305 Educational Group E — 2025 California Building Code

Educational Group E occupancy includes, among others, the use of a building or structure, or a portion thereof, more than six persons at any one time for educational purposes through the 12th grade.

Exception: [SFM] A residence used as a home school for the children who normally reside at the residence. Such residences shall remain classified as Group R-2, or Group R-3 occupancies.

305.1.1 Accessory to places of religious worship. Religious educational rooms and religious auditoriums, which are accessory to places of religious worship in accordance with Section 303.1.4 and have occupant loads of less than 100 per room or space, shall be classified as Group A-3 occupancies.

305.2 Group E, child- care facilities. This group includes buildings and structures or portions thereof occupied by more than six children 36 months of age and older who receive educational, supervision or personal care services for fewer than 24 hours per day.

Exception: [SFM] A child-care facility not otherwise classified a Group R-3 occupancy, where occupants are not capable of respond- ing to an emergency situation without physical assistance from the staff shall be classified as Group I-4. Infants and toddlers are allowed in a Group E child care when the facility complies with California Building Code Section 305.2.1, 305.2.2, 305.2.3 or 308.5.1.

305.2.1 Within places of religious worship. Rooms and spaces within places of religious worship providing such child care during religious functions shall be classified as part of the primary occupancy where not licensed for child-care purposes by the Department of Social Services.

305.2.2 Five or fewer children. A facility having five or fewer children receiving such day care shall be classified as part of the primary occupancy.

305.2.3 Five or fewer children in a dwelling unit. A facility such as the above within a dwelling unit and having five or fewer children receiving such day care shall be classified as a Group R-3 occupancy or shall comply with the California Residential Code .

Storm shelters shall be provided for Group E occupancies where required by Section 423.5.