Section 1116 — EXISTING GROUP L AND GROUP H-8 OCCUPANCIES [SFM]

Additions, alterations or repairs may be made to any building or structure without requiring the existing build- ing or structure to comply with all the requirements of this code section, provided the addition, alteration or repair conforms to the requirements of this section.

Additions, repairs or alterations shall not be made to an existing building or structure that will cause the exist- ing building or structure to be in violation of any of the provisions of this code, nor shall such additions or alterations cause the existing building or structure to become unsafe, or to be in violation of any of the provisions of this code. An unsafe condition shall be deemed to have been created if an addition or alteration will cause the existing building or structure to become structurally unsafe or overloaded; will not provide adequate egress in compliance with the provisions of this code or will obstruct existing exits; will create a fire hazard; will reduce required fire resistance or will otherwise create conditions dangerous to human life.

Any buildings that have alternations or additions, which involves a change in use or occupancy, shall not exceed the height, number of stories and area permitted for new buildings.

Additions or alterations shall not be made to an existing building or structure when such existing building or structure is not in full compliance with the provisions of this code except when such addition or alteration will result in the existing building or structure being no more hazardous, based on life safety, fire safety and sanitation, than before such additions or alterations are undertaken.

Alterations or repairs to an existing building or structure that are nonstructural and do not adversely affect any structural member of any part of the building or structure having required fire resistance may be made with the same materials of which the building or structure is constructed. The installation or replacement of glass shall be as required for new installations.

11-28 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE

on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS FOR EXISTING BUILDINGS

Buildings in existence at the time of the adoption of this code may have their existing use or occu- pancy continued if such use or occupancy was legal at the time of the adoption of this code, provided such continued use is not dangerous to life.

Existing Group H-8 laboratory suites approved prior to January 1, 2008 shall not exceed the maximum allowable quantities listed in Tables 1116.7(1) and 1116.7(2).

TABLE 1116.7(1)–EXEMPT AMOUNTS OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS, LIQUIDS AND CHEMICALS
PRESENTING A PHYSICAL HAZARD BASIC QUANTITIES PER LABORATORY SUITE1
When two units are given, values within parentheses are in cubic feet (cu. ft) or pounds (lb)

1. A laboratory suite is a space up to 10,000 square feet (929 m2) bounded by not less than a one-hour fire-resistive occupancy separation within which the exempt amounts of
hazardous materials may be stored, dispensed, handled or used. Up through the third floor and down through the first basement floor, the quantity in this table shall apply.
Fourth, fifth and sixth floors and the second and third basement floor level quantity shall be reduced to 75 percent of this table. The seventh through 10th floor and below the third
basement floor level quantity shall be reduced to 50 percent of this table.
2. Quantities may be increased 100 percent when stored in approved exhausted gas cabinets, exhausted enclosures or fume hoods.

on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS FOR EXISTING BUILDINGS

TABLE 1116.7(2)–EXEMPT AMOUNTS OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS, LIQUIDS AND CHEMICALS
PRESENTING A HEALTH HAZARD MAXIMUM QUANTITIES PER LABORATORY SUITE1
When two units are given, values within parentheses are in pounds (lbs.)

1. A laboratory suite is a space up to 10,000 square feet (929 m2) bounded by not less than a one-hour fire-resistive occupancy separation within which the exempt amounts of
hazardous materials may be stored, dispensed, handled or used. Up through the third floor and down through the first basement floor, the quantity in this table shall apply.
Fourth, fifth and sixth floors and the second and third basement floor level quantity shall be reduced to 75 percent of this table. The seventh through 10th floor and below the third
basement floor level quantity shall be reduced to 50 percent of this table.
2. Permitted only when stored or used in approved exhausted gas cabinets, exhausted enclosures or fume hoods. Quantities of high toxics in use in open systems need not be
reduced above the third floor or below the first basement floor level. Individual container size shall be limited to 2 pounds (0.91 kg) for solids and1/4 gallon (0.95 L) for liquids.

11-30 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE

on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE – MATRIX ADOPTION TABLE

CHAPTER 12 – ENERGY SYSTEMS

(Matrix Adoption Tables are nonregulatory, intended only as an aid to the code user. See Chapter 1 for state agency authority and building applications.)

• The California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 19, Division 1 provisions that are found in the California Fire Code are a reprint from the current CCR, Title 19, Division 1 text for the code user’s convenience only. The scope, applicability and appeals procedures of CCR, Title 19, Division I remain the same. The state agency does not adopt sections identified by 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.

on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

12-2 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE

on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.