An ordinance of the City of Huntington adopting the 2025 Edition of the California Fire Code, regulating and governing the safeguarding of life and property from fire and explosion hazards arising from the storage, handling and use of hazardous substances, materials and devices, and from conditions hazardous to life or property in the occupancy of buildings and premises in the City of Huntington Beach; providing for the issuance of permits and collection of fees therefor; repealing Ordinance No. 4268 of the City of Huntington Beach and all other ordinances or parts of laws in conflict therewith. From the date on which this chapter takes effect the provisions of such code, together with amendments thereto shall be controlling within the corporate limits of the City of Huntington Beach.
(4343-12/16/2025)
The following sections of 2024 International Fire Code, Chapter 1, Division II not adopted by the State of California into the 2025 California Fire Code are hereby adopted without amendment:
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Section 104, excluding 104.7 and 104.9 and 105.2.3
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Section 105.3 Conditions of a Permit
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Adopt the following operational permits:
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105.5.13 Dry cleaning
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105.5.22 Hazardous materials
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105.5.30 LP-gas
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105.5.36 Open burning
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105.5.41 Places of assembly
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105.5.45 Pyroxylin plastics.
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105.5.46 Refrigeration equipment
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105.5.49 Spraying or dipping
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105.5.50 Storage of scrap tires and tire byproducts
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Section 105.6.2 Automatic sprinklers
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Section 106 Construction Documents
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Section 108 Fees
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Exception: Section 108.3 Permit Valuations is not adopted.
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Section 109 Inspections
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Section 110 Maintenance
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Section 111 Service utilities
(4343-12/16/2025)
CFC Section 101.1 hereby amended to read as follows:
[A] 101.1 Title, Amended. These regulations shall be known as the City of Huntington Beach Fire Code (HBFC), hereinafter referred to as "this code."
(4343-12/16/2025)
CFC Section 102.7 hereby amended to read as follows:
[A] 102.7 Referenced codes and standards, Amended. The codes and standards referenced in this code shall be those that are listed in Chapter 80 as well as City Specifications as signed by the Fire Chief, and such codes and standards shall be considered to be part of the requirements of this code to the prescribed extent of each such reference and as further regulated in Sections 102.7.1 and 102.7.2.
(4343-12/16/2025)
CFC Section 103.1 hereby added and amended to read as follows:
103.1 Official in charge, Added. The official in charge thereof shall be known as the fire code official and shall oversee the implementation, administration and enforcement of the provisions of this code.
(4343-12/16/2025)
CFC Section 105.5.38 hereby added and amended to read as follows:
105.5.38 Open flame, Added. An operational permit is required to use open flames in connection with assembly areas, dining areas of restaurants or drinking establishments.
(4343-12/16/2025)
CFC Section 105.5.47 hereby added and amended to read as follows:
105.5.47 Repair garages and motor fuel-dispensing facilities, Added. An operational permit is required for operation of repair garages with motor fuel-dispensing facilities, or a motor fuel-dispensing facility without a repair garage.
105.5.47.1 Repair garage, Added
An operational permit is required for a repair garage without motor fuel-dispensing facilities.
(4343-12/16/2025)
CFC Section 105.6.25 hereby added to read as follows:
105.6.25 Methane Mitigation Systems. A construction permit is required for the installation or modification of a methane mitigation system. Maintenance performed in accordance with the current signed City Specification 429, Methane Mitigation Requirements, is not considered to be a modification and does not require a construction permit.
(4343-12/16/2025)
CFC Section 113.4 is hereby added to read as follows:
[A] 113.4 Violation Penalties, Added. Persons who shall violate a provision of this code or shall fail to comply with any of the requirements thereof or who shall erect, install, alter, repair or do work in violation of the approved construction documents or directive of the fire code official, or of a permit or certificate used under provisions of this code shall be guilty of a misdemeanor as prescribed in Chapter 1.16 of the Huntington Beach Municipal Code, or may be subject to administrative citations as prescribed in Chapter 1.18 of the Huntington Beach Municipal Code. Each day that a violation continues after due notice has been served shall be deemed a separate offense.
(4343-12/16/2025)
Section 324, Development on or near land containing or emitting toxic combustible or flammable liquids, gasses or vapors, Added. The fire code official may require the submittal for approval of geological studies, evaluations, reports remedial recommendations and/or similar documentation from a state licensed and department-approved individual or firm on any parcel of land to be developed which has, or is adjacent to, or within 1000 feet of a parcel of land that has an active or abandoned oil or gas well operation, petroleum or chemical refining facility, petroleum or chemical storage, or may contain or give off toxic, combustible or flammable liquids, gases or vapors. The submitted documentation will show that the site is compliant with current signed City Specifications 429, Methane District Building Permit Requirements and 431-92, Soil Quality Standards.
(4343-12/16/2025)
CFC Section 325 is hereby added to read as follows:
Section 325, Parade floats, Added
325.1 Decorative materials. Decorative materials on parade floats shall be non-combustible or flame retardant.
325.2 Fire protection. Motorized parade floats and towing apparatus shall be provided with a minimum 2A10BC rated portable fire extinguisher readily accessible to the operator.
325.3 Engine exhaust. Motorized parade floats shall be provided with an engine exhaust system that is capable of carrying the exhaust product away from any enclosed spaces to the open air.
(4343-12/16/2025)
CFC Section 503.1.1 Buildings and Facilities, Amended. Approved fire apparatus access roads shall be provided for every building, facility or portion of a building hereafter constructed or moved into or within the jurisdiction. The fire apparatus access road shall comply with the requirements of this section and current signed City Specification 401, Minimum Standards for Fire Apparatus Access, and shall extend to within 150 feet (45,720 mm) of all portions of the facility and all portions of the exterior walls of the first story of the building as measured by an approved route around the exterior of the building or facility.
Exception: The fire code official is authorized to increase the dimension up to 200 feet where all of the following conditions are met:
1. 
The building is equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 901.1.1, 903.1.2, or 903.1.3.
2. 
The fire code official is authorized to require a Fire Command Center in compliance with Sections 508.1.1 through 508.1.7 of the CFC.
3. 
Smoke detection shall comply with Section 907.2.10.7.
4. 
Additional Class I standpipe hose connections shall be installed in an approved location.
5. 
A fire hydrant shall be located within 25 feet of Fire Department connections.
6. 
The automatic sprinkler system shall be designed to one hazard occupancy higher than the minimum hazard occupancy defined in NFPA 13.
7. 
Structures four or more stories above grade plane shall be provided with two stairways to the roof.
(4343-12/16/2025)
CFC Section 503.2 is hereby amended to read as follows:
503.2 Specifications, Amended. Fire apparatus access roads shall be installed and arranged in accordance with Sections 503.2.1 through 503.2.8 and current City Specification 401, Minimum Standards for Fire Apparatus Access.
(4343-12/16/2025)
CFC Section 503.2.1 is hereby amended to read as follows:
503.2.1 Dimensions, Amended The fire access roads shall comply with the requirements stated in current City Specification 401, Minimum Standards for Fire Apparatus Access.
(4343-12/16/2025)
CFC Section 503.2.3 is hereby amended to read as follows:
503.2.3 Surface, Amended. Fire apparatus access roads shall comply with the requirements stated in current City Specification 401, Minimum Standards for Fire Apparatus Access.
(4343-12/16/2025)
CFC Section 503.2.4 is hereby amended to read as follows:
503.2.4 Turning radius, Amended. The required turning radius of a fire apparatus access road shall comply with the requirements stated in current City Specification 401, Minimum Standards for Fire Apparatus Access.
(4343-12/16/2025)
CFC Section 503.2.5 is hereby amended to read as follows:
503.2.5 Dead ends, Amended. Dead-end fire apparatus access roads in excess of 150 feet (45 720 mm) in length shall comply with the requirements stated in current City Specification 401, Minimum Standards for Fire Apparatus Access.
(4343-12/16/2025)
CFC Section 503.3 is hereby amended to read as follows:
503.3 Marking, Amended. Where required by the fire code official, approved signs or other approved notices or markings shall meet the requirements of City Specification 415, Fire Lane Signage and Markings on Private, Residential, Commercial and Industrial Properties. The means by which fire lanes are designated shall be maintained in a clean and legible condition at all times and be replaced or repaired when necessary to provide adequate visibility.
(4343-12/16/2025)
CFC Section 503.6 is hereby amended to read as follows:
503.6 Security gates, Amended. The installation of security gates across a fire apparatus access road shall be installed and operated in accordance with current City Specification 403, Fire Access for Pedestrian or Vehicular Security Gates & Buildings.
(4343-12/16/2025)
CFC Section 506.1 is hereby amended to read as follows:
506.1 Where required, Amended. Where access to or within a structure or an area is restricted because of secured openings or where immediate access is necessary for life-saving or fire-fighting purposes, the fire code official is authorized to require a key box to be installed in an approved location in accordance with current City Specification 403, Fire Access for Pedestrian or Vehicular Security Gates & Buildings.
(4343-12/16/2025)
CFC Section 507.1 is hereby amended to read as follows:
507.1 Required water supply, Amended. An approved water supply capable of supplying the required fire flow for fire protection shall be provided to premises upon which facilities, buildings or portions of buildings are hereafter constructed or moved into or within the jurisdiction.
Exception:
California Code of Regulations, Title 25, Division 1, Chapter 2, Article 6 – Fire Protection Standards for Parks – is hereby referenced, and applies to all existing mobile home parks licensed by the State of California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), notwithstanding any contrary provisions as set forth in Title 25, Section 1304(a).
(4343-12/16/2025)
CFC Section 507.5 is hereby amended to read as follows:
507.5 Fire hydrant systems, Amended. Fire hydrant systems shall comply with Sections 507.5.1 through 507.5.7 and Appendix C and the current City Specification 407, Fire Hydrant Installation Standards.
(4343-12/16/2025)
CFC Section 507.5.7 is hereby added to read as follows:
507.5.7 Fire hydrant supply connections, Added. It shall be prohibited for underground water supply lines with a single connection from a municipal main to supply both fire hydrants and fire suppression systems. Looped supply lines that are supplied from two points of connection shall be allowed for hydrants and fire suppression system supplies.
(4343-12/16/2025)
CFC Section 901.7 is hereby amended to read as follows:
901.7 Systems out of service, Amended. Where a required fire protection system is out of service, the fire department and the fire code official shall be notified immediately and, where required by the fire code official, the building shall be either evacuated or an approved fire watch in accordance with the latest City Specification, 402 "Fire Watch Requirements" shall be provided for all occupants left unprotected by the shutdown until the fire protection system has been returned to service.
Where utilized, fire watches shall be provided with not less than one approved means for notification of the fire department and their only duty shall be to perform constant patrols of the protected premises and keep watch for fires.
Exception: Facilities with an approved notification and impairment management program. The notification and impairment program for water-based fire protection systems shall comply with California NFPA 25.
(4343-12/16/2025)
CFC Section 901.11 is hereby added to read as follows:
901.11 Nuisance Alarms, Added. If a business or operation is generating excessive nuisance alarms, in addition to fees per master fee schedule, the business may be required by the fire code official to disable fire protection systems and therefore shall also be required to meet requirements of HBFC (CFC) Section 901.7 for fire watch.
(4343-12/16/2025)
CFC Section 903.2 is hereby amended to read as follows:
903.2 Where Required, Amended. Approved automatic sprinkler systems in new buildings and structures as well as existing buildings and structures, as required by Section 1103.5.6, shall be provided in the locations described in Sections 903.2.1 through 903.2.12. In no case, where the provisions of Section 903 of this code are applicable, and notwithstanding any less restrictive provisions or exceptions, shall a building or structure be constructed or modified to exceed 10,000 square feet in total gross floor area, or 5,000 square feet in gross floor area per fire area, without approved automatic sprinkler systems being provided throughout the building or fire area, respectively.
(4343-12/16/2025)
CFC Section 903.2.4 is hereby amended to read as follows:
903.2.4 Group F, Amended. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all buildings containing a Group F occupancy where one of the following conditions exists:
1. 
A Group F fire area exceeds 12,000 square feet (1,115 m2).
2. 
A Group F fire area is located more than three stories above grade plane.
3. 
Reserved.
4. 
A Group F occupancy is used to manufacture lithium-ion or lithium metal batteries.
5. 
A Group F occupancy is used to manufacture vehicles, energy storage systems or equipment containing lithium-ion or lithium metal batteries where the batteries are installed as part of the manufacturing process.
(4343-12/16/2025)
CFC Section 903.4.1 is hereby amended to read as follows:
903.4.1 Electronic supervision, Amended. Valves controlling the water supply for automatic sprinkler systems, pumps, tanks, water levels and temperatures, critical air pressures and water-flow switches on all automatic sprinkler systems shall be electrically supervised by a listed fire alarm control unit.
Exceptions:
1. 
Automatic sprinkler systems protecting one- and two-family dwellings.
2. 
Limited area systems in accordance with Section 903.3.8, provided that backflow prevention device test valves located in limited area sprinkler system supply piping shall be locked in the open position unless supplying an occupancy required to be equipped with a fire alarm system, in which case the backflow preventer valves shall be electrically supervised by a tamper switch installed in accordance with NFPA 72 and separately annunciated.
3. 
Reserved.
4. 
Jockey pump control valves that are sealed or locked in the open position.
5. 
Reserved.
6. 
Valves controlling the fuel supply to fire pump engines that are sealed or locked in the open position.
7. 
Trim valves to pressure switches in dry, pre-action and deluge sprinkler systems that are sealed or locked in the open position.
8. 
Underground key or hub gate valves in roadway boxes.
(4343-12/16/2025)
CFC Section 916.12 is hereby added to read as follows:
916.12 Notification Devices, Added. Gas detection systems shall be equipped with emergency notification devices. Notification devices shall be located in all areas of the building protected by the gas detection system. Notification devices shall comply with the installation and spacing requirements stated in NFPA 72 and the manufacturer's specifications.
(4343-12/16/2025)
CFC Section 1103.5.6 is hereby added to read as follows:
1103.5.6 Tenant improvements, Added. Section 903 shall apply to existing occupancies/tenant space undergoing tenant improvement as follows:
1. 
Occupancy/tenant space undergoing tenant improvement where the square footage of the space is being increased.
2. 
Occupancy/tenant space where there is a change in occupancy classification to an assembly, educational, institutional, hazardous, or residential use.
3. 
Occupancy/tenant space where the entire roof structure is to be removed during the improvement.
4. 
Assembly occupancy with an occupant load that exceeds 299 persons.
Exceptions:
1.
Group R-3 occupancies that will remain below a gross floor area of 5,000 square feet.
2.
Group R-2 occupancies where the tenant improvement is in only one unit.
(4343-12/16/2025)
CFC Section 1103.7 is hereby amended to read as follows:
1103.7 Fire alarm systems, Amended. An approved fire alarm system shall be installed in existing buildings and structures in accordance with Sections 1103.7.1 through 1103.7.10 and provide occupant notification in accordance with Section 907.5 unless other requirements are provided by other sections of this code. Existing high-rise buildings shall comply with Section 1103.7.8 and 1103.7.9.
Exception: Occupancies with an existing previously approved fire alarm system.
(4343-12/16/2025)
CFC Section 1103.7.10 is hereby added to read as follows:
1103.7.10 Tenant improvements, Added. Section 907 shall apply to existing occupancies/tenant space undergoing tenant improvement as follows:
1. 
Occupancy/tenant space undergoing tenant improvement where the square footage of the space is being increased.
2. 
Occupancy/tenant space where there is a change in occupancy classification to an assembly, educational, institutional, hazardous, or residential use.
3. 
Occupancy/tenant space where the entire roof structure is to be removed during the improvement.
4. 
Assembly occupancy that increases the maximum occupant load to exceed 299 persons.
Exception: The fire code official may waive this requirement based on the scope of the project.
(4343-12/16/2025)
CFC Section 3307.1 is hereby amended to read as follows:
3307.1 Required access, Amended. Approved vehicle access for firefighting shall be provided to all construction or demolition sites. Vehicle access shall be provided to within 100 feet (30,480 mm) of temporary or permanent fire department connections. Vehicle access shall be provided by either temporary or permanent roads, capable of supporting vehicle loading under all weather conditions. Vehicle access shall be maintained until permanent fire apparatus access roads are available. Construction sites shall have a minimum of 6-foot perimeter security fencing with gates installed for fire apparatus access. Gate widths shall be a minimum of 24 feet for fire apparatus roadways and 6 feet for walk-in entry. Secured vehicle gates or entries shall utilize approved Knox padlock or entries shall utilize an approved padlock or chain (maximum link or lock shackle size of 1/4") when required by a fire code official. Temporary fire lane signs shall be provided and maintained to allow emergency access during construction. Hydrants, fire department connections, and fire lanes shall be posted "Fire Lane – No Parking" when required by the fire code official.
(4343-12/16/2025)
CFC Section 3313.1 is hereby amended to read as follows:
3307.2 When required, Amended. An approved water supply for fire protection, either temporary or permanent, as approved by both the Fire and Public Works Departments, shall be made available as soon as combustible material arrives on the site.
(4343-12/16/2025)
CFC Section 3307.5 is hereby amended to read as follows:
3307.5 Where required, Amended. In buildings required to have standpipes by Section 905.3.1, not less than one standpipe shall be provided for use during construction. Such standpipe shall be provided with fire department hose connections at accessible locations adjacent to usable stairs. Such standpipes shall be extended as construction progresses to within one floor of the highest point of construction having secured decking or flooring.
(4343-12/16/2025)
CFC Section 3306.5.2 is hereby added to read as follows:
3306.5.2 Function During Construction, Added. For buildings higher than a single story above grade, and under construction, an approved automatic sprinkler system shall be installed and shall be fully functional up to one floor below the highest point of construction having secured decking or flooring.
Exceptions:
1. 
Buildings entirely of Type 1 or Type 2 construction.
2. 
Group R-3 Occupancies.
(4343-12/16/2025)
CFC Section 3306.7 is hereby added to read as follows:
3306.7 Owner's responsibility, Added. Necessary precautions and engineering controls shall be utilized to minimize the potential for false alarm activations caused by construction activity. False alarms caused by construction activity shall be treated as a system malfunction and may result in charges in accordance with the approved fee schedule.
(4343-12/16/2025)
CFC Section 5003.3.1.4 is hereby amended to read as follows:
5003.3.1.4 Responsibility for cleanup, Amended. The person, firm or corporation responsible for an unauthorized discharge shall institute and complete all actions necessary to remedy the effects of such unauthorized discharge, whether sudden or gradual, at no cost to the jurisdiction. When deemed necessary by the fire code official, cleanup may be initiated by the fire department or by an authorized individual or firm. Costs associated with such cleanup shall be borne by the owner, operator or other person responsible for the unauthorized discharge. Clean up shall comply with current signed City Specification 431-92, Soil Quality Standard.
(4343-12/16/2025)
CFC Section 5706.3 is hereby amended to read as follows:
5706.3 Well drilling, operating, and abandonment, Amended. Wells for oil production or injection, and wells for natural gas shall be drilled, operated or abandoned in accordance with Sections 5706.3.1 through 5706.3.8 and the Huntington Beach Oil Code (Huntington Beach Municipal Code Title 15) and City Specification 422, Oil Well Abandonment Permit Process. Where there is a conflict between the California Fire Code, Huntington Beach Oil Code, or the City Specification, the most restrictive shall govern.
(4343-12/16/2025)
CFC Section 5801.1.1 is hereby added to read as follows:
5801.1.1 Methane Soil Gas, Added. All sources of methane soil gas, including petrogenic and biogenic, are subject to methane soil gas testing, passive or active mitigation, and methane detection and alarm systems as prescribed in the latest signed City Specification 429, Methane District Building Permit Requirements.
(4343-12/16/2025)
CFC Sections of CFC Chapter 80, Reference Standards, NFPA 13-25, are hereby amended to read as follows:
16.12.3.3, Amended. Fire department connections (FDC) shall be of an approved type. The location shall be approved and be no more than 150 feet from a public or private hydrant. If the FDC serves a standpipe system, it shall be no more than 100 feet from a hydrant. The size of piping and the number of inlets shall be approved by the Fire code official. If approved by the H.B. Public Works Dept., it may be installed on the backflow assembly. Fire department inlet connections shall be painted OSHA safety red. When the fire sprinkler density design requires 500 gpm (including inside hose stream demand) or greater, or a standpipe system is included, four 2 1/2" inlets shall be provided.
(4343-12/16/2025)
NFPA 13-25, Section 28.1.3 (24) is hereby added to read as follows:
Section 28.1.3 (24), Added:
Size and location of hydrants, showing size and number of outlets and if outlets are to be equipped with independent gate valves. Whether hose houses and equipment are to be provided, and by whom, shall be indicated. Static and residual pressures calculated by the Public Works fire flow test shall be shown. Fire flow test shall be not more than six months prior to the plan submittal to the authority having jurisdiction.
(4343-12/16/2025)
Sections of CFC Chapter 80, Referenced Standards, NFPA 13D-25, Section 5.1.1.2 are hereby amended to read as follows:
5.1.1.2, Amended. Stock of Spare Sprinklers.
5.1.1.2.1 A supply of at least two sprinklers for each type shall be maintained on the premises so that any sprinklers that have operated or been damaged in any way can be promptly replaced.
5.1.1.2.2 The sprinklers shall correspond to the types and temperature ratings of the sprinklers in the property.
5.1.1.2.3 The sprinklers shall be kept in a cabinet located where the temperature to which they are subjected will at no time exceed 100 °F (38°C).
5.1.1.2.4 A special sprinkler wrench shall be provided and kept in the cabinet to be used in the removal and installation of sprinklers. One sprinkler wrench shall be provided for each type of sprinkler installed.
(4343-12/16/2025)
Sections of CFC Chapter 80, Reference Standards, NFPA 13D-25, Section 7.6 are hereby amended to read as follows
7.6 Alarms, Amended. Exterior water flow alarm indicating devices shall be listed for outside service and audible from the street from which the house is addressed. Exterior audible devices shall be placed on the front or side of the structure and the location subject to final approval by the fire code official.
(4343-12/16/2025)
CFC Chapter 80, Reference Standards, NFPA 24-25, Section 5.9.1.3, is hereby amended to read as follows
5.9.1.3, Amended Fire department connections shall be of an approved type and contain a minimum of two 2 1/2 inch inlets. The location shall be approved and be no more than 150 feet from a public or private fire hydrant when serving a fire sprinkler system. When serving a standpipe system, it can be no more than 100 feet from a hydrant. If acceptable to the water authority, it may be installed on the backflow assembly. The supply pipe shall be painted OSHA safety red.
(4343-12/16/2025)
CFC Chapter 80, Referenced Standards, NFPA 24-25, Section 10.1.1.3.3 is hereby added to read as follows:
10.1.1.3.3, Added. All ferrous pipe shall be coated and wrapped. Joints shall be coated and wrapped after assembly. All fittings shall be protected with a loose 8-mil polyethylene tube. The ends of the tube shall extend past the joint by a minimum of 12 inches and be sealed with 2 inch wide tape approved for underground use. Galvanizing does not meet the requirements of this section.
Exception: 316 Stainless Steel pipe and fittings.
(4343-12/16/2025)
CFC Chapter 80, Referenced Standards, NFPA 24-25, Section 10.4.3.1 is hereby amended to read as follows:
10.4.3.1, Amended. Private fire service mains supplying fire protection systems within the building shall be permitted to extend no more than 18 inches, as measured from the outside of the building to the center of the vertical pipe, under the building to the riser location. The pipe under the building or building foundation shall be 316 stainless steel and shall not contain mechanical joints.
10.4.3.1.1. Pipe Joints shall not be located under foundation footings. The pipe under the building or building foundation shall be 316 stainless steel and shall not contain mechanical joints.
10.4.3.1.2. Where approved, private fire service mains supplying systems within the building shall be permitted to extend more than 18 inches under the building when all the requirements of 10.4.3.2.1 through 10.4.3.2.4 are met.
(4343-12/16/2025)