The State Fire Marshal's Office established the Code Interpretations Committee (CIC) in November 2001, to research requests for code interpretations. The CIC meets once a month to review and discuss each code interpretation request, then pass their recommendations on to the Division Chiefs for final endorsement and approval. Once approved, the request is posted on the SFM website. Code interpretations rendered for Title 24 are valid for the code year edition identified in the code interpretation. Code interpretations rendered for Title 19 are not code edition specific.

Code Interpretation Request Form Code Interpretation Request Form Instructions

Exploring Code Interpretations

  • Interpretation #: Each document is uniquely identified with a Code Interpretation number for easy referencing.
  • Topic: We've organized the content into distinct topics, ensuring you find what you're looking for with ease.
  • Search: If you have a specific topic in mind, utilize the search bar for a more targeted exploration.
Interpretation # Topic Date Issued
 24-05  Work Area Compliance Method   October 15, 2024
 24-04 Electrical Energy Storage Systems (ESS)  October 15, 2024
24-03     Energy Storage System (ESS) - Degradation vs Maximum Aggregate  October 1, 2024
24-02  Electrical Energy Storage Systems (ESS) Listing and Rating  July 9, 2024
24-01 Registration Requirements for Tent Manufacturers March 13, 2024
23-002 Podium Construction and Levels  February 16, 2023
23-001 Laboratories, vocational shops and other such areas not classified as Group H, located in Group E occupancies February 9. 2023

22-003

Travel Distance of Catwalks on Sound Stages and Production Facilities

December 13, 2022

22-002

Large Family Day Care Single Action Door Handle requirements

December 1, 2022

22-001

Access to Emergency Escape and Rescue Openings (PDF)

May 19, 2022

21-004

Electrical Energy Storage Systems (ESS) (PDF)

March 30, 2022

21-003

Dedicated Function Sprinkler Monitoring System (PDF)

November 29, 2021

21-002 

Definition of Floor Space as it relates to an ADUs (PDF)

April 20, 2021

21-001

Installation, alteration or repairs of all water-based fire protection systems in California (PDF)   

April 2, 2021

20-001

ESS requirements for an R-3 (PDF)

September 11, 2020

18-008

Hood Suppresion Systems (PDF)

December 7, 2018

18-007

Change of Occupancy Use (PDF)

December 3, 2018

18-006

When to Classify Large Family Day Cares as I-4 (PDF)

December 3, 2018

18-005

Emergency Escape and Rescue Opening (PDF)

December 3, 2018

18-004

Manual Alarm Wiring (PDF)

February 28, 2018

18-003

Standpipe Riser Lateral (PDF)

January 31, 2018

18-002

WUI - 7A Standards for New Detached Garage (PDF)

January 5, 2018

18-001

Additions to an Existing Fire Alarm Panel (PDF)

January 5, 2018

17-006

Common Use Areas (PDF)

November 29, 2017

17-005

Fire retardant coatings (PDF)

November 29, 2017

17-004

Nonambulatory Status for R-2.1 (PDF)

November 29, 2017

17-003

Automatic fire alarm defined (PDF)

November 29, 2017

17-002

Exiting thru an elevator lobby (PDF)

November 29, 2017

17-001

High-rise with occupied roof measurement

July 18, 2017 - REMOVED

16-006

Permit for repairs of automatic fire-extinguishing systems (PDF)

September 15, 2016

16-005

Private Development (campus) Fire Pump (PDF)

September 1, 2016

16-004

Elevator Car Requirements for Ambulance Stretchers (PDF)

September 1, 2016

16-003

Aboveground Petroleum Tanks (PDF)

September 1, 2016

16-002

Delayed Egress in R-3.1 Occupancies (PDF)

March 24, 2016

16-001

I-3 Occupancies General Questions (PDF)

February 9, 2016 - Under Review

14-013

High Rise Water Supply (PDF)

February 9, 2016 (Revised)

Code interpretations rendered for Title 24 are valid for the code year edition identified in the code interpretation. Code interpretations rendered for Title 19 are not code edition specific.