CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE — MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE CHAPTER 4 — SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON OCCUPANCY AND USE

(Matrix Adoption Tables are nonregulatory, intended only as an aid to the code user. See Chapter 1 for state agency authority and building applications.)
Adopting agency	BSC	BSC-CG	SFM	HCD			DSA			OSHPD						BSCC	DPH	AGR	DWR	CEC	CA	SL	SLC
Adopting agency	BSC	BSC-CG	SFM	1	2	1/AC	AC	SS	SS/CC	1	1R	2	3	4	5	BSCC	DPH	AGR	DWR	CEC	CA	SL	SLC
Adopt entire chapter	X							X	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						X	X						X									X
Chapter / Section
403			X
403.1			X
403.1.1			X
403.2.1			X
403.2.1.1			X
403.3			X
403.3.1			X
403.3.2			X
403.3.2.1			X
403.3.3			X
403.3.5			X
403.4.7			X
403.4.7.1			X
403.5.3			X
403.5.4			X
403.6			X
403.7			X
404.5			X
404.6			X
404.11			X
406.2.1				X	X
406.2.2				X	X
406.2.3						X	X
406.2.7				X	X	X
406.3.1			X
406.8.2			X
406.8.5.1			X
406.8.5.2			X
406.9			X
406.9.1			X
406.9.2			X
406.9.3			X
407													X
407.1			X
407.1.1			X
407.2			X
407.2.1			X
407.2.2			X
407.2.3			X
407.2.5			X
407.2.6			X
407.3			X
407.3.1			X
407.3.1.1			X
407.3.2			X
407.4			X
407.4.1			X
407.4.1.1			X
407.4.1.2			X
407.4.2			X
407.4.2.1			X
407.4.3			X
407.4.4			X
407.4.4.2			X
407.4.4.3			X
407.4.4.3.1			X
407.4.4.3.2			X
407.4.4.5			X
407.4.4.5.1			X
407.4.4.5.3			X
407.4.4.6.1			X
407.4.4.6.2			X
407.4.5			X
407.5			X
407.5.2			X
407.6.1			X
407.7			X
407.10			X
407.11.1			X
407.11.2			X
407.11.3			X
407.11.4			X
407.12			X
408.1.2			X
408.1.2.1			X
408.1.2.2			X
408.1.2.3			X
408.1.2.4			X
408.1.2.5			X
408.1.2.6			X
408.1.2.7			X
408.1.3			X
408.2			X
408.2.1			X
408.3.1.1			X
408.3.6			X
408.3.6.1			X
408.3.6.2			X
408.3.6.3			X
408.3.6.4			X
408.3.8.1			X
408.3.9			X
408.3.10			X
408.3.11			X
408.3.12			X
408.4			X
408.4.3			X
408.5.1			X
408.6			X
408.6.1			X
408.8.1			X
408.9.1			X
408.12			X
408.13			X
408.14			X
408.15			X
408.15.1			X
408.15.2			X
408.15.3			X
408.15.3.1			X
408.15.3.2			X
408.15.4			X
408.15.5			X
410.2.6			X
412.2.6							X
414.1.1			X
414.5			X
414.5.4			X
415.11.7.1			X
415.11.7.1.1			X
415.11.7.1.2			X
415.11.7.1.3			X
415.11.7.1.4			X
415.11.7.2			X
415.12			X
415.12.1			X
415.12.1.1			X
415.12.1.2			X
415.12.1.3			X
415.12.1.4			X
415.12.1.5			X
415.13			X
415.13.1			X
415.13.2			X
415.13.3			X
419.1				X	X
419.3				X	X
419.6				X	X
419.7						X	X
419.9						X
420.1			X	X	X
420.4			X
420.5			X
420.6			X
420.10.1			X	X	X
420.11			X	X
420.12			X	X		X
420.13			X	X
420.14			X
420.15			X
422.1													X
435			X
436			X
439			X
440			X
441			X
442			X
443			X
444			X
446			X
449			X
450			X
452			X
453			X
455			X

The state agency does not adopt sections identified with 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.

User note:

About this chapter: Chapter 4 provides detailed criteria for special uses and occupancies. The unique characteristics of a live/work unit as opposed to a 30-story high-rise building call for specific standards for each. Twenty-seven sections address covered and open mall buildings, atriums, hospitals, stages, buildings where hazardous materials are used and stored, jails and prisons, ambulatory care facilities and storm shelters, among other special occupancy issues.

Section 401 Scope

401.1 Detailed Occupancy and Use Requirements

In addition to the occupancy and construction requirements in this code, the provisions of this chapter apply to the occupancies and use described herein.

Section 402 Covered Mall and Open Mall Buildings

402.1 Applicability

The provisions of this section shall apply to buildings or structures defined herein as covered or open mall buildings not exceeding three floor levels at any point nor more than three stories above grade plane. Except as specifically required by this section, covered and open mall buildings shall meet applicable provisions of this code.

Exceptions:

Foyers and lobbies of Groups B, R-1 and R-2 are not required to comply with this section.
Buildings need not comply with the provisions of this section where they totally comply with other applicable provisions of this code.

402.1.1 Open Mall Building Perimeter Line

For the purpose of this code, a perimeter line shall be established. The perimeter line shall encircle all buildings and structures that comprise the open mall building and shall encompass any open-air interior walkways, open-air courtyards or similar open-air spaces. The perimeter line shall define the extent of the open mall building. Anchor buildings and parking structures shall be outside of the perimeter line and are not considered as part of the open mall building.

402.2 Open Space

A covered mall building and attached anchor buildings and parking garages shall be surrounded on all sides by a permanent open space or not less than 60 feet (18 288 mm). An open mall building and anchor buildings and parking garages adjoining the perimeter line shall be surrounded on all sides by a permanent open space of not less than 60 feet (18 288 mm).

Exception: The permanent open space of 60 feet (18 288 mm) shall be permitted to be reduced to not less than 40 feet (12 192 mm), provided that the following requirements are met:

The reduced open space shall not be allowed for more than 75 percent of the perimeter of the covered or open mall building and anchor buildings.
The exterior wall facing the reduced open space shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 3 hours.
Openings in the exterior wall facing the reduced open space shall have opening protectives with a fire protection rating of not less than 3 hours.
Group E, H, I or R occupancies are not located within the covered or open mall building or anchor buildings.

402.3 Lease Plan

Each owner of a covered mall building or of an open mall building shall provide both the building and fire departments with a lease plan showing the location of each occupancy and its exits after the certificate of occupancy has been issued. Modifications or changes in occupancy or use from that shown on the lease plan shall not be made without prior approval of the building official.

402.4 Construction

The construction of covered and open mall buildings, anchor buildings and parking garages associated with a mall building shall comply with Sections 402.4.1 through 402.4.3.

402.4.1 Area and Types of Construction

The building area and type of construction of covered mall or open mall buildings, anchor buildings and parking garages shall comply with this section.

402.4.1.1 Covered and Open Mall Buildings

The building area of any covered mall or open mall building shall not be limited provided that the covered mall or open mall building does not exceed three floor levels at any point nor three stories above grade plane, and is of Type I, II, III or IV construction.

402.4.1.2 Anchor Buildings

The building area and building height of any anchor building shall be based on the type of construction as required by Section 503 as modified by Sections 504 and 506.

Exception: The building area of any anchor building shall not be limited provided that the anchor building is not more than three stories above grade plane, and is of Type I, II, III or IV construction.

402.4.1.3 Parking Garage

The building area and building height of any parking garage shall be based on the type of construction as required by Sections 406.5 and 406.6, respectively.

402.4.2 Fire-Resistance-Rated Separation

Fire-resistance-rated separation is not required between tenant spaces and the mall. Fire-resistance-rated separation is not required between a food court and adjacent tenant spaces or the mall.

402.4.2.1 Tenant Separations

Each tenant space shall be separated from other tenant spaces by a fire partition complying with Section 708. A tenant separation wall is not required between any tenant space and the mall.

402.4.2.2 Anchor Building Separation

ILLUSTRATION

An anchor building shall be separated from the covered or open mall building by fire walls complying with Section 706.

Exceptions:

Anchor buildings of not more than three stories above grade plane that have an occupancy classification the same as that permitted for tenants of the mall building shall be separated by 2-hour fire-resistance-rated fire barriers complying with Section 707.
The exterior walls of anchor buildings separated from an open mall building by an open mall shall comply with Table 602.

402.4.2.2.1 Openings Between Anchor Building and Mall

Except for the separation between Group R-1 sleeping units and the mall, openings between anchor buildings of Type IA, IB, IIA or IIB construction and the mall need not be protected.

402.4.2.3 Parking Garages

An attached garage for the storage of passenger vehicles having a capacity of not more than nine persons and open parking garages shall be considered as a separate building where it is separated from the covered or open mall building or anchor building by not less than 2-hour fire barriers constructed in accordance with Section 707 or horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711, or both.

Parking garages, which are separated from covered mall buildings, open mall buildings or anchor buildings, shall comply with the provisions of Table 602.

Pedestrian walkways and tunnels that connect garages to mall buildings or anchor buildings shall be constructed in accordance with Section 3104.

402.4.3 Open Mall Construction

Floor assemblies in, and roof assemblies over, the open mall of an open mall building shall be open to the atmosphere for not less than 20 feet (6096 mm), measured perpendicular from the face of the tenant spaces on the lowest level, from edge of balcony to edge of balcony on upper floors and from edge of roof line to edge of roof line. The openings within, or the unroofed area of, an open mall shall extend from the lowest/grade level of the open mall through the entire roof assembly. Balconies on upper levels of the mall shall not project into the required width of the opening.

402.4.3.1 Pedestrian Walkways

Pedestrian walkways connecting balconies in an open mall shall be located not less than 20 feet (6096 mm) from any other pedestrian walkway.

[F] 402.5 Automatic Sprinkler System

Covered and open mall buildings and buildings connected shall be equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, which shall comply with all of the following:

The automatic sprinkler system shall be complete and operative throughout occupied space in the mall building prior to occupancy of any of the tenant spaces. Unoccupied tenant spaces shall be similarly protected unless provided with approved alternative protection.
Sprinkler protection for the mall of a covered mall building shall be independent from that provided for tenant spaces or anchor buildings.
Sprinkler protection for the tenant spaces of an open mall building shall be independent from that provided for anchor buildings.
Sprinkler protection shall be provided beneath exterior circulation balconies located adjacent to an open mall.
Where tenant spaces are supplied by the same system, they shall be independently controlled.
Exception: An automatic sprinkler system shall not be required in spaces or areas of open parking garages separated from the covered or open mall building in accordance with Section 402.4.2.3 and constructed in accordance with Section 406.5.

402.6 Interior Finishes and Features

Interior finishes within the mall and installations within the mall shall comply with Sections 402.6.1 through 402.6.4.

402.6.1 Interior Finish

Interior wall and ceiling finishes within the mall of a covered mall building and within the exits of covered or open mall buildings shall have a minimum flame spread index and smoke-developed index of Class B in accordance with Chapter 8. Interior floor finishes shall meet the requirements of Section 804.

402.6.2 Kiosks

Kiosks and similar structures (temporary or permanent) located within the mall of a covered mall building or within the perimeter line of an open mall building shall meet the following requirements:

Combustible kiosks or other structures shall not be located within a covered or open mall unless constructed of any of the following materials:
1. 1.1. Fire-retardant-treated wood complying with Section 2303.2.
2. 1.2. Foam plastics having a maximum heat release rate not greater than 100 kW (105 Btu/h) when tested in accordance with the exhibit booth protocol in UL 1975 or when tested in accordance with NFPA 289 using the 20 kW ignition source.
3. 1.3. Aluminum composite material (ACM) meeting the requirements of Class A interior finish in accordance with Chapter 8 when tested as an assembly in the maximum thickness intended.
Kiosks or similar structures located within the mall shall be provided with approved automatic sprinkler system and detection devices.
The horizontal separation between kiosks or groupings thereof and other structures within the mall shall be not less than 20 feet (6096 mm).
Each kiosk or similar structure or groupings thereof shall have an area not greater than 300 square feet (28 m²).

402.6.3 Children's Play Structures

Children's play structures located within the mall of a covered mall building or within the perimeter line of an open mall building shall comply with Section 424. The horizontal separation between children's play structures, kiosks and similar structures within the mall shall be not less than 20 feet (6096 mm).

402.6.4 Plastic Signs

Plastic signs affixed to the storefront of any tenant space facing a mall or open mall shall be limited as specified in Sections 402.6.4.1 through 402.6.4.5.

402.6.4.1 Area

Plastic signs shall be not more than 20 percent of the wall area facing the mall.

402.6.4.2 Height and Width

Plastic signs shall be not greater than 36 inches (914 mm) in height, except that where the sign is vertical, the height shall be not greater than 96 inches (2438 mm) and the width shall be not greater than 36 inches (914 mm).

402.6.4.3 Location

Plastic signs shall be located not less than 18 inches (457 mm) from adjacent tenants.

402.6.4.4 Plastics Other Than Foam Plastics

Plastics other than foam plastics used in signs shall be light-transmitting plastics complying with Section 2606.4 or shall have a self-ignition temperature of 650°F (343°C) or greater when tested in accordance with ASTM D1929, and a flame spread index not greater than 75 and smoke-developed index not greater than 450 when tested in the manner intended for use in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723 or meet the acceptance criteria of Section 803.1.1.1 when tested in accordance with NFPA 286.

402.6.4.4.1 Encasement

Edges and backs of plastic signs in the mall shall be fully encased in metal.

402.6.4.5 Foam Plastics

Foam plastics used in signs shall have flame-retardant characteristics such that the sign has a maximum heat-release rate of 150 kilowatts when tested in accordance with UL 1975 or when tested in accordance with NFPA 289 using the 20 kW ignition source, and the foam plastics shall have the physical characteristics specified in this section. Foam plastics used in signs installed in accordance with Section 402.6.4 shall not be required to comply with the flame spread and smoke-developed indices specified in Section 2603.3.

402.6.4.5.1 Density

The density of foam plastics used in signs shall be not less than 20 pounds per cubic foot (pcf) (320 kg/ m³).

402.6.4.5.2 Thickness

The thickness of foam plastic signs shall not be greater than ¹/₂ inch (12.7 mm).

[F] 402.7 Emergency Systems

Covered and open mall buildings, anchor buildings and associated parking garages shall be provided with emergency systems complying with Sections 402.7.1 through 402.7.5.

[F] 402.7.1 Standpipe System

ILLUSTRATION

Covered and open mall buildings shall be equipped throughout with a standpipe system as required by Section 905.3.3.

[F] 402.7.2 Smoke Control

Where a covered mall building contains an atrium, a smoke control system shall be provided in accordance with Section 404.5.

Exception: A smoke control system is not required in covered mall buildings where an atrium connects only two stories.

[F] 402.7.3 Emergency Power

Covered mall buildings greater than 50,000 square feet (4645 m²) in area and open mall buildings greater than 50,000 square feet (4645 m²) within the established perimeter line shall be provided with emergency power that is capable of operating the emergency voice/alarm communication system in accordance with Section 2702.

[F] 402.7.4 Emergency Voice/Alarm Communication System

Where the total floor area is greater than 50,000 square feet (4645 m²) within either a covered mall building or within the perimeter line of an open mall building, an emergency voice/alarm communication system shall be provided.

The fire department shall have access to any emergency voice/alarm communication systems serving a mall, required or otherwise. The systems shall be provided in accordance with Section 907.5.2.2.

[F] 402.7.5 Fire Department Access to Equipment

Rooms or areas containing controls for air-conditioning systems, automatic fire-extinguishing systems, automatic sprinkler systems or other detection, suppression or control elements shall be identified for use by the fire department.

402.8 Means of Egress

Covered mall buildings, open mall buildings and each tenant space within a mall building shall be provided with means of egress as required by this section and this code. Where there is a conflict between the requirements of this code and the requirements of Sections 402.8.1 through 402.8.8, the requirements of Sections 402.8.1 through 402.8.8 shall apply.

402.8.1 Mall Width

For the purpose of providing required egress, malls are permitted to be considered as corridors but need not comply with the requirements of Section 1005.1 of this code where the width of the mall is as specified in this section.

402.8.1.1 Minimum Width

The aggregate clear egress width of the mall in either a covered or open mall building shall be not less than 20 feet (6096 mm). The mall width shall be sufficient to accommodate the occupant load served. Any portion of the minimum required aggregate egress width shall be not less than 10 feet (3048 mm) measured to a height of 8 feet (2438 mm) between any projection of a tenant space bordering the mall and the nearest kiosk, vending machine, bench, display opening, food court or other obstruction to means of egress travel.

402.8.2 Determination of Occupant Load

The occupant load permitted in any individual tenant space in a covered or open mall building shall be determined as required by this code. Means of egress requirements for individual tenant spaces shall be based on the occupant load thus determined.

402.8.2.1 Occupant Formula

In determining required means of egress of the mall, the number of occupants for whom means of egress are to be provided shall be based on gross leasable area of the covered or open mall building (excluding anchor buildings) and the occupant load factor as determined by Equation 4-1.

OLF = (0.00007)(GLA) + 25 (Equation 4-1)

where:

OLF = The occupant load factor (square feet per person).

GLA = The gross leasable area (square feet).

Exception: Tenant spaces attached to a covered or open mall building but with a means of egress system that is totally independent of the open mall of an open mall building or of a covered mall building shall not be considered as gross leasable area for determining the required means of egress for the mall building.

402.8.2.2 OLF Range

The occupant load factor (OLF) is not required to be less than 30 and shall not exceed 50.

402.8.2.3 Anchor Buildings

The occupant load of anchor buildings opening into the mall shall not be included in computing the total number of occupants for the mall.

402.8.2.4 Food Courts

The occupant load of a food court shall be determined in accordance with Section 1004. For the purposes of determining the means of egress requirements for the mall, the food court occupant load shall be added to the occupant load of the covered or open mall building as calculated in Section 402.8.2.1.

402.8.3 Number of Means of Egress

Wherever the distance of travel to the mall from any location within a tenant space used by persons other than employees is greater than 75 feet (22 860 mm) or the tenant space has an occupant load of 50 or more, not fewer than two means of egress shall be provided.

402.8.4 Arrangements of Means of Egress

Assembly occupancies with an occupant load of 500 or more located within a covered mall building shall be so located such that their entrance will be immediately adjacent to a principal entrance to the mall and shall have not less than one-half of their required means of egress opening directly to the exterior of the covered mall building. Assembly occupancies located within the perimeter line of an open mall building shall be permitted to have their main exit open to the open mall.

402.8.4.1 Anchor Building Means of Egress

Required means of egress for anchor buildings shall be provided independently from the mall means of egress system. The occupant load of anchor buildings opening into the mall shall not be included in determining means of egress requirements for the mall. The path of egress travel of malls shall not exit through anchor buildings. Malls terminating at an anchor building where other means of egress has not been provided shall be considered as a dead-end mall.

402.8.5 Distance to Exits

Within each individual tenant space in a covered or open mall building, the distance of travel from any point to an exit or entrance to the mall shall be not greater than 200 feet (60 960 mm).

The distance of travel from any point within a mall of a covered mall building to an exit shall be not greater than 200 feet (60 960 mm). The maximum distance of travel from any point within an open mall to the perimeter line of the open mall building shall be not greater than 200 feet (60 960 mm).

402.8.6 Access to Exits

Where more than one exit is required, they shall be so arranged that it is possible to travel in either direction from any point in a mall of a covered mall building to separate exits or from any point in an open mall of an open mall building to two separate locations on the perimeter line, provided that neither location is an exterior wall of an anchor building or parking garage. The width of an exit passageway or corridor from a mall shall be not less than 66 inches (1676 mm).

Exception: Access to exits is permitted by way of a dead-end mall that does not exceed a length equal to twice the width of the mall measured at the narrowest location within the dead-end portion of the mall.

402.8.6.1 Exit Passageways

Where exit passageways provide a secondary means of egress from a tenant space, the exit passageways shall be constructed in accordance with Section 1024.

402.8.7 Service Areas Fronting on Exit Passageways

Mechanical rooms, electrical rooms, building service areas and service elevators are permitted to open directly into exit passageways, provided that the exit passageway is separated from such rooms with not less than 1-hour fire barriers constructed in accordance with Section 707 or horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711, or both. The fire protection rating of openings in the fire barriers shall be not less than 1 hour.

402.8.8 Security Grilles and Doors

Horizontal sliding or vertical security grilles or doors that are a part of a required means of egress shall conform to the following:

Doors and grilles shall remain in the full open position during the period of occupancy by the general public.
Doors or grilles shall not be brought to the closed position when there are 10 or more persons occupying spaces served by a single exit or 50 or more persons occupying spaces served by more than one exit.
The doors or grilles shall be openable from within without the use of any special knowledge or effort where the space is occupied.
Where two or more exits are required, not more than one-half of the exits shall be permitted to include either a horizontal sliding or vertical rolling grille or door.

Section 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

ILLUSTRATION

403.1 Applicability

New high-rise buildings and new Group I-2 occupancies having occupied floors located more than 75 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access shall comply with Sections 403.2 through 403.7.

Exception: The provisions of Sections 403.2 through 403.7 shall not apply to the following buildings and structures:

Airport traffic control towers in accordance with Section 412.2.
Open parking garages in accordance with Section 406.5.
The portion of a building containing a Group A-5 occupancy in accordance with Section 303.6.
Special industrial occupancies in accordance with Section 503.1.1.
Buildings containing any one of the following:
1. 5.1. A Group H-1 occupancy.
2. 5.2. A Group H-2 occupancy in accordance with Section 415.8, 415.9.2, 415.9.3 or 426.1.
3. 5.3. A Group H-3 occupancy in accordance with Section 415.8.
Buildings such as power plants, lookout towers, steeples, grain houses and similar structures with noncontinuous human occupancy, when so determined by the enforcing agency.

For existing high-rise buildings and for existing Group R occupancies, see California Fire Code Chapter 11 and California Existing Building Code.

For the purpose of this section, in determining the level from which the highest occupied floor is to be measured, the enforcing agency should exercise reasonable judgment, including consideration of overall accessibility to the building by fire department personnel and vehicular equipment. When a building is located on sloping terrain and there is building access on more than one level, the enforcing agency may select the level that provides the most logical and adequate fire department access.

403.2 Construction

The construction of high-rise buildings shall comply with the provisions of Sections 403.2.1 through 403.2.4.

403.2.1 Reduction in Fire-Resistance Rating

The fire-resistance rating reductions listed in Sections 403.2.1.1 and 403.2.1.2 shall be allowed in buildings that have sprinkler control valves equipped with supervisory initiating devices and water-flow initiating devices for each floor.

Exception: Buildings, or portions of buildings, classified as a Group H-1, H-2 or H-3 occupancy.

403.2.1.1 Type of Construction

The following reductions in the minimum fire-resistance rating of the building elements in Table 601 shall be permitted as follows:

For buildings not greater than 420 feet (128 m) in building height, the fire-resistance rating of the building elements in Type IA construction shall be permitted to be reduced to the minimum fire-resistance ratings for the building elements in Type IB.
Exception: The required fire-resistance rating of the primary structural frame shall not be reduced.
In other than Group F-1, H-2, H-3, H-5, M and S-1 occupancies, the fire-resistance rating of the building elements in Type IB construction shall be permitted to be reduced to the fire-resistance ratings in Type IIA.

Exception: The required fire-resistance rating of the primary structural frame shall not be permitted to be reduced.
The building height and building area limitations of a building containing building elements with reduced fire-resistance ratings shall be permitted to be the same as the building without such reductions.

403.2.1.2 Shaft Enclosures

For buildings not greater than 420 feet (128 m) in building height, the required fire-resistance rating of the fire barriers enclosing vertical shafts, other than interior exit stairway and elevator hoistway enclosures, is permitted to be reduced to 1 hour where automatic sprinklers are installed within the shafts at the top and at alternate floor levels.

403.2.2 Seismic Considerations

For seismic considerations, see Chapter 16.

[BS] 403.2.3 Structural Integrity of Interior Exit Stairways and Elevator Hoistway Enclosures

For high-rise buildings of Risk Category III or IV in accordance with Section 1604.5, and for all buildings that are more than 420 feet (128 m) in building height, enclosures for interior exit stairways and elevator hoistway enclosures shall comply with Sections 403.2.3.1 through 403.2.3.4.

[BS] 403.2.3.1 Wall Assembly

The wall assemblies making up the enclosures for interior exit stairways and elevator hoistway enclosures shall meet or exceed Soft Body Impact Classification Level 2 as measured by the test method described in ASTM C1629/C1629M.

[BS] 403.2.3.2 Wall Assembly Materials

The face of the wall assemblies making up the enclosures for interior exit stairways and elevator hoistway enclosures that are not exposed to the interior of the enclosures for interior exit stairways or elevator hoistway enclosure shall be constructed in accordance with one of the following methods:

The wall assembly shall incorporate not fewer than two layers of impact-resistant construction board each of which meets or exceeds Hard Body Impact Classification Level 2 as measured by the test method described in ASTM C1629/C1629M.
The wall assembly shall incorporate not fewer than one layer of impact-resistant construction material that meets or exceeds Hard Body Impact Classification Level 3 as measured by the test method described in ASTM C1629/C1629M.
The wall assembly incorporates multiple layers of any material, tested in tandem, that meets or exceeds Hard Body Impact Classification Level 3 as measured by the test method described in ASTM C1629/C1629M.

[BS] 403.2.3.3 Concrete and Masonry Walls

Concrete or masonry walls shall be deemed to satisfy the requirements of Sections 403.2.3.1 and 403.2.3.2.

[BS] 403.2.3.4 Other Wall Assemblies

Any other wall assembly that provides impact resistance equivalent to that required by Sections 403.2.3.1 and 403.2.3.2 for Hard Body Impact Classification Level 3, as measured by the test method described in ASTM C1629/C1629M, shall be permitted.

403.2.4 Sprayed Fire-Resistant Materials (SFRM)

ILLUSTRATION

The bond strength of the SFRM installed throughout the building shall be in accordance with Table 403.2.4.

TABLE 403.2.4
MINIMUM BOND STRENGTH

HEIGHT OF BUILDING^a	SFRM MINIMUM BOND STRENGTH
Up to 420 feet	430 psf
Greater than 420 feet	1,000 psf

For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 pound per square foot (psf) = 0.0479 kN/m².

Above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access.

[F] 403.3 Automatic Sprinkler System

Buildings and structures shall be equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 and a secondary water supply where required by Section 403.3.3. A sprinkler water-flow alarm-initiating device and a control valve with a supervisory signal-initiating device shall be provided at the lateral connection to the riser for each floor.

Exception: An automatic sprinkler system shall not be required in spaces or areas of:

Open parking garages in accordance with Section 406.5.
Telecommunications equipment buildings used exclusively for telecommunications equipment, associated electrical power distribution equipment, batteries and standby engines, provided that those spaces or areas are equipped throughout with an automatic fire detection system in accordance with Section 907.2 and are separated from the remainder of the building by not less than 1-hour fire barriers constructed in accordance with Section 707 or not less than 2-hour horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711, or both.

[F] 403.3.1 Number of Sprinkler System Risers and System Design

Each sprinkler system serving a floor in buildings that are more than 420 feet (128 m) in building height shall be connected to a minimum of two sprinkler risers or combination standpipe system risers located in separate shafts. Each sprinkler system shall be hydraulically designed so that when one connection is shut down, the other connection shall be capable of supplying the sprinkler system design demand.

[F] 403.3.1.1 Riser Location

Sprinkler risers shall be placed in interior exit stairways and ramps that are remotely located in accordance with Section 1007.1.

[F] 403.3.2 Water Supply to Required Fire Pumps

In buildings having an occupied floor that are more than 120 feet (36 576 mm) above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access, required fire pumps shall be supplied by connections to not fewer than two water mains located in different streets. Separate supply piping shall be provided between each connection to the water main and the pumps. Each connection and the supply piping between the connection and the pumps shall be sized to supply the flow and pressure required for the pumps to operate.

Exception: Two connections to the same main shall be permitted provided that the main is valved such that an interruption can be isolated so that the water supply will continue without interruption through not fewer than one of the connections.

403.3.2.1 Fire Pumps

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

[F] 403.3.3 Secondary Water Supply

An automatic secondary on-site water supply having a usable capacity of not less than the hydraulically calculated sprinkler demand, including the hose stream requirement, shall be provided for high-rise buildings and Group I-2 occupancies having occupied floors located more than 75 ft above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access assigned to Seismic Design Category C, D, E or F as determined by Section 1613. An additional fire pump shall not be required for the secondary water supply unless needed to provide the minimum design intake pressure at the suction side of the fire pump supplying the automatic sprinkler system. The secondary water supply shall have a duration of not less than 30 minutes. The Class I standpipe system demand shall not be required to be included in the secondary on-site water supply calculations. In no case shall the secondary on-site water supply be less than 15,000 gallons.

[F] 403.3.4 Fire Pump Room

Fire pumps shall be located in rooms protected in accordance with Section 913.2.1.

403.3.5 Fire Pumps

See Section 913.6.

[F] 403.4 Emergency Systems

The detection, alarm and emergency systems of high-rise buildings shall comply with Sections 403.4.1 through 403.4.8.

[F] 403.4.1 Smoke Detection

Smoke detection shall be provided in accordance with Section 907.2.12.1.

[F] 403.4.2 Fire Alarm System

A fire alarm system shall be provided in accordance with Section 907.2.12.

[F] 403.4.3 Standpipe System

ILLUSTRATION

A high-rise building shall be equipped with a standpipe system as required by Section 905.3.

[F] 403.4.4 Emergency Voice/Alarm Communication System

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

[F] 403.4.5 Emergency Responder Radio Coverage

Emergency responder radio coverage shall be provided in accordance with Section 510 of the California Fire Code.

[F] 403.4.6 Fire Command

A fire command center complying with Section 911 shall be provided in a location approved by the fire code official.

[F] 403.4.7 Smoke Removal

403.4.7 Smoke Control System

All portions of high-rise buildings shall be provided with a smoke control system in accordance with Section 909.

[F] 403.4.8 Standby and Emergency Power

A standby power system complying with Section 2702 and Section 3003 shall be provided for the standby power loads specified in Section 403.4.8.3. An emergency power system complying with Section 2702 shall be provided for the emergency power loads specified in Section 403.4.8.4.

[F] 403.4.8.1 Equipment Room

If the standby or emergency power system includes a generator set inside a building, the system shall be located in a separate room enclosed with 2-hour fire barriers constructed in accordance with Section 707 or horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711, or both. System supervision with manual start and transfer features shall be provided at the fire command center.

Exception: In Group I-2, Condition 2, manual start and transfer features for the critical branch of the emergency power are not required to be provided at the fire command center.

[F] 403.4.8.2 Fuel Line Piping Protection

Fuel lines supplying a generator set inside a building shall be separated from areas of the building other than the room the generator is located in by an approved method or assembly that has a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 hours. Where the building is protected throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2, the required fire-resistance rating shall be reduced to 1 hour.

[F] 403.4.8.3 Standby Power Loads

The following are classified as standby power loads:

Ventilation and automatic fire detection equipment for smokeproof enclosures.
Elevators.
Where elevators are provided in a high-rise building for accessible means of egress, fire service access or occupant self-evacuation, the standby power system shall also comply with Sections 1009.4, 3007 or 3008, as applicable.

[F] 403.4.8.4 Emergency Power Loads

The following are classified as emergency power loads:

Exit signs and means of egress illumination required by Chapter 10.
Elevator car lighting.
Emergency voice/alarm communications systems.
Automatic fire detection systems.
Fire alarm systems.
Electrically powered fire pumps.
Power and lighting for the fire command center required by Section 403.4.6.

403.5 Means of Egress and Evacuation

The means of egress in high-rise buildings shall comply with Sections 403.5.1 through 403.5.6.

403.5.1 Remoteness of Interior Exit Stairways

ILLUSTRATION

Required interior exit stairways shall be separated by a distance not less than 30 feet (9144 mm) or not less than one-fourth of the length of the maximum overall diagonal dimension of the building or area to be served, whichever is less. The distance shall be measured in a straight line between the nearest points of the enclosure surrounding the interior exit stairways. In buildings with three or more interior exit stairways, not fewer than two of the interior exit stairways shall comply with this section. Interlocking or scissor stairways shall be counted as one interior exit stairway.

403.5.2 Additional Interior Exit Stairway

For buildings other than Group R-2 and their ancillary spaces that are more than 420 feet (128 m) in building height, one additional interior exit stairway meeting the requirements of Sections 1011 and 1023 shall be provided in addition to the minimum number of exits required by Section 1006.3. The total capacity of any combination of remaining interior exit stairways with one interior exit stairway removed shall be not less than the total capacity required by Section 1005.1. Scissor stairways shall not be considered the additional interior exit stairway required by this section.

Exceptions:

An additional interior exit stairway shall not be required to be installed in buildings having elevators used for occupant self-evacuation in accordance with Section 3008.
An additional interior exit stairway shall not be required for other portions of the building where the highest occupiable floor level in those areas is less than 420 feet (128 m) in building height.

403.5.3 Stairway Door Operation

Stairway doors other than the exit discharge doors shall be permitted to be locked from the stairway side. Stairway doors that are locked from the stairway side shall be capable of being unlocked simultaneously without unlatching upon a signal from the fire command center. Upon failure of electrical power to the locking mechanism the door shall unlock.

403.5.3.1 Stairway Communication System

A telephone or other two-way communications system connected to an approved constantly attended station shall be provided at not less than every fifth floor in each stairway where the doors to the stairway are locked.

403.5.4 Smokeproof Enclosures

Every exit enclosure in high-rise buildings shall comply with Sections 909.20 and 1023.11. Every required interior exit stairway in Group I-2 occupancies serving floors more than 75 feet (22 860 mm) above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access shall be a smokeproof enclosure in accordance with Sections 909.20 and 1023.11.

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

403.5.5 Luminous Egress Path Markings

Luminous egress path markings shall be provided in accordance with Section 1025.

403.5.6 Emergency Escape and Rescue

Emergency escape and rescue openings specified in Section 1030 are not required.

403.6 Elevators

Elevator installation and operation in high-rise buildings shall comply with Chapter 30 and Sections 403.6.1 and 403.6.2.

Enclosed elevator lobbies shall be provided in accordance with Section 3006. Exceptions 2. 3, 4, and 5 of 3006.3 shall only be permitted where approved by the Fire Chief in accordance with Section 1.11.2.1.1 or in accordance with Section 1.11.2.1.2 for all state-owned buildings, state-occupied buildings, and state institutions throughout the state.

403.6.1 Fire Service Access Elevator

ILLUSTRATION

In buildings with an occupied floor more than 120 feet (36 576 mm) above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access, not fewer than two fire service access elevators, or all elevators, whichever is less, shall be provided in accordance with Section 3007. Each fire service access elevator shall have a capacity of not less than 3,500 pounds (1588 kg) and shall comply with Section 3002.4.

403.6.2 Occupant Evacuation Elevators

Where installed in accordance with Section 3008, passenger elevators for general public use shall be permitted to be used for occupant self-evacuation.

403.7 Existing High-Rise Buildings

For existing high-rise buildings, see California Fire Code Chapter 11 and California Existing Building Code.

Section 404 Atriums

404.1 General

In other than Group H occupancies, and where permitted by Section 712.1.7, the provisions of Sections 404.1 through 404.10 shall apply to buildings or structures containing vertical openings defined as "Atriums."

404.2 Use

The floor of the atrium shall not be used for other than low fire hazard uses and only approved materials and decorations in accordance with the California Fire Code shall be used in the atrium space.

Exception: The atrium floor area is permitted to be used for any approved use where the individual space is provided with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.

[F] 404.3 Automatic Sprinkler Protection

ILLUSTRATION

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

Exceptions:

That area of a building adjacent to or above the atrium need not be sprinklered provided that portion of the building is separated from the atrium portion by not less than 2-hour fire barriers constructed in accordance with Section 707 or horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711, or both.
Where the ceiling of the atrium is more than 55 feet (16 764 mm) above the floor, sprinkler protection at the ceiling of the atrium is not required.

[F] 404.4 Fire Alarm System

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

404.5 Smoke Control

A smoke control system shall be installed in accordance with Section 909.

Exception: In other than Group I-2, and R-2.1, Condition 2, smoke control is not required for atriums that connect only two stories.

404.6 Enclosure of Atriums

Atrium spaces shall be separated from adjacent spaces by a 1-hour fire barrier constructed in accordance with Section 707 or a horizontal assembly constructed in accordance with Section 711, or both.

Exceptions:

A fire barrier is not required where a glass wall forming a smoke partition is provided. The glass wall shall comply with all of the following:
1. Automatic sprinklers are provided along both sides of the separation wall and doors, or on the room side only if there is not a walkway on the atrium side. The sprinklers shall be located between 4 inches and 12 inches (102 mm and 305 mm) away from the glass and at intervals along the glass not greater than 6 feet (1829 mm). The sprinkler system shall be designed so that the entire surface of the glass is wet upon activation of the sprinkler system without obstruction;
2. The glass wall shall be installed in a gasketed frame in a manner that the framing system deflects without breaking (loading) the glass before the sprinkler system operates; and
3. Where glass doors are provided in the glass wall, they shall be either self-closing or automatic-closing.
A fire barrier is not required where a glass-block wall assembly complying with Section 2110 and having a ³/₄-hour fire protection rating is provided.
In other than Group I and R-2.1 occupancies, a fire barrier is not required between the atrium and the adjoining spaces of up to three floors of the atrium provided that such spaces are accounted for in the design of the smoke control system.
A fire barrier is not required between the atrium and the adjoining spaces where the atrium is not required to be provided with a smoke control system.

[F] 404.7 Standby Power

Equipment required to provide smoke control shall be provided with standby power in accordance with Section 909.11.

404.8 Interior Finish

The interior finish of walls and ceilings of the atrium shall be not less than Class B. Sprinkler protection shall not result in a reduction in class.

404.9 Exit Access Travel Distance

ILLUSTRATION

Exit access travel distance for areas open to an atrium shall comply with the requirements of this section.

404.9.1 Egress Not Through the Atrium

Where required access to the exits is not through the atrium, exit access travel distance shall comply with Section 1017.

404.9.2 Exit Access Travel Distance at the Level of Exit Discharge

Where the path of egress travel is through an atrium space, exit access travel distance at the level of exit discharge shall be determined in accordance with Section 1017.

404.9.3 Exit Access Travel Distance at Other Than the Level of Exit Discharge

Where the path of egress travel is not at the level of exit discharge from the atrium, that portion of the total permitted exit access travel distance that occurs within the atrium shall be not greater than 200 feet (60 960 mm).

404.10 Interior Exit Stairways

ILLUSTRATION

Not greater than 50 percent of interior exit stairways are permitted to egress through an atrium on the level of exit discharge in accordance with Section 1028.

404.11 Group I and R-2.1 Occupancy Means of Egress

Required means of egress from sleeping rooms in Group I and R-2.1 occupancies shall not pass through the atrium.

Section 405 Underground Buildings

405.1 General

ILLUSTRATION

The provisions of Sections 405.2 through 405.9 apply to building spaces having a floor level used for human occupancy more than 30 feet (9144 mm) below the finished floor of the lowest level of exit discharge.

Exceptions: The provisions of Section 405 are not applicable to the following buildings or portions of buildings:

One- and two-family dwellings, sprinklered in accordance with Section 903.3.1.3.
Parking garages provided with automatic sprinkler systems in compliance with Section 405.3.
Fixed guideway transit systems.
Grandstands, bleachers, stadiums, arenas and similar facilities.
Where the lowest story is the only story that would qualify the building as an underground building and has an area not greater than 1,500 square feet (139 m²) and has an occupant load less than 10.
Pumping stations and other similar mechanical spaces intended only for limited periodic use by service or maintenance personnel.

405.2 Construction Requirements

The underground portion of the building shall be of Type I construction.

[F] 405.3 Automatic Sprinkler System

The highest level of exit discharge serving the underground portions of the building and all levels below shall be equipped with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1. Water-flow switches and control valves shall be supervised in accordance with Section 903.4.

405.4 Compartmentation

Compartmentation shall be in accordance with Sections 405.4.1 through 405.4.3.

405.4.1 Number of Compartments

A building having a floor level more than 60 feet (18 288 mm) below the finished floor of the lowest level of exit discharge shall be divided into not fewer than two compartments of approximately equal size. Such compartmentation shall extend through the highest level of exit discharge serving the underground portions of the building and all levels below.

Exception: The lowest story need not be compartmented where the area is not greater than 1,500 square feet (139 m²) and has an occupant load of less than 10.

405.4.2 Smoke Barrier Penetration

ILLUSTRATION

The compartments shall be separated from each other by a smoke barrier in accordance with Section 709. Penetrations between the two compartments shall be limited to plumbing and electrical piping and conduit that are firestopped in accordance with Section 714. Doorways shall be protected by fire door assemblies that comply with Section 716, automatic-closing by smoke detection in accordance with Section 716.2.6.6 and installed in accordance with NFPA 105 and Section 716.2.2.1. Where provided, each compartment shall have an air supply and an exhaust system independent of the other compartments.

405.4.3 Elevators

Where elevators are provided, each compartment shall have direct access to an elevator. Where an elevator serves more than one compartment, an enclosed elevator lobby shall be provided and shall be separated from each compartment by a smoke barrier in accordance with Section 709. Doorways in the smoke barrier shall be protected by fire door assemblies that comply with Section 716, shall comply with the smoke and draft control assembly requirements of Section 716.2.2.1 with the UL 1784 test conducted without an artificial bottom seal, and shall be automatic-closing by smoke detection in accordance with Section 716.2.6.6.

405.5 Smoke Control System

A smoke control system shall be provided in accordance with Sections 405.5.1 and 405.5.2.

405.5.1 Control System

A smoke control system is required to control the migration of products of combustion in accordance with Section 909 and the provisions of this section. Smoke control shall restrict movement of smoke to the general area of fire origin and maintain means of egress in a usable condition.

405.5.2 Compartment Smoke Control System

Where compartmentation is required, each compartment shall have an independent smoke control system. The system shall be automatically activated and capable of manual operation in accordance with Sections 907.2.17 and 907.2.18.

[F] 405.6 Fire Alarm Systems

A fire alarm system shall be provided where required by Sections 907.2.17 and 907.2.18.

405.7 Means of Egress

Means of egress shall be in accordance with Sections 405.7.1 and 405.7.2.

405.7.1 Number of Exits

Each floor level shall be provided with not fewer than two exits. Where compartmentation is required by Section 405.4, each compartment shall have not fewer than one exit and not fewer than one exit access doorway into the adjoining compartment.

405.7.2 Smokeproof Enclosure

Every required stairway serving floor levels more than 30 feet (9144 mm) below the finished floor of its level of exit discharge shall comply with the requirements for a smokeproof enclosure as provided in Section 1023.11.

[F] 405.8 Standby and Emergency Power

A standby power system complying with Section 2702 shall be provided for the standby power loads specified in Section 405.8.1. An emergency power system complying with Section 2702 shall be provided for the emergency power loads specified in Section 405.8.2.

[F] 405.8.1 Standby Power Loads

The following are classified as standby power loads:

Smoke control system.
Ventilation and automatic fire detection equipment for smokeproof enclosures.
Elevators, as required in Section 3003.

[F] 405.8.2 Emergency Power Loads

The following are classified as emergency power loads:

Emergency voice/alarm communications systems.
Fire alarm systems.
Automatic fire detection systems.
Elevator car lighting.
Means of egress and exit sign illumination as required by Chapter 10.
Fire pumps.

[F] 405.9 Standpipe System

ILLUSTRATION

The underground building shall be equipped throughout with a standpipe system in accordance with Section 905.

Section 406 Motor-Vehicle-Related Occupancies

406.1 General

All motor-vehicle-related occupancies shall comply with Section 406.2. Private garages and carports shall also comply with Section 406.3. Open public parking garages shall also comply with Sections 406.4 and 406.5. Enclosed public parking garages shall also comply with Sections 406.4 and 406.6. Motor fuel-dispensing facilities shall also comply with Section 406.7. Repair garages shall also comply with Section 406.8.

406.2 Design

Private garages and carports, open and enclosed public parking garages, motor fuel-dispensing facilities and repair garages shall comply with Sections 406.2.1 through 406.2.9.

406.2.1 Automatic Garage Door Openers and Vehicular Gates

Automatic garage door openers shall be listed and labeled in accordance with UL 325. Where provided, automatic vehicular gates shall comply with Section 3110. See Health and Safety Code Sections 19890 and 19891 for additional provisions for residential garage door openers.

406.2.2 Clear Height

The clear height of each floor level in vehicle and pedestrian traffic areas shall be not less than 7 feet (2134 mm). Canopies under which fuels are dispensed shall have a clear height in accordance with Section 406.7.2. (DSA-AC, HCD 1-AC) The clear height of vehicle and pedestrian areas required to be accessible shall comply with Chapter 11A or 11B, as applicable.

Exception: A lower clear height is permitted for a parking tier in mechanical-access open parking garages where approved by the building official.

406.2.3 Accessible Parking Spaces

Where parking is provided, accessible parking spaces, access aisles and vehicular routes serving accessible parking shall be provided in accordance with Chapter 11A.

406.2.4 Floor Surfaces

Floor surfaces shall be of concrete or similar approved noncombustible and nonabsorbent materials. The area of floor used for the parking of automobiles or other vehicles shall be sloped to facilitate the movement of liquids to a drain or toward the main vehicle entry doorway. The surface of vehicle fueling pads in motor fuel-dispensing facilities shall be in accordance with Section 406.7.1.

Exceptions:

Asphalt parking surfaces shall be permitted at ground level for public parking garages and private carports.
Floors of Group S-2 parking garages shall not be required to have a sloped surface.
Slip-resistant, nonabsorbent, interior floor finishes having a critical radiant flux not more than 0.45 W/cm², as determined by ASTM E648 or NFPA 253, shall be permitted in repair garages.

406.2.5 Sleeping Rooms

Openings between a motor vehicle-related occupancy and a room used for sleeping purposes shall not be permitted.

406.2.6 Fuel Dispensing

The dispensing of fuel shall only be permitted in motor fuel-dispensing facilities in accordance with Section 406.7.

406.2.7 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

Where provided, electric vehicle charging stations shall be installed in accordance with the California Electrical Code and the California Green Building Standards Code. Electric vehicle charging system equipment shall be listed and labeled in accordance with UL 2202. Electric vehicle supply equipment shall be listed and labeled in accordance with UL 2594. Accessibility to electric vehicle charging stations shall be provided in accordance with Chapters 11A and/or 11B.

406.2.8 Mixed Occupancies and Uses

Mixed uses shall be allowed in the same building as public parking garages and repair garages in accordance with Section 508.1. Mixed uses in the same building as an open parking garage are subject to Sections 402.4.2.3, 406.5.11, 508.1, 510.3, 510.4 and 510.7.

406.2.9 Equipment and Appliances

Equipment and appliances shall be installed in accordance with Sections 406.2.9.1 through 406.2.9.3 and the California Mechanical Code, California Plumbing Code, and the California Electrical Code.

406.2.9.1 Elevation of Ignition Sources

Equipment and appliances having an ignition source and located in hazardous locations and public garages, private garages, repair garages, automotive motor fuel-dispensing facilities and parking garages shall be elevated such that the source of ignition is not less than 18 inches (457 mm) above the floor surface on which the equipment or appliance rests. For the purpose of this section, rooms or spaces that are not part of the living space of a dwelling unit and that communicate directly with a private garage through openings shall be considered to be part of the private garage.

Exception: Elevation of the ignition source is not required for appliances that are listed as flammable vapor ignition resistant.

406.2.9.1.1 Parking Garages

Connection of a parking garage with any room in which there is a fuel-fired appliance shall be by means of a vestibule providing a two-doorway separation, except that a single door is permitted where the sources of ignition in the appliance are elevated in accordance with Section 406.2.9.

Exception: This section shall not apply to appliance installations complying with Section 406.2.9.2 or 406.2.9.3.

406.2.9.2 Public Garages

Appliances located in public garages, motor fuel-dispensing facilities, repair garages or other areas frequented by motor vehicles shall be installed not less than 8 feet (2438 mm) above the floor. Where motor vehicles are capable of passing under an appliance, the appliance shall be installed at the clearances required by the appliance manufacturer and not less than 1 foot (305 mm) higher than the tallest vehicle garage door opening.

Exception: The requirements of this section shall not apply where the appliances are protected from motor vehicle impact and installed in accordance with Section 406.2.9.1 and NFPA 30A.

406.2.9.3 Private Garages

Appliances located in private garages and carports shall be installed with a minimum clearance of 6 feet (1829 mm) above the floor.

Exception: The requirements of this section shall not apply where the appliances are protected from motor vehicle impact and are installed in accordance with Section 406.2.9.1.

406.3 Private Garages and Carports

Private garages and carports shall comply with Sections 406.2 and 406.3, or they shall comply with Sections 406.2 and 406.4.

406.3.1 Classification

Private garages and carports shall be classified as Group U occupancies. Each private garage shall be not greater than 1,000 square feet (93 m²) in area. Multiple private garages are permitted in a building where each private garage is separated from the other private garages by 1-hour fire barriers in accordance with Section 707, or 1-hour horizontal assemblies in accordance with Section 711, or both.

Exception: The area of a private garage accessory to Group R-3 one- or two-family dwellings shall not be greater than 3,000 square feet in area.

406.3.2 Separation

For other than private garages adjacent to dwelling units, the separation of private garages from other occupancies shall comply with Section 508. Separation of private garages from dwelling units shall comply with Sections 406.3.2.1 and 406.3.2.2.

406.3.2.1 Dwelling Unit Separation

The private garage shall be separated from the dwelling unit and its attic area by means of gypsum board, not less than ¹/₂ inch (12.7 mm) in thickness, applied to the garage side. Garages beneath habitable rooms shall be separated from all habitable rooms above by not less than a ⁵/₈-inch (15.9 mm) Type X gypsum board or equivalent and ¹/₂-inch (12.7 mm) gypsum board applied to structures supporting the separation from habitable rooms above the garage. Door openings between a private garage and the dwelling unit shall be equipped with either solid wood doors or solid or honeycomb core steel doors not less than 1³/₈ inches (34.9 mm) in thickness, or doors in compliance with Section 716.2.2.1 with a fire protection rating of not less than 20 minutes. Doors shall be self-closing and self-latching.

406.3.2.2 Ducts

Ducts in a private garage and ducts penetrating the walls or ceilings separating the dwelling unit from the garage, including its attic area, shall be constructed of sheet steel of not less than 0.019 inch (0.48 mm) in thickness and shall not have openings into the garage.

406.3.3 Carports

ILLUSTRATION

Carports shall be open on not fewer than two sides. Carports open on fewer than two sides shall be considered to be a garage and shall comply with the requirements for private garages.

406.3.3.1 Carport Separation

A separation is not required between a Group R-3 and U carport, provided that the carport is entirely open on two or more sides and there are not enclosed areas above.

406.4 Public Parking Garages

Parking garages, other than private garages, shall be classified as public parking garages and shall comply with the provisions of Sections 406.2 and 406.4 and shall be classified as either an open parking garage or an enclosed parking garage. Open parking garages shall also comply with Section 406.5. Enclosed parking garages shall also comply with Section 406.6. See Section 510 for special provisions for parking garages.

406.4.1 Guards

Guards shall be provided in accordance with Section 1015. Guards serving as vehicle barriers shall comply with Sections 406.4.2 and 1015.

406.4.2 Vehicle Barriers

Vehicle barriers not less than 2 feet 9 inches (835 mm) in height shall be placed where the vertical distance from the floor of a drive lane or parking space to the ground or surface directly below is greater than 1 foot (305 mm). Vehicle barriers shall comply with the loading requirements of Section 1607.9.

Exception: Vehicle barriers are not required in vehicle storage compartments in a mechanical access parking garage.

406.4.3 Ramps

Vehicle ramps shall not be considered as required exits unless pedestrian facilities are provided. Vehicle ramps that are utilized for vertical circulation as well as for parking shall not exceed a slope of 1:15 (6.67 percent).

406.5 Open Parking Garages

Open parking garages shall comply with Sections 406.2, 406.4 and 406.5.

406.5.1 Construction

Open parking garages shall be of Type I, II or IV construction. Open parking garages shall meet the design requirements of Chapter 16. For vehicle barriers, see Section 406.4.2.

406.5.2 Openings

For natural ventilation purposes, the exterior side of the structure shall have uniformly distributed openings on two or more sides. The area of such openings in exterior walls on a tier shall be not less than 20 percent of the total perimeter wall area of each tier. The aggregate length of the openings considered to be providing natural ventilation shall be not less than 40 percent of the perimeter of the tier. Interior walls shall be not less than 20 percent open with uniformly distributed openings.

Exception: Openings are not required to be distributed over 40 percent of the building perimeter where the required openings are uniformly distributed over two opposing sides of the building.

406.5.2.1 Openings Below Grade

Where openings below grade provide required natural ventilation, the outside horizontal clear space shall be one and one-half times the depth of the opening. The width of the horizontal clear space shall be maintained from grade down to the bottom of the lowest required opening.

406.5.3 Mixed Occupancies and Uses

ILLUSTRATION

Mixed uses shall be allowed in the same building as an open parking garage subject to the provisions of Sections 402.4.2.3, 406.5.11, 508.1, 510.3, 510.4 and 510.7.

406.5.4 Area and Height

Area and height of open parking garages shall be limited as set forth in Chapter 5 for Group S-2 occupancies and as further provided for in Section 508.1.

TABLE 406.5.4
OPEN PARKING GARAGES AREA AND HEIGHT
TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION	AREA PER TIER (square feet)	HEIGHT (in tiers)
		Ramp access	Mechanical access
			Automatic sprinkler system
			No	Yes
IA	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited
IB	Unlimited	12 tiers	12 tiers	18 tiers
IIA	50,000	10 tiers	10 tiers	15 tiers
IIB	50,000	8 tiers	8 tiers	12 tiers
IV	50,000	4 tiers	4 tiers	4 tiers

For SI: 1 square foot = 0.0929 m².

406.5.4.1 Single Use

Where the open parking garage is used exclusively for the parking or storage of private motor vehicles, and the building is without other uses, the area and height shall be permitted to comply with Table 406.5.4, along with increases allowed by Section 406.5.5.

Exception: The grade-level tier is permitted to contain an office, waiting and toilet rooms having a total combined area of not more than 1,000 square feet (93 m²). Such area need not be separated from the open parking garage.

In open parking garages having a spiral or sloping floor, the horizontal projection of the structure at any cross section shall not exceed the allowable area per parking tier. In the case of an open parking garage having a continuous spiral floor, each 9 feet 6 inches (2896 mm) of height, or portion thereof, shall be considered under these provisions to be a tier.

406.5.5 Area and Height Increases

The allowable area and height of open parking garages shall be increased in accordance with the provisions of this section. Garages with sides open on three-fourths of the building's perimeter are permitted to be increased by 25 percent in area and one tier in height. Garages with sides open around the entire building's perimeter are permitted to be increased by 50 percent in area and one tier in height. For a side to be considered open under these provisions, the total area of openings along the side shall be not less than 50 percent of the interior area of the side at each tier and such openings shall be equally distributed along the length of the tier. For purposes of calculating the interior area of the side, the height shall not exceed 7 feet (2134 mm).

Allowable tier areas in Table 406.5.4 shall be increased for open parking garages constructed to heights less than the table maximum. The gross tier area of the garage shall not exceed that permitted for the higher structure. Not fewer than three sides of each such larger tier shall have continuous horizontal openings not less than 30 inches (762 mm) in clear height extending for not less than 80 percent of the length of the sides. All parts of such larger tier shall be not more than 200 feet (60 960 mm) horizontally from such an opening. In addition, each such opening shall face a street or yard accessible to a street with a width of not less than 30 feet (9144 mm) for the full length of the opening, and standpipes shall be provided in each such tier.

Open parking garages of Type II construction, with all sides open, shall be unlimited in allowable area where the building height does not exceed 75 feet (22 860 mm). For a side to be considered open, the total area of openings along the side shall be not less than 50 percent of the interior area of the side at each tier and such openings shall be equally distributed along the length of the tier. For purposes of calculating the interior area of the side, the height shall not exceed 7 feet (2134 mm). All portions of tiers shall be within 200 feet (60 960 mm) horizontally from such openings or other natural ventilation openings as defined in Section 406.5.2. These openings shall be permitted to be provided in courts with a minimum dimension of 20 feet (6096 mm) for the full width of the openings.

406.5.6 Fire Separation Distance

Exterior walls and openings in exterior walls shall comply with Tables 601 and 602. The distance to an adjacent lot line shall be determined in accordance with Table 602 and Section 705.

406.5.7 Means of Egress

Where persons other than parking attendants are permitted, open parking garages shall meet the means of egress requirements of Chapter 10. Where persons other than parking attendants are not permitted, there shall be not fewer than two exit stairways. Each exit stairway shall be not less than 36 inches (914 mm) in width. Lifts shall be permitted to be installed for use of employees only, provided that they are completely enclosed by noncombustible materials.

[F] 406.5.8 Standpipe System

ILLUSTRATION

An open parking garage shall be equipped with a standpipe system as required by Section 905.3.

406.5.9 Enclosure of Vertical Openings

Enclosure shall not be required for vertical openings except as specified in Section 406.5.7.

406.5.10 Ventilation

Ventilation, other than the percentage of openings specified in Section 406.5.2, shall not be required.

406.5.11 Prohibitions

The following uses and alterations are not permitted:

Vehicle repair work.
Parking of buses, trucks and similar vehicles.
Partial or complete closing of required openings in exterior walls by tarpaulins or any other means.
Dispensing of fuel.

406.6 Enclosed Parking Garages

Enclosed parking garages shall comply with Sections 406.2, 406.4 and 406.6.

406.6.1 Heights and Areas

ILLUSTRATION

Enclosed vehicle parking garages and portions thereof that do not meet the definition of open parking garages shall be limited to the allowable heights and areas specified in Sections 504 and 506 as modified by Section 507. Roof parking is permitted.

406.6.2 Ventilation

A mechanical ventilation system and exhaust system shall be provided in accordance with Chapters 4 and 5 of the California Mechanical Code.

[F] 406.6.3 Automatic Sprinkler System

An enclosed parking garage shall be equipped with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.2.10.

406.7 Motor Fuel-Dispensing Facilities

Motor fuel-dispensing facilities shall comply with the California Fire Code and Sections 406.2 and 406.7.

406.7.1 Vehicle Fueling Pad

The vehicle shall be fueled on noncoated concrete or other approved paving material having a resistance not exceeding 1 megohm as determined by the methodology in EN 1081.

406.7.2 Canopies

Canopies under which fuels are dispensed shall have a clear, unobstructed height of not less than 13 feet 6 inches (4115 mm) to the lowest projecting element in the vehicle drive-through area. Canopies and their supports over pumps shall be of noncombustible materials, fire-retardant-treated wood complying with Chapter 23, heavy timber complying with Section 2304.11 or construction providing 1-hour fire resistance. Combustible materials used in or on a canopy shall comply with one of the following:

Shielded from the pumps by a noncombustible element of the canopy, or heavy timber complying with Section 2304.11.
Plastics covered by aluminum facing having a thickness of not less than 0.010 inch (0.30 mm) or corrosion-resistant steel having a base metal thickness of not less than 0.016 inch (0.41 mm). The plastic shall have a flame spread index of 25 or less and a smoke-developed index of 450 or less when tested in the form intended for use in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723 and a self-ignition temperature of 650°F (343°C) or greater when tested in accordance with ASTM D1929.
Panels constructed of light-transmitting plastic materials shall be permitted to be installed in canopies erected over motor vehicle fuel-dispensing station fuel dispensers, provided that the panels are located not less than 10 feet (3048 mm) from any building on the same lot and face yards or streets not less than 40 feet (12 192 mm) in width on the other sides. The aggregate areas of plastics shall be not greater than 1,000 square feet (93 m²). The maximum area of any individual panel shall be not greater than 100 square feet (9.3 m²).

406.7.2.1 Canopies Used to Support Gaseous Hydrogen Systems

Canopies that are used to shelter dispensing operations where flammable compressed gases are located on the roof of the canopy shall be in accordance with the following:

The canopy shall meet or exceed Type I construction requirements.
Operations located under canopies shall be limited to refueling only.
The canopy shall be constructed in a manner that prevents the accumulation of hydrogen gas.

406.8 Repair Garages

Repair garages shall be constructed in accordance with the California Fire Code and Sections 406.2 and 406.8. This occupancy shall not include motor fuel-dispensing facilities, as regulated in Section 406.7.

406.8.1 Ventilation

Repair garages shall be mechanically ventilated in accordance with the California Mechanical Code. The ventilation system shall be controlled at the entrance to the garage.

[F] 406.8.2 Gas Detection System

Repair garages used for repair of vehicles fueled by nonodorized gases including but not limited to hydrogen and nonodorized LNG, shall be provided with a gas detection system that complies with Section 916. The gas detection system shall be designed to detect leakage of nonodorized gaseous fuel. Where lubrication or chassis service pits are provided in garages used for repairing nonodorized LNG-fueled vehicles, gas sensors shall be provided in such pits.

[F] 406.8.2.1 System Activation

Activation of a gas detection alarm shall result in all of the following:

Initiation of distinct audible and visual alarm signals in the repair garage, where the ventilation system is interlocked with gas detection.
Deactivation of all heating systems located in the repair garage.
Activation of the mechanical ventilation system, where the system is interlocked with gas detection.

[F] 406.8.2.2 Failure of the Gas Detection System

Failure of the gas detection system shall automatically deactivate the heating system, activate the mechanical ventilation system where the system is interlocked with the gas detection system, and cause a trouble signal to sound at an approved location.

[F] 406.8.3 Automatic Sprinkler System

A repair garage shall be equipped with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.2.9.1.

406.9 Electric Vehicle

[SFM]

406.9.1 Charging

In any building or interior area used for charging electric vehicles, electrical equipment shall be installed in accordance with the California Electrical Code.

406.9.2 Ventilation

Mechanical exhaust ventilation, when required by the California Electrical Code shall be provided at a rate as required by Article 625 or as required by Section 1203 of the California Building Code whichever is greater. The ventilation system shall include both the supply and exhaust equipment and shall be permanently installed and located to intake supply air from the outdoors, and vent the exhaust directly to, the outdoors without conducting the exhaust air through other spaces within the building.

Exception: Positive pressure ventilation systems shall only be allowed in buildings or areas that have been designed and approved for that application.

406.9.3 Electrical Interface

The electrical supply circuit to electrically powered mechanical ventilation equipment shall be interlocked with the recharging equipment used to supply the vehicle(s) being charged, and shall remain energized during the entire charging cycle. Electric vehicle recharging equipment shall be marked or labeled in accordance with the California Electrical Code.

Exceptions:

Exhaust ventilation shall not be required in areas with an approved engineered ventilation system, which maintains a hydrogen gas concentration at less than 25 percent of the lower flammability limit.
Mechanical exhaust ventilation for hydrogen shall not be required where the charging equipment utilized is installed and listed for indoor charging of electric vehicles without ventilation.

Section 407 Group I-2

ILLUSTRATION

407.1 General

Occupancies in Group I-2 and I-2.1 shall comply with the provisions of Sections 407.1 through 407.12 and other applicable provisions of this code.

407.1.1 Construction

Occupancies in Group I-2 wherein mental health patients are restrained are permitted to be housed in one-story buildings of Type IIA, Type IIIA or Type VA construction provided the floor area does not exceed 5,200 square feet (483 m²) between fire walls of two-hour fire-resistive construction with openings protected by fire assemblies having a 1¹/₂-hour fire protection rating.

407.2 Corridors Continuity and Separation

Corridors in occupancies in Group I-2 and I-2.1 shall be continuous to the exits and shall be separated from other areas in accordance with Section 407.3 except spaces conforming to Sections 407.2.1 through 407.2.6.

407.2.1 Waiting and Similar Areas

Waiting areas and similar spaces constructed as required for corridors shall be permitted to be open to a corridor, only where all of the following criteria are met:

The spaces are not occupied as care recipient's sleeping rooms, treatment rooms, incidental uses listed in Table 509, in accordance with Section 509, or hazardous uses.
The open space is protected by an automatic smoke detection system installed in accordance with Section 907.
The corridors onto which the spaces open, in the same smoke compartment, are protected by an automatic smoke detection system installed in accordance with Section 907, and the smoke compartment in which the spaces are located is equipped throughout with quick-response sprinklers in accordance with Section 903.3.2.
The space is arranged so as not to obstruct access to the required exits.
Each space is located to permit direct visual supervision by the facility staff.

407.2.2 Care Providers Nurses' Stations

Spaces for care providers', supervisory staff, doctors' and nurses' charting, communications and related clerical areas shall be permitted to be open to, or located within the corridor, provided the required construction along the perimeter of the corridor is maintained. Construction of nurses' stations or portions of nurses' stations, within the envelope of the corridor is not required to be fire-resistive rated. Nurses' stations in new and existing facilities see the California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 1, Subchapter 1, Article 3, Section 3.11(d) for storage and equipment requirements.

In detention or secure mental health facilities, the provisions above applies to enclosed nurses' stations within the corridor.

407.2.3 Psychiatric Treatment Areas

Areas wherein psychiatric care recipients who are not capable of self-preservation are housed, or group meeting or multipurpose therapeutic spaces other than incidental uses in accordance with Section 509, under continuous supervision by facility staff, shall be permitted to be open to the corridor, where the following criteria are met:

Each area does not exceed 1,500 square feet (140 m²).
The area is located to permit supervision by the facility staff.
The area is arranged so as not to obstruct any access to the required exits.
The area is equipped with an automatic smoke detection system installed in accordance with Section 907.2.
Not more than one such space is permitted in any one smoke compartment.
The walls and ceilings of the space are constructed as required for corridors.

407.2.4 Gift Shops

Gift shops and associated storage that are less than 500 square feet (455 m²) in area shall be permitted to be open to the corridor where such spaces are constructed as required for corridors.

407.2.5 Nursing Home Housing Units

In Group I-2 occupancies, in areas where nursing home residents are housed, shared living spaces, group meeting or multipurpose therapeutic spaces shall be permitted to be open to the corridor, where all of the following criteria are met:

The walls and ceilings of the space are constructed as required for corridors.
The spaces are not occupied as resident sleeping rooms, treatment rooms, incidental uses in accordance with Section 509, or hazardous uses.
The open space is protected by an automatic smoke detection system installed in accordance with Section 907.
The corridors onto which the spaces open, in the same smoke compartment, are protected by an automatic smoke detection system installed in accordance with Section 907, and the smoke compartment in which the spaces are located is equipped throughout with quick-response sprinklers in accordance with Section 903.3.2.
The space is arranged so as not to obstruct access to the required exits.
Each space is located to permit direct visual supervision by the facility staff.

407.2.6 Nursing Home Cooking Facilities

In Group I-2 occupancies, rooms or spaces that contain a cooking facility with domestic cooking appliances shall be permitted in fully sprinklered buildings where all of the following criteria are met:

The number of care recipients housed in the smoke compartment shall not be greater than 30.
The number of care recipients served by the cooking facility shall not be greater than 30.
Only one cooking facility area shall be permitted in a smoke compartment.
The types of domestic cooking appliances permitted shall be limited to ovens, cooktops, ranges, warmers and microwaves.
The space containing the domestic cooking facility shall be arranged so as not to obstruct access to the required exit.
Domestic cooking range hoods installed and constructed in accordance with the California Mechanical Code shall be provided over cooktops and ranges.
Cooktops and ranges shall be protected in accordance with Section 904.13.
A shut-off for the fuel and electrical power supply to the cooking equipment shall be provided in a location that is accessible only to staff.
A timer shall be provided that automatically deactivates the cooking appliances within a period of not more than 120 minutes.
A portable fire extinguisher shall be provided. Installation shall be in accordance with Section 906, and the extinguisher shall be located within a 30-foot (9144 mm) distance of travel from each domestic cooking appliance.

407.3 Corridor Wall Construction

Corridor walls shall be constructed as fire partitions in accordance with Section 708.

407.3.1 Corridor Doors

In fully sprinklered buildings, corridor doors, other than those in a wall required to be rated by Section 509.4 or for the enclosure of a vertical opening or an exit, shall not have a required fire protection rating and shall not be required to be equipped with self-closing or automatic-closing devices, but shall provide an effective barrier to limit the transfer of smoke and shall be equipped with positive latching. In Group I-2 Occupancies, self-closing or automatic-closing devices are not required on corridor doors to patient sleeping rooms, treatment rooms, and offices located in areas specified in Sections 1224 and 1225, excluding offices specified in Sections 1224.21 and 1225.8. Roller latches are not permitted. Other doors shall conform to Section 716.

407.3.1.1 Swing of Corridor Doors

Corridor doors, other than those equipped with self-closing or automatic- closing devices shall not swing into the required width of corridors.

Exception: In detention and/or secure mental health facilities, doors may swing into required width of corridors as long as 44" clear is maintained with any one door open 90 degrees and clear corridor widths required in Chapter 12 can be maintained with doors open 180 degrees.

407.3.2 Glazing

In fully sprinklered buildings, fixed fully tempered or laminated glass in wood or metal frames may be used in corridor walls, provided the glazed area does not exceed 25 percent of the areas of the corridor wall of the room. The total area of glass in corridor walls is not limited when the glazing is fixed ¹/₃-hour fire-protectionrated glazing in approved frames and the size of individual glazed panel does not exceed 1,296 square inches (0.836 m²).

407.4 Means of Egress

Group I-2 and I-2.1 occupancies shall be provided with means of egress complying with Chapter 10 and Sections 407.4.1 through 407.4.4. The fire safety and evacuation plans provided in accordance with Section 1002.2 shall identify the building components necessary to support a defend-in-place emergency response in accordance with Sections 403 and 404 of the California Fire Code.

407.4.1 Direct Access to a Corridor

Habitable rooms in Group I-2 and I-2.1 occupancies shall have an exit access door leading directly to a corridor.

Exceptions:

Rooms with exit doors opening directly to the outside at ground level.
Rooms arranged as care suites complying with Section 407.4.4.

407.4.1.1 Locking Devices

Locking devices that restrict access to a care recipient's room from the corridor and that are operable only by staff from the corridor side shall not restrict the means of egress from the care recipient's room.

Exceptions:

This section shall not apply to rooms in psychiatric treatment and similar care areas.
Locking arrangements in accordance with Section 1010.1.9.7.

407.4.1.2 Basement Exits

All rooms below grade shall have not less than one exit access that leads directly to an exterior exit door opening directly to an exit discharge at grade plane or the public way.

407.4.2 Distance of Travel

The distance of travel between any point in a Group I-2 and I-2.1 occupancy sleeping room, not located in a care suite, and an exit access door in that room shall be not greater than 50 feet (15 240 mm).

407.4.2.1 Two Means of Egress

Any sleeping room of more than 1,000 square feet (93 m²) shall have no fewer than two exit access doors from the sleeping room located in accordance with Section 1007.1. Any room, other than sleeping rooms, with an area of more than 2,500 square feet (232 m²) shall have no fewer than two exit access doors from the room located in accordance with Section 1007.1.

407.4.3 Projections in Nursing Home Corridors

407.4.3 Reserved

407.4.4 Group I-2 and I-2.1 Care Suites

Care suites in Group I-2 and I-2.1 shall comply with Sections 407.4.4.1 through 407.4.4.4 and either Section 407.4.4.5 or 407.4.4.6.

407.4.4.1 Exit Access Through Care Suites

Exit access from all other portions of a building not classified as a care suite shall not pass through a care suite. In a care suite required to have more than one exit, one exit access is permitted to pass through an adjacent care suite provided that all of the other requirements of Sections 407.4 and 1016.2 are satisfied.

407.4.4.2 Separation

Care suites shall be separated from other portions of the building, including other care suites, not less than a one-hour fire barrier complying with Section 707. Each suite of rooms shall be separated from the remainder of the building by not less than a one-hour fire barrier.

407.4.4.3 Access to Corridor

Movement from habitable rooms shall be in accordance with Sections 407.4.4.3.1, 407.4.4.3.2 and 407.4.4.5.3.

Exception: The distance of travel shall be permitted to be increased to 125 feet (38 100 mm) where an automatic smoke detection system is provided throughout the care suite and installed in accordance with NFPA 72.

407.4.4.3.1 One Intervening Room

Movement from habitable rooms shall not require passage through more than one intervening room and 100 feet (30 480 mm) distance of travel within the care suite.

407.4.4.3.2 Two Intervening Rooms

Movement from habitable rooms other than sleeping rooms located within a care suite, shall not require passage through more than two intervening rooms and 50 feet (15 240 mm) distance of exit access travel within the care suite.

Exception: The distance of travel shall be permitted to be increased to 100 feet (38 100 mm) where an automatic fire sprinkler system is provided throughout the Group I-2 fire area and an automatic smoke detection system is provided throughout the care suite and installed in accordance with NFPA 72.

407.4.4.4 Doors Within Care Suites

Doors in care suites serving habitable rooms shall be permitted to comply with one of the following:

Manually operated horizontal sliding doors permitted in accordance with Exception 9 to Section 1010.1.2.
Power-operated doors permitted in accordance with Exception 7 to Section 1010.1.2.
Means of egress doors complying with Section 1010.

407.4.4.5 Care Suites Containing Sleeping Room Areas

Sleeping rooms shall be permitted to be grouped into care suites where one of the following criteria is met:

The care suite is not used as an exit access for more than eight care recipient beds.
The arrangement of the care suite allows for direct and constant visual supervision into the sleeping rooms by care providers.
An automatic smoke detection system is provided in the sleeping rooms and installed in accordance with NFPA 72.

407.4.4.5.1 Area

Care suites containing sleeping rooms shall be not greater than 5,000 square feet (696 m²) in area.

Exceptions:

Care suites containing sleeping rooms shall be permitted to be not greater than 7,500 square feet (696 m²) in area where an automatic fire sprinkler system is provided throughout the Group I-2 fire area.
Care suites containing sleeping rooms shall be permitted to be not greater than 10,000 square feet (929 m²) in area where an automatic fire sprinkler system is provided throughout the Group I-2 fire area and where an automatic smoke detection system is provided throughout the care suite and installed in accordance with Section 907.

UpCodes note: There seems to be a misprint in this code, 5,000 square feet is equivalent to 464.5 m².

Nonpatient-care suites shall be separated from other portions of the building, including other suites, by not less than a 1-hour fire barrier complying with Section 707. Each suite of rooms shall be separated from the remainder of the building by not less than a 1-hour fire barrier.

Smoke barriers shall be provided to subdivide every story used by persons receiving care, treatment or sleeping into not fewer than two smoke compartments. Smoke barriers shall be provided to subdivide other stories with an occupant load of 50 or more persons, regardless of occupancy or use, into not fewer than two smoke compartments. The smoke barrier shall be in accordance with Section 709.

Exceptions:

This requirement shall not apply to Group I-2.1 less than 10,000 ft² (929 m²).
An area in an adjoining occupancy shall be permitted to serve as a smoke compartment for a Group I-2.1 facility if the following criteria are met:
1. The separating wall and both compartments meet the requirements of 407.5.
2. The Group I-2.1 is less than 22,500 ft² (2100 m²).
3. Access from the Group I-2.1 to the other occupancy is unrestricted.
This requirement shall not apply to the following:
1. Any story, not containing a Group I-2 or I-2.1 occupancy, that is located above a story containing a Group I-2 or I-2.1 occupancy.
2. Areas that do not contain a Group I-2 or I-2.1 occupancy, where such areas are separated from the Group I-2 or I-2.1 occupancy by a horizontal exit in accordance with Section 1025.2.
3. Any story, not containing a Group I-2 or I-2.1 occupancy, that is located more than one story below a story containing a Group I-2 or I-2.1 occupancy.
4. Any story housing only mechanical equipment where such story is located below a story containing a Group I-2 or I-2.1 occupancy and is separated from the story above by a horizontal assembly having not less than a 2 hour fire resistance-rating.

Refuge areas shall be provided within each smoke compartment. The size of the refuge area shall accommodate the occupants and care recipients from the adjoining smoke compartment. Where a smoke compartment is adjoined by two or more smoke compartments, the minimum area of the refuge area shall accommodate the largest occupant load of the adjoining compartments. The size of the refuge area shall provide the following:

Not less than 30 net square feet (2.8 m²) for each care recipient confined to bed or stretcher.
Not less than 6 square feet (0.56 m²) for each ambulatory care recipient not confined to bed or stretcher and for other occupants.

Areas or spaces permitted to be included in the calculation of refuge area are corridors, sleeping areas, treatment rooms, lounge or dining areas and other low-hazard areas.

407.5.4 Independent Egress

A means of egress shall be provided from each smoke compartment created by smoke barriers without having to return through the smoke compartment from which means of egress originated. Smoke compartments that do not contain an exit shall be provided with direct access to not less than two adjacent smoke compartments.

Reference.

Research.

Collaboration.

International Building Code 2018 (IBC 2018)