||||||||||||||||||||
User note: Code change proposals to sections preceded by the designation [F] will be considered by the International Fire Code Development Committee during the 2016 (Group B) Code Development Cycle. See explanation on page ix.
Unless otherwise specifically modified in Chapter 4 and this chapter, building height, number of stories and building area shall not exceed the limits specified in Sections 504 and 506 based on the type of construction as determined by Section 602 and the occupancies as determined by Section 302 except as modified hereafter. Building height, number of stories and building area provisions shall be applied independently. Each portion of a building separated by one or more fire walls complying with Section 706 shall be considered to be a separate building.
Exceptions:
- [HCD 1] Limited-density owner-built rural dwellings may be of any type of construction which will provide for a sound structural condition. Structural hazards which result in an unsound condition and which may constitute a substandard building are delineated by Section 17920.3 of the Health and Safety Code.
Other than structural requirements, solar photovoltaic panels supported by a structure with no use underneath shall not constitute additional story or additional floor area and may exceed the height limit when constructed on a roof top of a building provided the following conditions are met:
For all occupancies, the highest point of the structure/panel shall meet the lower of the two values below:
- 3' above the allowable building height per this code.
- 3' above the roof of the building immediately below.
For installations on flat roofs in other than Group R-3 and R-4 occupancies, the highest point of the structure/panel shall meet the lower of the two values below:
- 10' above the allowable building height per this code.
- 10' above the roof of the building immediately below.
Other than structural requirements, solar photovoltaic panels supported by a structure over parking stalls shall not constitute additional story or additional floor area and may exceed the height limit as specified in exception 2 (above) when the following conditions are met (see Figure 5-1):
- The area within the perimeter of the photovoltaic array has maximum rectangular dimension of 40 feet by 150 feet.
- The distance between solar photovoltaic array structures is a minimum of 10 feet clear.
- The driveway aisle separating solar photovoltaic array structures has a minimum width of 25 feet clear.
- Solar photovoltaic array structure is used only for parking purposes with no storage.
- Completely open on all sides (other than necessary structural supports) with no interior partitions.
The height, in feet, and the number of stories of a building shall be determined based on the type of construction, occupancy classification and whether there is an automatic sprinkler system installed throughout the building.
Exception: The building height of one-story aircraft hangars, aircraft paint hangars and buildings used for the manufacturing of aircraft shall not be limited where the building is provided with an automatic sprinkler system or automatic fire-extinguishing system in accordance with Chapter 9 and is entirely surrounded by public ways or yards not less in width than one and one-half times the building height.
The maximum height, in feet, of a building shall not exceed the limits specified in Table 504.3.
Exception: Towers, spires, steeples and other roof structures shall be constructed of materials consistent with the required type of construction of the building except where other construction is permitted by Section 1510.2.5. Such structures shall not be used for habitation or storage. The structures shall be unlimited in height where of noncombustible materials and shall not extend more than 20 feet (6096 mm) above the allowable building height where of combustible materials (see Chapter 15 for additional requirements).
TABLE 504.3a, i
ALLOWABLE BUILDING HEIGHT IN FEET ABOVE GRADE PLANE
| OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION | TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION | |||||||||
| SEE FOOTNOTES | TYPE I | TYPE II | TYPE III | TYPE IV | TYPE V | |||||
| A | B | A | B | A | B | HT | A | B | ||
| B, F, M, S, U | NSb | UL | 160 | 65 | 55 | 65 | 55 | 65 | 50 | 40 |
| S | UL | 180 | 85 | 75 | 85 | 75 | 85 | 70 | 60 | |
| A, E | NSb | UL | 160 | 65 | 55 | 65 | 55 | 65 | 50 | 40 |
| S (without area increase) | UL | 180 | 85 | 75 | 85 | 75 | 85 | 70 | 60 | |
| S (with area increase) | UL | 160 | 65 | 55 | 65 | 55 | 65 | 50 | 40 | |
| H-1, H-2, H-3, H-5, L | NSc, d | UL | 160 | 65 | 55 | 65 | 55 | 65 | 50 | 40 |
| S | ||||||||||
| H-4 | NSc, d | UL | 160 | 65 | 55 | 65 | 55 | 65 | 50 | 40 |
| S (without area increase) | UL | 180 | 85 | 75 | 85 | 75 | 85 | 70 | 60 | |
| S (with area increase) | UL | 160 | 65 | 55 | 65 | 55 | 65 | 50 | 40 | |
| I-3 | NSd, e | UL | 160 | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP |
| S (without area increase) | UL | 180 | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | |
| S (with area increase) | UL | 160 | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | |
| I-2, I-2.1 | NSd, f, e | UL | 160 | 65 | 55 | 65 | 55 | 65 | 50 | 40 |
| S (without area increase) | UL | 180 | 85 | |||||||
| S (with area increase) | UL | 160 | 65 | |||||||
| I-4 | NSd, g | UL | 160 | 65 | 55 | 65 | 55 | 65 | 50 | 40 |
| S (without area increase) | UL | 180 | 85 | 75 | 85 | 75 | 85 | 70 | 60 | |
| S (with area increase) | UL | 160 | 65 | 55 | 65 | 55 | 65 | 50 | 50 | |
| R-1h | NSd | UL | 160 | 65 | 55 | 65 | 55 | 65 | 50 | 40 |
| S13R | 60 | 60 | 60 | 55 | 60 | 55 | 60 | 50 | 40 | |
| S (without area increase) | UL | 180 | 85 | 75 | 85 | 75 | 85 | 70 | 60 | |
| S (with area increase) | UL | 160 | 65 | 55 | 65 | 55 | 65 | 50 | 40 | |
| R-2h | NSd | UL | 160 | 65 | 55 | 65 | 55 | 65 | 50 | 40 |
| S13R | 60 | 60 | 60 | 55 | 60 | 55 | 60 | 50 | 40 | |
| S (without area increase) | UL | 180 | 85 | 75 | 85 | 75 | 85 | 70 | 60 | |
| S (with area increase) | UL | 160 | 65 | 55 | 65 | 55 | 65 | 60j | 40 | |
| R-3, R-3.1h | NSd | UL | 160 | 65 | 55 | 65 | 55 | 65 | 50 | 40 |
| S13D | 60 | 60 | 60 | 60 | 60 | 60 | 60 | 50 | 40 | |
| S13R | 60 | 60 | 60 | 60 | 60 | 60 | 60 | 60 | 60 | |
| S | UL | 180 | 85 | 75 | 85 | 75 | 85 | 70 | 60 | |
| R-2.1, R-4h | NSd | UL | 160 | 65 | 55 | 65 | 55 | 65 | 50 | 40 |
| S13D | 60 | 60 | 60 | 55 | 60 | 55 | 60 | 50 | 40 | |
| S13R | 60 | 60 | 60 | 55 | 60 | 55 | 60 | 50 | 40 | |
| S | UL | 160 | 65 | 55 | 65 | 55 | 65 | 50 | 40 | |
For SI:1 foot = 304.8 mm.
Note: UL = Unlimited; NP = Not Permitted; NS = Buildings not equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system; S = Buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1; S13R = Buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.2; S13D = Buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.3.
- See Chapters 4 and 5 for specific exceptions to the allowable height in this chapter.
- See Section 903.2 for the minimum thresholds for protection by an automatic sprinkler system for specific occupancies.
- New Group H occupancies are required to be protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.2.5.
- The NS value is only for use in evaluation of existing building height in accordance with the California Existing Building Code.
- New Group I-3 occupancies are required to be protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.2.6.
- New and existing Group I-2 occupancies are required to be protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.2.6 and Section 1103.5 of the California Fire Code.
- For new Group I-4 occupancies, see Exceptions 2 and 3 of Section 903.2.6.
- New Group R occupancies are required to be protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.2.8.
- In other than Group A, E, H, I, L, and R occupancies, high-rise buildings, and other applications listed in Section 1.11 regulated by the Office of the State Fire Marshal, the S increases for height and stories in Tables 504.3 and 504.4 are permitted in addition to the S area increase in accordance with Table 506.2.
- For Group R-2 buildings of Type VA construction equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, S area increase is permitted in addition to the height and story increase provided the height shall not exceed 60 feet and 4 stories.
The maximum number of stories of a building shall not exceed the limits specified in Table 504.4.
TABLE 504.4a, b, n
ALLOWABLE NUMBER OF STORIES ABOVE GRADE PLANE
| OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION | TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION | ||||||||||
| SEE FOOTNOTES | TYPE I | TYPE II | TYPE III | TYPE IV | TYPE V | ||||||
| A | B | A | B | A | B | HT | A | B | |||
| A-1 | NS | UL | 5 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 1 | |
| S (without area increase) | UL | 6 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 2 | ||
| S (with area increase) | UL | 5 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 1 | ||
| A-2 | NS | UL | 11 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 1 | |
| S (without area increase) | UL | 12 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 2 | ||
| S (with area increase) | UL | 11 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 1 | ||
| A-3 | NS | UL | 11 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 1 | |
| S (without area increase) | UL | 12 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 2 | ||
| S (with area increase) | UL | 11 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 1 | ||
| A-4 | NS | UL | 11 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 1 | |
| S (without area increase) | UL | 12 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 2 | ||
| S (with area increase) | UL | 11 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 1 | ||
| A-5 | NS | UL | UL | UL | UL | UL | UL | UL | UL | UL | |
| S | UL | UL | UL | UL | UL | UL | UL | UL | UL | ||
| B | NS | UL | 11 | 5 | 3 | 5 | 3 | 5 | 3 | 2 | |
| S | UL | 12 | 6 | 4 | 6 | 4 | 6 | 4 | 3 | ||
| E | NS | UL | 5 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 1 | |
| S (without area increase) | UL | 6 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 2 | 2 | ||
| S (with area increase) | UL | 5 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 1 | ||
| F-1 | NS | UL | 11 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 1 | |
| S | UL | 12 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 3 | 2 | ||
| F-2 | NS | UL | 11 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 3 | 2 | |
| S | UL | 12 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 6 | 4 | 3 | ||
| H-1 | NSc, d | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | NP | |
| S | |||||||||||
| H-2 | NSc, d | 20 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | |
| S | |||||||||||
| H-3 | NSc, d | 20 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 1 | |
| S | |||||||||||
| H-4 | NSc, d | 20 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 5 | 3 | 5 | 3 | 2 | |
| S (without area increase) | 20 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 6 | 4 | 6 | 4 | 3 | ||
| S (with area increase) | 20 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 5 | 3 | 5 | 3 | 2 | ||
| H-5 | NSc, d | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | |
| S | |||||||||||
| I-2/I-2.1j, i | NSd, f | UL | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | NP | 1 | 1 | NP | |
| S (without area increase) | UL | 5 | 3 | ||||||||
| S (with area increase) | UL | 4 | 2 | ||||||||
| I-3 | NSd, e | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | |
| S (without area increase) | UL | 3 | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | ||
| S (with area increase) | UL | 2 | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | ||
| I-4 | NSd, g | UL | 5 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 1 | |
| S (without area increase) | UL | 6 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 2 | 2 | ||
| S (with area increase) | UL | 5 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 1 | ||
| L | NS | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | |
| S | 20 | 6 | 5 | 3 | 5 | 3 | 5 | 3 | 2 | ||
| M | NS | UL | 11 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 1 | |
| S | UL | 12 | 5 | 3 | 5 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 2 | ||
| R-1h | NSd | UL | 11 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 2 | |
| S13R | 4 | 4 | 3 | 2 | |||||||
| S (without area increase) | UL | 12 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 | ||
| S (with area increase) | UL | 11 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 2 | ||
| R-2h | NSd | UL | 11 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 2 | |
| S13R | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 2 | ||||||
| S (without area increase) | UL | 12 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 | ||
| S (with area increase) | UL | 11 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4o | 2 | ||
| R-2.1h | NSd | UL | 6l | 3k | NP | 3k | NP | NP | 3k | NP | |
| S13R | UL | 4l | 3k | NP | 3k | NP | NP | 3k | NP | ||
| S | UL | 6l | 3k | NP | 3k | NP | NP | 3k | NP | ||
| R-3, R-3.1h | NSd | UL | 11 | 3 | 3 | ||||||
| S13D | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | ||
| S13R | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | |||||||
| S | UL | 12 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | ||
| R-4h | NSd | UL | 11l | ||||||||
| S13D | 4 | 4l | 4k | 4m | 4k | 4m | 4m | 3k | 2m | ||
| S13R | 4 | 4l | |||||||||
| S | UL | 11l | |||||||||
| S-1 | NS | UL | 11 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 1 | |
| S | UL | 12 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 2 | ||
| S-2i | NS | UL | 11 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 2 | |
| S | UL | 12 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 3 | ||
| U | NS | UL | 5 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 1 | |
| S | UL | 6 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 3 | 2 | ||
Note: UL = Unlimited; NP = Not Permitted; NS = Buildings not equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system; S = Buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1; S13R = Buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.2; S13D = Buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.3.
- See Chapters 4 and 5 for specific exceptions to the allowable height in this chapter.
- See Section 903.2 for the minimum thresholds for protection by an automatic sprinkler system for specific occupancies.
- New Group H occupancies are required to be protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.2.5.
- The NS value is only for use in evaluation of existing building height in accordance with the California Existing Building Code.
- New Group I-3 occupancies are required to be protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.2.6.
- New and existing Group I-2 occupancies are required to be protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.2.6 and Section 1103.5 of the California Fire Code.
- For new Group I-4 occupancies, see Exceptions 2 and 3 of Section 903.2.6.
- New Group R occupancies are required to be protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.2.8.
- See Sections 407.1.1 and 408.1.2 for specific exceptions to construction type, allowable building areas and allowable heights.
- Restraint shall not be permitted in any building except in Group I-3 occupancies constructed for such use (see Section 408.1.2).
- Nonambulatory persons shall be limited to the first 2 stories.
- Nonambulatory persons shall be limited to the first 5 stories.
- Nonambulatory elderly clients are not permitted in buildings of these types of construction. See Sections 435.3.3 and 435.3.4.
- In other than Group A, E, H, I, L, and R occupancies, high-rise buildings, and other applications listed in Section 1.11 regulated by the Office of the State Fire Marshal, the S increases for height and stories in Tables 504.3 and 504.4 are permitted in addition to the S area increase in accordance with Table 506.2.
- For Group R-2 buildings of Type VA construction equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, S area increase is permitted in addition to the height and story increase provided the height shall not exceed 60 feet and 4 stories.
The aggregate area of a mezzanine or mezzanines within a room shall be not greater than one-third of the floor area of that room or space in which they are located. The enclosed portion of a room shall not be included in a determination of the floor area of the room in which the mezzanine is located. In determining the allowable mezzanine area, the area of the mezzanine shall not be included in the floor area of the room.
Where a room contains both a mezzanine and an equipment platform, the aggregate area of the two raised floor levels shall be not greater than two-thirds of the floor area of that room or space in which they are located.
Exceptions:
- The aggregate area of mezzanines in buildings and structures of Type I or II construction for special industrial occupancies in accordance with Section 503.1.1 shall be not greater than two-thirds of the floor area of the room.
- The aggregate area of mezzanines in buildings and structures of Type I or II construction shall be not greater than one-half of the floor area of the room in buildings and structures equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 and an approved emergency voice/alarm communication system in accordance with Section 907.5.2.2.
A mezzanine shall be open and unobstructed to the room in which such mezzanine is located except for walls not more than 42 inches (1067 mm) in height, columns and posts.
Exceptions:
- Mezzanines or portions thereof are not required to be open to the room in which the mezzanines are located, provided that the occupant load of the aggregate area of the enclosed space is not greater than 10.
- A mezzanine having two or more exits or access to exits is not required to be open to the room in which the mezzanine is located.
- Mezzanines or portions thereof are not required to be open to the room in which the mezzanines are located, provided that the aggregate floor area of the enclosed space is not greater than 10 percent of the mezzanine area.
- In industrial facilities, mezzanines used for control equipment are permitted to be glazed on all sides.
- In occupancies other than Groups H and I, that are no more than two stories above grade plane and equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, a mezzanine having two or more means of egress shall not be required to be open to the room in which the mezzanine is located.
The allowable area of a building shall be determined in accordance with the applicable provisions of Sections 506.2.1 through 506.2.4 and Section 506.3.
TABLE 506.2a, b, i
ALLOWABLE AREA FACTOR (At = NS, S1, S13R, or SM, as applicable) IN SQUARE FEET
| OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION | SEE FOOTNOTES | TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION | ||||||||
| TYPE I | TYPE II | TYPE III | TYPE IV | TYPE V | ||||||
| A | B | A | B | A | B | HT | A | B | ||
| A-1 | NS | UL | UL | 15,500 | 8,500 | 14,000 | 8,500 | 15,000 | 11,500 | 5,500 |
| S1 | UL | UL | 62,000 | 34,000 | 56,000 | 34,000 | 60,000 | 46,000 | 22,000 | |
| SM (without height increase) | UL | UL | 46,500 | 25,500 | 42,000 | 25,500 | 45,000 | 34,500 | 16,500 | |
| SM (with height increase) | UL | UL | 15,500 | 8,500 | 14,000 | 8,500 | 15,000 | 11,500 | 5,500 | |
| A-2 | NS | UL | UL | 15,500 | 9,500 | 14,000 | 9,500 | 15,000 | 11,500 | 6,000 |
| S1 | UL | UL | 62,000 | 38,000 | 56,000 | 38,000 | 60,000 | 46,000 | 24,000 | |
| SM (without height increase) | UL | UL | 46,500 | 28,500 | 42,000 | 28,500 | 45,000 | 34,500 | 18,000 | |
| SM (with height increase) | UL | UL | 15,500 | 9,500 | 14,000 | 9,500 | 15,000 | 11,500 | 6,000 | |
| A-3 | NS | UL | UL | 15,500 | 9,500 | 14,000 | 9,500 | 15,000 | 11,500 | 6,000 |
| S1 | UL | UL | 62,000 | 38,000 | 56,000 | 38,000 | 60,000 | 46,000 | 24,000 | |
| SM (without height increase) | UL | UL | 46,500 | 28,500 | 42,000 | 28,500 | 45,000 | 34,500 | 18,000 | |
| SM (with height increase) | UL | UL | 15,500 | 9,500 | 14,000 | 9,500 | 15,000 | 11,500 | 6,000 | |
| A-4 | NS | UL | UL | 15,500 | 9,500 | 14,000 | 9,500 | 15,000 | 11,500 | 6,000 |
| S1 | UL | UL | 62,000 | 38,000 | 56,000 | 38,000 | 60,000 | 46,000 | 24,000 | |
| SM (without height increase) | UL | UL | 46,500 | 28,500 | 42,000 | 28,500 | 45,000 | 34,500 | 18,000 | |
| SM (with height increase) | UL | UL | 15,500 | 9,500 | 14,000 | 9,500 | 15,000 | 11,500 | 6,000 | |
| A-5 | NS | UL | UL | UL | UL | UL | UL | UL | UL | UL |
| S1 | ||||||||||
| SM | ||||||||||
| B | NS | UL | UL | 37,500 | 23,000 | 28,500 | 19,000 | 36,000 | 18,000 | 9,000 |
| S1 | UL | UL | 150,000 | 92,000 | 114,000 | 76,000 | 144,000 | 72,000 | 36,000 | |
| SM | UL | UL | 112,500 | 69,000 | 85,500 | 57,000 | 108,000 | 54,000 | 27,000 | |
| E | NS | UL | UL | 26,500 | 14,500 | 23,500 | 14,500 | 25,500 | 18,500 | 9,500 |
| S1 | UL | UL | 106,000 | 58,000 | 94,000 | 58,000 | 102,000 | 74,000 | 38,000 | |
| SM (without height increase) | UL | UL | 79,500 | 43,500 | 70,500 | 43,500 | 76,500 | 55,500 | 28,500 | |
| SM (with height increase) | UL | UL | 26,500 | 14,500 | 23,500 | 14,500 | 25,500 | 18,500 | 9.500 | |
| F-1 | NS | UL | UL | 25,000 | 15,500 | 19,000 | 12,000 | 33,500 | 14,000 | 8,500 |
| S1 | UL | UL | 100,000 | 62,000 | 76,000 | 48,000 | 134,000 | 56,000 | 34,000 | |
| SM | UL | UL | 75,000 | 46,500 | 57,000 | 36,000 | 100,500 | 42,000 | 25,500 | |
| F-2 | NS | UL | UL | 37,500 | 23,000 | 28,500 | 18,000 | 50,500 | 21,000 | 13,000 |
| S1 | UL | UL | 150,000 | 92,000 | 114,000 | 72,000 | 202,000 | 84,000 | 52,000 | |
| SM | UL | UL | 112,500 | 69,000 | 85,500 | 54,000 | 151,500 | 63,000 | 39,000 | |
| H-1 | NSc | 21,000 | 16,500 | 11,000 | 7,000 | 9,500 | 7,000 | 10,500 | 7,500 | NP |
| S1 | ||||||||||
| H-2 | NSc | 21,000 | 16,500 | 11,000 | 7,000 | 9,500 | 7,000 | 10,500 | 7,500 | 3,000 |
| S1 | ||||||||||
| SM | ||||||||||
| H-3 | NSc | UL | 60,000 | 26,500 | 14,000 | 17,500 | 13,000 | 25,500 | 10,000 | 5,000 |
| S1 | ||||||||||
| SM | ||||||||||
| H-4 | NSc, d | UL | UL | 37,500 | 17,500 | 28,500 | 17,500 | 36,000 | 18,000 | 6,500 |
| S1 | UL | UL | 150,000 | 70,000 | 114,000 | 70,000 | 144,000 | 72,000 | 26,000 | |
| SM (without height increase) | UL | UL | 112,500 | 52,500 | 85,500 | 52,500 | 108,000 | 54,000 | 19,500 | |
| SM (with height increase) | UL | UL | 37,500 | 17,500 | 28,500 | 17,500 | 36,000 | 18,000 | 6,500 | |
| H-5 | NSc, d | UL | UL | 37,500 | 23,000 | 28,500 | 19,000 | 36,000 | 18,000 | 9,000 |
| S1 | UL | UL | 150,000 | 92,000 | 114,000 | 76,000 | 144,000 | 72,000 | 36,000 | |
| SM (without height increase) | UL | UL | 112,500 | 69,000 | 85,500 | 57,000 | 10,8000 | 54,000 | 27,000 | |
| SM (with height increase) | UL | UL | 37,500 | 23,000 | 28,500 | 19,000 | 36,000 | 18,000 | 9,000 | |
| I-2/I-2.1 | NSd, f | UL | UL | 15,000 | 11,000 | 12,000 | NP | 12,000 | 9,500 | NP |
| S1 | UL | UL | 60,000 | 44,000 | 48,000 | NP | 48,000 | 38,000 | NP | |
| SM (without height increase) | UL | UL | 45,000 | 33,000 | 36,000 | NP | 36,000 | 28,500 | NP | |
| SM (with height increase) | UL | UL | 15,000 | 11,000 | 12,000 | NP | 12,000 | 9,500 | NP | |
| I-3 | NSd, e | UL | 15,100 | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP |
| S1 | UL | 45,300 | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | |
| SM (without height increase) | UL | 30,200 | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | |
| SM (with height increase) | UL | 15,100 | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | |
| I-4 | NSd, g | UL | 60,500 | 26,500 | 13,000 | 23,500 | 13,000 | 25,500 | 18,500 | 9,000 |
| S1 | UL | 121,000 | 106,000 | 52,000 | 94,000 | 52,000 | 102,000 | 74,000 | 36,000 | |
| SM (without height increase) | UL | 181,500 | 79,500 | 39,000 | 70,500 | 39,000 | 76,500 | 55,500 | 27,000 | |
| SM (with height increase) | UL | 60,500 | 26,500 | 13,000 | 23,500 | 13,000 | 25,500 | 18,500 | 9,000 | |
| L | NS | UL | 60,000 | 37,500 | 17,500 | 28,500 | 17,500 | 36,000 | 18,000 | 6,500 |
| S1 | ||||||||||
| SM | ||||||||||
| M | NS | UL | UL | 21,500 | 12,500 | 18,500 | 12,500 | 20,500 | 14,000 | 9,000 |
| S1 | UL | UL | 86,000 | 50,000 | 74,000 | 50,000 | 82,000 | 56,000 | 36,000 | |
| SM | UL | UL | 64,500 | 37,500 | 55,500 | 37,500 | 61,500 | 42,000 | 27,000 | |
| R-1h | NSd | UL | UL | 24,000 | 16,000 | 24,000 | 16,000 | 20,500 | 12,000 | 7,000 |
| S13R | ||||||||||
| S1 | UL | UL | 96,000 | 64,000 | 96,000 | 64,000 | 82,000 | 48,000 | 28,000 | |
| SM (without height increase) | UL | UL | 72,000 | 48,000 | 72,000 | 48,000 | 61,500 | 36,000 | 21,000 | |
| SM (with height increase) | UL | UL | 24,000 | 16,000 | 24,000 | 16,000 | 20,500 | 12,000 | 7,000 | |
| R-2h | NSd | UL | UL | 24,000 | 16,000 | 24,000 | 16,000 | 20,500 | 12,000 | 7,000 |
| S13R | ||||||||||
| S1 | UL | UL | 96,000 | 64,000 | 96,000 | 64,000 | 82,000 | 48,000 | 28,000 | |
| SM (without height increase) | UL | UL | 72,000 | 48,000 | 72,000 | 48,000 | 61,500 | 36,000 | 21,000 | |
| SM (with height increase) | UL | UL | 24,000 | 16,000 | 24,000 | 16,000 | 20,500 | 12,000 | 7,000 | |
| R-2 Type VA constructionh | NSd | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | 12,000 | NP |
| S13R | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | 12,000 | NP | |
| S1 | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | 48,000 | NP | |
| SM (without height increase) | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | 36,000 | NP | |
| SM (with height increase) | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | 36,000j | NP | |
| R-2.1h | NSd | UL | 55,000 | 19,000 | NP | 16,500 | NP | NP | 16,500 | NP |
| S13R | UL | 55,000 | 19,000 | NP | 16,500 | NP | NP | 16,500 | NP | |
| S1 | UL | 220,000 | 76,000 | 40,000 | 66,000 | 40,000 | 72,000 | 42,000 | NP | |
| SM (without height increase) | UL | 165,000 | 57,000 | 30,000 | 49,500 | 30,000 | 54,000 | 31,500 | NP | |
| SM (with height increase) | UL | 55,000 | 19,000 | NP | 16,500 | NP | NP | 16,500 | NP | |
| R-3/R-3.1h | NSd | UL | UL | UL | UL | UL | UL | UL | UL | UL |
| S13D | ||||||||||
| S13R | ||||||||||
| S1 | ||||||||||
| SM | ||||||||||
| R-4h | NSd | UL | UL | 24,000 | 16,000 | 24,000 | 16,000 | 20,500 | 12,000 | 7,000 |
| S13R | ||||||||||
| S1 | UL | UL | 96,000 | 64,000 | 96,000 | 64,000 | 82,000 | 48,000 | 28,000 | |
| SM (without height increase) | UL | UL | 72,000 | 48,000 | 72,000 | 48,000 | 61,500 | 36,000 | 21,000 | |
| SM (with height increase) | UL | UL | 24,000 | 16,000 | 24,000 | 16,000 | 20,500 | 12,000 | 7,000 | |
| S-1 | NS | UL | 48,000 | 26,000 | 17,500 | 26,000 | 17,500 | 25,500 | 14,000 | 9,000 |
| S1 | UL | 192,000 | 104,000 | 70,000 | 104,000 | 70,000 | 102,000 | 56,000 | 36,000 | |
| SM | UL | 144,000 | 78,000 | 52,500 | 78,000 | 52,500 | 76,500 | 42,000 | 27,000 | |
| S-2 | NS | UL | 79,000 | 39,000 | 26,000 | 39,000 | 26,000 | 38,500 | 21,000 | 13,500 |
| S1 | UL | 316,000 | 156,000 | 104,000 | 156,000 | 104,000 | 154,000 | 84,000 | 54,000 | |
| SM | UL | 237,000 | 117,000 | 78,000 | 117,000 | 78,000 | 115,500 | 63,000 | 40,500 | |
| U | NS | UL | 35,500 | 19,000 | 8,500 | 14,000 | 8,500 | 18,000 | 9,000 | 5,500 |
| S1 | UL | 142,000 | 76,000 | 34,000 | 56,000 | 34,000 | 72,000 | 36,000 | 22,000 | |
| SM | UL | 106,500 | 57,000 | 25,500 | 42,000 | 25,500 | 54,000 | 27,000 | 16,500 | |
Note: UL = Unlimited; NP = Not permitted;
For SI: 1 square foot = 0.0929 m2.
NS = Buildings not equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system; S1 = Buildings a maximum of one story above grade plane equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1; SM = Buildings two or more stories above grade plane equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1; S13R = Buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.2; S13D = Buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.3.
- See Chapters 4 and 5 for specific exceptions to the allowable height in this chapter.
- See Section 903.2 for the minimum thresholds for protection by an automatic sprinkler system for specific occupancies.
- New Group H occupancies are required to be protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.2.5.
- The NS value is only for use in evaluation of existing building area in accordance with the California Existing Building Code.
- New Group I-3 occupancies are required to be protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.2.6.
- New and existing Group I-2 occupancies are required to be protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.2.6 and Section 1103.5 of the California Fire Code.
- New Group I-4 occupancies see Exceptions 2 and 3 of Section 903.2.6.
- New Group R occupancies are required to be protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.2.8.
- In other than Group A, E, H, I, L, and R occupancies, high-rise buildings, and other applications listed in Section 1.11 regulated by the Office of the State Fire Marshal, the S increases for height and stories in Tables 504.3 and 504.4 are permitted in addition to the S area increase in accordance with Table 506.2.
- For Group R-2 buildings of Type VA construction equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, S area increase is permitted in addition to the height and story increase provided the height shall not exceed 60 feet and 4 stories.
The allowable area of a single-occupancy building with no more than one story above grade plane shall be determined in accordance with Equation 5-1:
where:
| Aa | = | Allowable area (square feet). |
| At | = | Tabular allowable area factor (NS, S1, or S13R value, as applicable) in accordance with Table 506.2. |
| NS | = | Tabular allowable area factor in accordance with Table 506.2 for nonsprinklered building (regardless of whether the building is sprinklered). |
| If | = | Area factor increase due to frontage (percent) as calculated in accordance with Section 506.3. |
The allowable area of a single-occupancy building with more than one story above grade plane shall be determined in accordance with Equation 5-2:
where:
| Aa | = | Allowable area (square feet). |
| At | = | Tabular allowable area factor (NS, S13R or SM value, as applicable) in accordance with Table 506.2. |
| NS | = | Tabular allowable area factor in accordance with Table 506.2 for a nonsprinklered building (regardless of whether the building is sprinklered). |
| If | = | Area factor increase due to frontage (percent) as calculated in accordance with Section 506.3. |
| Sa | = | For other than Group A, E, H, I, L and R occupancies, high-rise buildings, and other applications listed in Section 1.11 regulated by the Office of the State Fire Marshal, actual number of building stories above grade plane, not to exceed three. For Group A, E, H, I, L and R occupancies, high-rise buildings, and other applications listed in Section 1.11 regulated by the Office of the State Fire Marshal, actual number of building stories above grade plane, not to exceed two. |
No individual story shall exceed the allowable area (Aa) as determined by Equation 5-2 using the value of Sa = 1.
Each story of a mixed-occupancy building with more than one story above grade plane shall individually comply with the applicable requirements of Section 508.1. For buildings with three or more stories above grade plane, the total building area shall be such that the aggregate sum of the ratios of the actual area of each story divided by the allowable area of such stories, determined in accordance with Equation 5-3 based on the applicable provisions of Section 508.1, shall not exceed three, provided the aggregate sum of the ratios for portions of mixed-occupancy, multistory buildings containing A, E, H, I, L and R occupancies, high-rise buildings, and other applications listed in Section 1.11 regulated by the Office of the State Fire Marshal, including any other associated non-separated occupancies, shall not exceed two.
where:
| Aa | = | Allowable area (square feet). |
| At | = | Tabular allowable area factor (NS, S13R or SM value, as applicable) in accordance with Table 506.2. |
| NS | = | Tabular allowable area factor in accordance with Table 506.2 for a nonsprinklered building (regardless of whether the building is sprinklered). |
| If | = | Area factor increase due to frontage (percent) as calculated in accordance with Section 506.3. |
To qualify for an area factor increase based on frontage, the public way or open space adjacent to the building perimeter shall have a minimum distance (W) of 20 feet (6096 mm) measured at right angles from the building face to any of the following:
- The closest interior lot line.
- The entire width of a street, alley or public way.
- The exterior face of an adjacent building on the same property.
Where the value of W is greater than 30 feet (9144 mm), a value of 30 feet (9144 mm) shall be used in calculating the building area increase based on frontage, regardless of the actual width of the public way or open space. Where the value of W varies along the perimeter of the building, the calculation performed in accordance with Equation 5-5 shall be based on the weighted average calculated in accordance with Equation 5-4.
where:
| W | (Width: weighted average) = Calculated width of public way or open space (feet). | |
| Ln | = | Length of a portion of the exterior perimeter wall. |
| wn | = | Width (≥ 20 feet) of a public way or open space associated with that portion of the exterior perimeter wall. |
| F | = | Building perimeter that fronts on a public way or open space having a width of 20 feet (6096 mm) or more. |
Exception: Where a building meets the requirements of Section 507, as applicable, except for compliance with the minimum 60-foot (18 288 mm) public way or yard requirement, and the value of W is greater than 30 feet (9144 mm), the value of W shall not exceed 60 feet (18 288 mm).
The area factor increase based on frontage shall be determined in accordance with Equation 5-5:
where:
| If | = | Area factor increase due to frontage. |
| F | = | Building perimeter that fronts on a public way or open space having minimum distance of 20 feet (6096 mm). |
| P | = | Perimeter of entire building (feet). |
| W | = | Width of public way or open space (feet) in accordance with Section 506.3.2. |
Where Sections 507.3 through 507.13 require buildings to be surrounded and adjoined by public ways and yards, those open spaces shall be determined as follows:
- Yards shall be measured from the building perimeter in all directions to the closest interior lot lines or to the exterior face of an opposing building located on the same lot, as applicable.
- Where the building fronts on a public way, the entire width of the public way shall be used.
The public ways or yards of 60 feet (18 288 mm) in width required in Sections 507.3, 507.4, 507.5, 507.6 and 507.12 shall be permitted to be reduced to not less than 40 feet (12 192 mm) in width provided all of the following requirements are met:
- The reduced width shall not be allowed for more than 75 percent of the perimeter of the building.
- The exterior walls facing the reduced width shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 3 hours.
- Openings in the exterior walls facing the reduced width shall have opening protectives with a fire protection rating of not less than 3 hours.
The area of a Group B, F, M or S building no more than one story above grade plane of any construction type, shall not be limited where the building is provided with an automatic sprinkler system throughout in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 and is surrounded and adjoined by public ways or yards not less than 60 feet (18 288 mm) in width.
Exception: Buildings and structures of Type I or II construction for rack storage facilities that do not have access by the public shall not be limited in height, provided that such buildings conform to the requirements of Sections 507.4 and 903.3.1.1 and Chapter 32 of the California Fire Code.
Group A-1 and A-2 occupancies of other than Type V construction shall be permitted within mixed occupancy buildings of unlimited area complying with Section 507.4, provided all of the following criteria are met:
- Group A-1 and A-2 occupancies are separated from other occupancies as required for separated occupancies in Section 508.4.4 with no reduction allowed in the fire-resistance rating of the separation based upon the installation of an automatic sprinkler system.
- Each area of the portions of the building used for Group A-1 or A-2 occupancies shall not exceed the maximum allowable area permitted for such occupancies in Section 503.1.
- Exit doors from Group A-1 and A-2 occupancies shall discharge directly to the exterior of the building.
The area of a Group A-3 building no more than one story above grade plane, used as a place of religious worship, community hall, dance hall, exhibition hall, gymnasium, lecture hall, indoor swimming pool or tennis court of Type II construction, shall not be limited provided all of the following criteria are met:
- The building shall not have a stage other than a platform.
- The building shall be equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
- The building shall be surrounded and adjoined by public ways or yards not less than 60 feet (18 288 mm) in width.
The area of a Group A-3 building of Type III or IV construction, with no more than one story above grade plane and used as a place of religious worship, community hall, dance hall, exhibition hall, gymnasium, lecture hall, indoor swimming pool or tennis court, shall not be limited provided all of the following criteria are met:
- The building shall not have a stage other than a platform.
- The building shall be equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
- The assembly floor shall be located at or within 21 inches (533 mm) of street or grade level and all exits are provided with ramps complying with Section 1012 to the street or grade level.
- The building shall be surrounded and adjoined by public ways or yards not less than 60 feet (18 288 mm) in width.
The area of a Group B, F, H-5, M or S building no more than two stories above grade plane shall not be limited where the building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, and is surrounded and adjoined by public ways or yards not less than 60 feet (18 288 mm) in width, provided all of the following criteria are met:
- Buildings containing Group H-5 occupancy shall be of Type I or II construction.
- Each area used for Group H-5 occupancy shall be separated from other occupancies as required in Sections 415.11 and 508.4.
Each area used for Group H-5 occupancy shall not exceed the maximum allowable area permitted for such occupancies in Section 503.1 including modifications of Section 506.
Exception: Where the Group H-5 occupancy exceeds the maximum allowable area, the Group H-5 shall be subdivided into areas that are separated by 2-hour fire barriers.
The area of a Group E building no more than one story above grade plane, of Type IIA, IIIA or IV construction, shall not be limited provided all of the following criteria are met:
- Each classroom shall have not less than two means of egress, with one of the means of egress being a direct exit to the outside of the building complying with Section 1022.
- The building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
- The building is surrounded and adjoined by public ways or yards not less than 60 feet (18 288 mm) in width.
Each portion of a building shall be individually classified in accordance with Section 302.1. Where a building contains more than one occupancy group, the building or portion thereof shall comply with the applicable provisions of Section 508.2, 508.3 or 508.4, or a combination of these sections.
Exceptions:
- Occupancies separated in accordance with Section 510.
- Where required by Table 415.5.2, areas of Group H-1, H-2 and H-3 occupancies shall be located in a detached building or structure.
- Uses within live/work units, complying with Section 419, are not considered separate occupancies.
No separation is required between accessory occupancies and the main occupancy.
Exceptions:
- Group H-2, H-3, H-4, H-5 and L occupancies shall be separated from all other occupancies in accordance with Section 508.4.
- Group I-1, R-1, R-2, R-2.1 and R-3 dwelling units and sleeping units shall be separated from other dwelling or sleeping units and from accessory occupancies contiguous to them in accordance with the requirements of Section 420.
- No separation is required between Group B, E, R-2 sleeping units and S-2 occupancies accessory to Group I-2, I-2.1. Group I-2 and I-2.1 shall be separated from all other occupancies in accordance with Section 508.4.
- No separation is required between Group A, B, E, R-2 sleeping units and S-2 occupancies accessory to Group I-3 of Type I Construction. Group I-3 and vehicle sallyports shall be separated from all other occupancies in accordance with Section 508.4.
No separation is required between nonseparated occupancies.
Exceptions:
- Group H-2, H-3, H-4, H-5, I-2, I-2.1 and L occupancies shall be separated from all other occupancies in accordance with Section 508.4.
- Group I-1, R-1, R-2, R-2.1 and R-3 dwelling units and sleeping units shall be separated from other dwelling or sleeping units and from other occupancies contiguous to them in accordance with the requirements of Section 420.
- No separation is required between Group B, E, R2 sleeping units and S-2 occupancies accessory to Group I-3 of Type I Construction. Group I-3 and vehicle sallyports shall be separated from all other occupancies in accordance with Section 508.4.
Buildings or portions of buildings that comply with the provisions of this section shall be considered as separated occupancies.
REQUIRED SEPARATION OF OCCUPANCIES (HOURS)
| OCCUPANCY | A, E | I-4, R-2.1 | I-2, I-2.1 | I-3 | R-1, R-2, R-3, R-3.1, R-4 | F-2, S-2b, U | Bf, F-1e, f, M, S-1 | L | H-1 | H-2 | H-3, H-4 | H-5 | ||||||||||||
| S | NS | S | NS | S | NS | S | NS | S | NS | S | NS | S | NS | S | NS | S | NS | S | NS | S | NS | S | NS | |
| A, E | N | N | 2 | 2 | 2 | NP | 2 | NP | 1 | 2 | N | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | NP | NP | NP | 3 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 2 | NP |
| I-4, R-2.1 | — | — | 1e | NP | 2 | NP | 2 | NP | 1 | NP | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 | NP | NP | NP | 4 | NP | 4 | NP | 4 | NP |
| I-2, I-2.1 | — | — | — | — | N | NP | 2 | NP | 2 | NP | 2 | NP | 2 | NP | 2 | NP | NP | NP | 4 | NP | 4 | NP | 4 | NP |
| I-3 | — | — | — | — | — | — | N | NP | 2 | NP | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | NP | NP | NP | 4 | NP | 4 | NP | 4 | NP |
| R-1, R-2, R-3, R-3.1, R-4 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | N | N | 1c | 2c | 1 | 2 | 4 | NP | NP | NP | 3 | NP | 2 | NP | 2 | NP |
| F-2, S-2b, U | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | N | N | 1 | 2 | 1 | NP | NP | NP | 3 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 2 | NP |
| B, F-1, M, S-1 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | N | N | 1 | NP | NP | NP | 2 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 1 | NP |
| L | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 1 | NP | NP | NP | 2 | NP | 1 | NP | 1 | NP | ||||
| H-1 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | N | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP | NP |
| H-2 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | N | NP | 1 | NP | 1 | NP |
| H-3, H-4 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 1d | NP | 1 | NP |
| H-5 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | N | NP |
S = Buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
NS = Buildings not equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
N = No separation requirement.
NP = Not permitted.
- See Section 420.
- The required separation from areas used only for private or pleasure vehicles shall be reduced by 1 hour but to not less than 1 hour.
- See Section 406.3.4.
- Separation is not required between occupancies of the same classification.
- [SFM] Group I and F1 occupancies and Group R-2.1 and F-1 occupancies shall have a 3 hour separation.
- [SFM] Commercial kitchens not associated with cafeterias and similar dining facilities in Group I-2 and Group R-2.1 shall have a 2-hour separation and shall be protected by an automatic sprinkler system.
Each separated occupancy shall comply with the building height limitations based on the type of construction of the building in accordance with Section 503.1.
Exception: Special provisions permitted by Section 510 shall permit occupancies at building heights other than provided in Section 503.1.
INCIDENTAL USES
| ROOM OR AREA | SEPARATION AND/OR PROTECTION | |
| Furnace room where any piece of equipment is over 400,000 Btu per hour input | 1 hour or provide automatic sprinkler systema | |
| Rooms with boilers where the largest piece of equipment is over 15 psi and 10 horsepower | 1 hour or provide automatic sprinkler systema | |
| Refrigerant machinery room | 1 hour or provide automatic sprinkler systema | |
| Hydrogen fuel gas rooms, not classified as Group H | 1 hour in Group B, F, M, S and U occupancies; 2 hours in Group A, E, I and R occupancies. | |
| Incinerator rooms | 2 hours and provide automatic sprinkler system | |
| Paint shops, not classified as Group H, located in occupancies other than Group F | 2 hours; or 1 hour and provide automatic sprinkler system | |
| In Group E occupancies, laboratories and vocational shops not classified as Group H | 1 hour or provide automatic sprinkler system | |
| [SFM] Rooms or areas with special hazards such as laboratories, vocational shops and other such areas not classified as Group H, located in Group E occupancies where hazardous materials in quantities not exceeding the maximum allowable quantity are used or stored. | 1 hour | |
| In Group I-2 and I-2.1 occupancies, laboratories not classified as Group H | 1 hour and provide automatic sprinkler systema | |
| In ambulatory care facilities, laboratories not classified as Group H | 1 hour and provide automatic sprinkler system | |
| Laundry rooms over 100 square feet | 1 hour or provide automatic sprinkler systema | |
| In Group I-2, laundry rooms over 100 square feet | 1 hour | |
| Group I-3 cells and Group I-2 and I-2.1 patient rooms equipped with padded surfaces | 1 hour | |
| In Group I-2, physical plant maintenance shops | 1 hour | |
| In ambulatory care facilities or Group I-2 and I-2.1 occupancies, waste and linen collection rooms with containers that have an aggregate volume of 10 cubic feet or greater | 1 houra | |
| In other than ambulatory care facilities and Group I-2 and I-2.1 occupancies, waste and linen collection rooms over 100 square feet | 1 hour or provide automatic sprinkler system | |
| In ambulatory care facilities or Group I-2 and I-2.1 occupancies, storage rooms greater than 100 square feet | 1 hour | |
| Stationary storage battery systems having a liquid electrolyte capacity of more than 50 gallons for flooded lead-acid, nickel cadmium or VRLA, or more than 1,000 pounds for lithium-ion and lithium metal polymer used for facility standby power, emergency power or uninterruptable power supplies | 1 hour in Group B, F, M, S and U occupancies; 2 hours in Group A, E, I and R occupanciesa |
For SI: 1 square foot = 0.0929 m2, 1 pound per square inch (psi) = 6.9 kPa, 1 British thermal unit (Btu) per hour = 0.293 watts, 1 horsepower = 746 watts, 1 gallon = 3.785 L, 1 cubic foot = 0.0283 m3.
- [SFM] Fire barrier protection and automatic sprinkler protection required throughout the fire area in I-2 and I-2.1 occupancies as indicated.
Incidental uses located within single occupancy or mixed occupancy buildings shall comply with the provisions of this section. Incidental uses are ancillary functions associated with a given occupancy that generally pose a greater level of risk to that occupancy and are limited to those uses listed in Table 509.
Exception: Incidental uses within and serving a dwelling unit are not required to comply with this section.
A building shall be considered as separate and distinct buildings for the purpose of determining area limitations, continuity of fire walls, limitation of number of stories and type of construction where all of the following conditions are met:
- The buildings are separated with a horizontal assembly having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 3 hours.
- The building below the horizontal assembly is of Type IA construction.
Shaft, stairway, ramp and escalator enclosures through the horizontal assembly shall have not less than a 2-hour fire-resistance rating with opening protectives in accordance with Section 716.5.
Exception: Where the enclosure walls below the horizontal assembly have not less than a 3-hour fire-resistance rating with opening protectives in accordance with Section 716.5, the enclosure walls extending above the horizontal assembly shall be permitted to have a 1-hour fire-resistance rating, provided:
- The building above the horizontal assembly is not required to be of Type I construction;
- The enclosure connects fewer than four stories; and
- The enclosure opening protectives above the horizontal assembly have a fire protection rating of not less than 1 hour.
- The building or buildings above the horizontal assembly shall be permitted to have multiple Group A occupancy uses, each with an occupant load of less 300, or Group B, M, R or S occupancies.
- The building below the horizontal assembly shall be protected throughout by an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, and shall be permitted to be any occupancy allowed by this code except Group H.
- The maximum building height in feet (mm) shall not exceed the limits set forth in Section 504.3 for the building having the smaller allowable height as measured from the grade plane.
A Group S-2 enclosed parking garage with not more than one story above grade plane and located below a Group S-2 open parking garage shall be classified as a separate and distinct building for the purpose of determining the type of construction where all of the following conditions are met:
- The allowable area of the building shall be such that the sum of the ratios of the actual area divided by the allowable area for each separate occupancy shall not exceed 1.
- The Group S-2 enclosed parking garage is of Type I or II construction and is at least equal to the fire-resistance requirements of the Group S-2 open parking garage.
- The height and the number of tiers of the Group S-2 open parking garage shall be limited as specified in Table 406.5.4.
- The floor assembly separating the Group S-2 enclosed parking garage and Group S-2 open parking garage shall be protected as required for the floor assembly of the Group S-2 enclosed parking garage. Openings between the Group S-2 enclosed parking garage and Group S-2 open parking garage, except exit openings, shall not be required to be protected.
- The Group S-2 enclosed parking garage is used exclusively for the parking or storage of private motor vehicles, but shall be permitted to contain an office, waiting room and toilet room having a total area of not more than 1,000 square feet (93 m2), and mechanical equipment rooms incidental to the operation of the building.
Group B or M occupancies located below a Group S-2 open parking garage of a lesser type of construction shall be considered as a separate and distinct building from the Group S-2 open parking garage for the purpose of determining the type of construction where all of the following conditions are met:
- The buildings are separated with a horizontal assembly having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 hours.
- The occupancies in the building below the horizontal assembly are limited to Groups B and M.
- The occupancy above the horizontal assembly is limited to a Group S-2 open parking garage.
The building below the horizontal assembly is of Type IA construction.
Exception: The building below the horizontal assembly shall be permitted to be of Type IB or II construction, but not less than the type of construction required for the Group S-2 open parking garage above, where the building below is not greater than one story in height above grade plane.
- The height and area of the building below the horizontal assembly does not exceed the limits set forth in Section 503.
- The height and area of the Group S-2 open parking garage does not exceed the limits set forth in Section 406.5. The height, in both feet and stories, of the Group S-2 open parking garage shall be measured from grade plane and shall include the building below the horizontal assembly.
- Exits serving the Group S-2 open parking garage discharge directly to a street or public way and are separated from the building below the horizontal assembly by 2-hour fire barriers constructed in accordance with Section 707 or 2-hour horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711, or both.
[SFM]Buildings housing protective social care homes or in occupancies housing inmates who are not restrained need not be of one-hour fire- resistive construction when not more than two stories in height. In no case shall individual floor areas exceed 3,000 square feet (279 m2). The fire-resistive protection of the exterior walls shall not be less than one hour where such walls are located within 5 feet (1524 mm) of the property line. Openings within such walls are not permitted. Openings in exterior nonrated walls need not be protected.
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