Community News
Outdoor Dining and Retail - CA Fire Code Requirements
by: State Fire Marshal
Posted: November 30, 2020
CALIFORNIA...As we enter colder weather and in light of the current pandemic conditions, businesses should be advised of the California Fire Code requirements pertaining to tents and heating elements.
Restaurants – Outdoor Dining Equipment
As we enter colder weather and in light of the current pandemic conditions, we would like to advise you of the California Fire Code requirements pertaining to tents and heating elements.
California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 24, Part 9 known as the California Fire Code (CFC) as well as CCR Title 19, Division 1 known as State Fire Marshal regulations pertaining to Public Safety.
TENTS AND STRUCTURES:
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CFC Chapter 2, Section 202 definitions for tents, membrane structures, umbrella structures, and outdoor assembly events. https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/CFC2019P2/chapter-2- definitions#CFC2019P2_Pt01_Ch02_Sec202
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CFC Chapter 31 provides regulations relating to tents membrane structures, umbrella structures, outdoor assembly events, and similar conditions of the like. The intent of this Chapter is to protect the use of these structures from fire and similar hazards. https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/CFC2019P2/chapter-31-tents-temporary-special-event- structures-and-other-membrane-structures
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Tent Material shall be made from nonflammable material or one of the following flame resistant fabrics or material approved by the State Fire Marshal.
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Labeling of Tents would contain a registered Flame Retardant Seal or CPAI-84. Permanent affixed to the tent.
HEATING ELEMENTS:
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CFC Chapter 6, Section 603.4.2 regulates Portable outdoor gas-fired heating appliances. https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/CFC2019P2/chapter-6-building-services-and-systems
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CFC Chapter 61 provides requirements for the safe handling, storing, and use of LP-gas to reduce the possibility of damage containers, accidental releases, and exposure to ignition sources. https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/CFC2019P2/chapter-61-liquefied-petroleum-gases
Location
Portable gas-fired heaters may only be used outside in well-ventilated areas (CFC 603.4.2). See manufacturer’s specifications for distance from umbrellas.
- Prohibited outside locations:
- Inside of tents, canopies and other membrane structures (CFC 603.4.2.1.1)
- Within five (5) feet of buildings (CFC 603.4.2.1.2)
- Within five (5) feet of combustibles (CFC 603.4.2.1.3)
- Within five (5) feet of exits or exit discharges (CFC 603.4.2.1.4)
- On exterior balconies (CFC 603.4.2.1.1)
LP Tank Storage
All propane tanks must only be stored outside, with the following separations (CFC 603.2.3.4):
- Five (5) feet from a building with two means of egress
- Ten (10) feet from a building with one means of egress
- Ten (10) feet from combustible materials
A maximum of seven (7), 20 lb. tanks are permitted at any single business, including empty tanks (CFC Table 5003.1.1).