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Chapter 3 — GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

Section 315 — GENERAL STORAGE

2025 California Fire Code (Title 24, Part 9) · 2025 edition · updated 2026-07-29 · California

Italicized text is a California amendment to the model code, as printed in the official publication.

315.1 General.

Storage shall be in accordance with Sections 315.2 through 315.6. Outdoor pallet storage shall be in accordance with Sections 315.2 and 315.7.

Exception: Wood and wood composite pallets stored outdoors at pallet manufacturing and recycling facilities and complying with Section 2810.

315.2 Permit required.

A permit for miscellaneous combustible storage shall be required as set forth in Section 105.5.

315.3 Storage in buildings.

Storage of materials in buildings shall be orderly and stacks shall be stable. Storage of combustible materials shall be separated from heaters or heating devices by distance or shielding so that ignition cannot occur.

3-12 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE

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

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

315.3.1 Ceiling clearance. Storage shall be maintained 2 feet (610 mm) or more below the ceiling in nonsprinklered areas of buildings or not less than 18 inches (457 mm) below sprinkler deflectors in sprinklered areas of buildings.

Exceptions:

  1. The 2-foot (610 mm) ceiling clearance is not required for storage along walls in nonsprinklered areas of buildings.
  2. The 18-inch (457 mm) ceiling clearance is not required for storage along walls in areas of buildings equipped with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, 903.3.1.2 or 903.3.1.3.

315.3.2 Means of egress. Combustible materials shall not be stored in exits or enclosures for stairways and ramps. Combustible materials in the means of egress during construction, demolition, remodeling or alterations shall comply with Section 3310.1.

315.3.3 Equipment rooms. Combustible material shall not be stored in boiler rooms, mechanical rooms, elevator machine rooms, electrical equipment rooms or in fire command centers as specified in Section 508.1.5.

315.3.4 Attic, under-floor and concealed spaces. Attic, under-floor and concealed spaces used for storage of combustible materials shall be protected on the storage side as required for 1-hour fire-resistance-rated construction. Openings shall be protected by assemblies that are self-closing and are of noncombustible construction or solid wood core not less than 1 [3] / 4 inches (44.5 mm) in thickness. Storage shall not be placed on exposed joists.

Exceptions:

  1. Areas protected by approved automatic sprinkler systems.
  2. Group R-3 and Group U occupancies.

315.4 Outside storage.

Outside storage of combustible materials shall not be located within 10 feet (3048 mm) of a lot line.

Exceptions:

  1. The separation distance is allowed to be reduced to 3 feet (914 mm) for storage not exceeding 6 feet (1829 mm) in height.
  2. The separation distance is allowed to be reduced where the fire code official determines that hazard to the adjoining property does not exist.

315.4.1 Storage beneath overhead projections from buildings. Where buildings are protected by an automatic sprinkler system, the outdoor storage, display and handling of combustible materials under eaves, canopies or other projections or overhangs are prohibited except where automatic sprinklers are installed under such eaves, canopies or other projections or overhangs.

315.4.2 Height. Storage in the open shall not exceed 20 feet (6096 mm) in height.

315.5 Storage underneath high-voltage transmission lines.

Storage located underneath high-voltage transmission lines shall be in accordance with Section 316.6.2.

315.6 Storage in plenums.

Storage is prohibited in plenums. Abandoned material in plenums shall be deemed to be storage and shall be removed. Where located in plenums, the portion of abandoned cables that are able to be accessed without causing damage, or requiring demolition to the building shall be identified for future use with a tag or shall be deemed storage and shall be removed.

315.7 Outdoor pallet storage.

Pallets stored outdoors shall comply with Sections 315.7 through 315.7.7. Pallets stored within a building shall be protected in accordance with Chapter 32.

315.7.1 Storage beneath overhead projections from buildings. Where buildings are equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system, the outdoor storage of pallets under eaves, canopies or other projections or overhangs are prohibited except where automatic sprinklers are installed under such eaves, canopies or other projections or overhangs.

315.7.2 Distance to lot line. Pallet storage shall not be located within 10 feet (3048 mm) of a lot line.

315.7.3 Storage height. Pallet storage shall not exceed 20 feet (6096 mm) in height.

315.7.4 Pallet pile stability and size. Pallet stacks shall be arranged to form stable piles. Individual pallet piles shall cover an area not greater than 400 square feet (37 m [2] ).

315.7.5 Pallet types. Pallets shall be all wood, with slatted or solid top or bottom, with metal fasteners, or shall be plastic or composite pallets, listed and labeled in accordance with UL 2335 or FM 4996. Plastic pallets shall be both solid and gridded deck, independent of the pallet manufacturing process, type of resin used in fabrication or geometry of the pallet.

315.7.6 Pile separation distances. In addition to the other requirements of this section, pallet stacks and piles shall be separated in accordance with Sections 315.7.6.1 and 315.7.6.2.

TABLE 315.7.6(1)—SEPARATION DISTANCE BETWEEN WOOD PALLET STACKS AND BUILDINGS

WALL CONSTRUCTION OPENING TYPE WOOD PALLET SEPARATION DISTANCE (feet) WOOD PALLET SEPARATION DISTANCE (feet) WOOD PALLET SEPARATION DISTANCE (feet)
WALL CONSTRUCTION OPENING TYPE ≤ 50 Pallets 51 to 200 Pallets > 200 Pallets
Masonry None 2 2 2
Masonry Fire-rated glazing with open sprinklers 2 5 20
Masonry Fire-rated glazing 5 10 20
Masonry Plain glass with open sprinklers 5 10 20
Noncombustible None 5 10 20

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

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

TABLE 315.7.6(1)—SEPARATION DISTANCE BETWEEN WOOD PALLET STACKS AND BUILDINGS—continued

WALL CONSTRUCTION OPENING TYPE WOOD PALLET SEPARATION DISTANCE (feet) WOOD PALLET SEPARATION DISTANCE (feet) WOOD PALLET SEPARATION DISTANCE (feet)
WALL CONSTRUCTION OPENING TYPE ≤ 50 Pallets 51 to 200 Pallets > 200 Pallets
Wood with open
sprinklers		 — 5 10 20
Wood None 15 30 90
Any Plain glass 15 30 90
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm. For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm. For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm. For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm. For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm.

TABLE 315.7.6(2)—SEPARATION DISTANCE BETWEEN PLASTIC PALLET STACKS AND BUILDINGS

WALL CONSTRUCTION OPENING TYPE PLASTIC PALLET SEPARATION DISTANCE (feet) PLASTIC PALLET SEPARATION DISTANCE (feet) PLASTIC PALLET SEPARATION DISTANCE (feet)
WALL CONSTRUCTION OPENING TYPE ≤ 50 Pallets 51 to 200 Pallets > 200 Pallets
Masonry None 2 2 2
Masonry Fire-rated glazing with open sprinklers 10 20 50
Masonry Fire-rated glazing 15 40 100
Masonry Plain glass with open sprinklers 15 40 100
Noncombustible None 15 40 100
Wood with open
sprinklers		 — 15 40 100
Wood None 30 80 150
Any Plain glass 30 80 150
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm. For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm. For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm. For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm. For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm.
TABLE 315.7.6(3)—SEPARATION FROM OTHER PALLET PILES AND ON-SITE STORAGE (WOOD PALLETS)
WOOD PALLET SEPARATION DISTANCE (feet)
≤ 50 Pallets 51 to 200 Pallets > 200 Pallets
Between pallet piles 7.5 15 45
Other on-site storage 7.5 15 45
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm. For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm. For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm. For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm.
TABLE 315.7.6(4)—SEPARATION FROM OTHER PALLET PILES AND ON-SITE STORAGE (PLASTIC PALLETS)
PLASTIC PALLET SEPARATION DISTANCE (feet)
≤ 50 Pallets 51 to 200 Pallets > 200 Pallets
Between pallet piles 15 40 75
Other on-site storage 15 40 75
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm. For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm. For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm. For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm.

315.7.6.1 Building separation. Pallet stacks and piles shall be separated from buildings in accordance with Table 315.7.6(1) for wood pallets and Table 315.7.6(2) for plastic pallets.

315.7.6.2 Separation from other pallets and on-site storage. Pallets shall be separated from other pallet piles and other storage in accordance with Table 315.7.6(3) for wood pallets and Table 315.7.6(4) for plastic pallets.

315.7.7 Prohibited locations. Pallets shall not be stored underneath high-voltage transmission lines, elevated roadways or elevated railways.

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▸ Contents — 2025 California Fire Code (Title 24, Part 9)
2025 California Fire Code (Title 24, Part 9)
  1. Chapter 1 — ADMINISTRATION
  2. Chapter 2 — DEFINITIONS
  3. ▸ Chapter 3 — GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
    Overview
    1. Section 301 — GENERAL
    2. Section 302 — DEFINITIONS
    3. Section 303 — ASPHALT KETTLES
    4. Section 304 — COMBUSTIBLE WASTE MATERIAL
    5. Section 305 — IGNITION SOURCES
    6. Section 306 — MOTION PICTURE PROJECTION ROOMS AND FILM
    7. Section 307 — OPEN BURNING, RECREATIONAL FIRES AND PORTABLE OU…
    8. Section 308 — OPEN FLAMES
    9. Section 309 — POWERED INDUSTRIAL TRUCKS AND EQUIPMENT
    10. Section 310 — SMOKING
    11. Section 311 — VACANT PREMISES
    12. Section 312 — VEHICLE IMPACT PROTECTION
    13. Section 313 — FUELED EQUIPMENT
    14. Section 314 — INDOOR DISPLAYS
    15. Section 315 — GENERAL STORAGE
    16. Section 316 — HAZARDS TO FIREFIGHTERS
    17. Section 317 — VEGETATIVE AND LANDSCAPED ROOFS
    18. Section 318 — LAUNDRY CARTS
    19. Section 319 — ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING (3D PRINTING)
    20. Section 320 — BATTERY STORAGE
    21. Section 321 — ARTIFICIAL COMBUSTIBLE VEGETATION
    22. Section 322 — POWERED MICROMOBILITY DEVICES
    23. Section 323 — ROAD TUNNELS, BRIDGES AND OTHER LIMITED ACCESS H…
  4. Chapter 4 — EMERGENCY PLANNING AND PREPAREDNESS
  5. Chapter 5 — FIRE SERVICE FEATURES
  6. Chapter 6 — BUILDING SERVICES AND SYSTEMS
  7. Chapter 7 — FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
  8. Chapter 8 — INTERIOR FINISH, DECORATIVE MATERIALS AND FURNISHI…
  9. Chapter 9 — FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS
  10. Chapter 10 — MEANS OF EGRESS
  11. Chapter 11 — CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS FOR EXISTING BUILDINGS
  12. Chapter 12 — ENERGY SYSTEMS
  13. Chapter 20 — AVIATION FACILITIES
  14. Chapter 21 — DRY CLEANING
  15. Chapter 22 — COMBUSTIBLE DUST-PRODUCING OPERATIONS
  16. Chapter 23 — MOTOR FUEL-DISPENSING FACILITIES AND REPAIR GARAGES
  17. Chapter 24 — FLAMMABLE FINISHES
  18. Chapter 25 — FRUIT AND CROP RIPENING
  19. Chapter 26 — FUMIGATION AND INSECTICIDAL FOGGING
  20. Chapter 27 — SEMICONDUCTOR FABRICATION FACILITIES
  21. Chapter 28 — LUMBER YARDS AND AGRO-INDUSTRIAL, SOLID BIOMASS A…
  22. Chapter 29 — MANUFACTURE OF ORGANIC COATINGS
  23. Chapter 30 — INDUSTRIAL OVENS
  24. Chapter 31 — TENTS, TEMPORARY SPECIAL EVENT STRUCTURES AND OTH…
  25. Chapter 32 — HIGH-PILED COMBUSTIBLE STORAGE
  26. Chapter 33 — FIRE SAFETY DURING CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION
  27. Chapter 34 — TIRE REBUILDING AND TIRE STORAGE
  28. Chapter 35 — WELDING AND OTHER HOT WORK
  29. Chapter 36 — MARINAS
  30. Chapter 37 — COMBUSTIBLE FIBERS
  31. Chapter 38 — RESERVED
  32. Chapter 39 — PROCESSING AND EXTRACTION FACILITIES
  33. Chapter 40 — STORAGE OF DISTILLED SPIRITS AND WINES
  34. Chapter 41 — TEMPORARY HEATING AND COOKING OPERATIONS
  35. Chapter 48 — MOTION PICTURE AND TELEVISION PRODUCTION STUDIO S…
  36. Chapter 49 — REQUIREMENTS FOR WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE FIRE AR…
  37. Chapter 50 — HAZARDOUS MATERIALS—GENERAL PROVISIONS
  38. Chapter 51 — AEROSOLS
  39. Chapter 52 — RESERVED
  40. Chapter 53 — COMPRESSED GASES
  41. Chapter 54 — CORROSIVE MATERIALS
  42. Chapter 55 — CRYOGENIC FLUIDS
  43. Chapter 56 — EXPLOSIVES AND FIREWORKS
  44. Chapter 57 — FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS
  45. Chapter 58 — FLAMMABLE GASES AND FLAMMABLE CRYOGENIC FLUIDS
  46. Chapter 59 — FLAMMABLE SOLIDS
  47. Chapter 60 — HIGHLY TOXIC AND TOXIC MATERIALS
  48. Chapter 61 — LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GASES
  49. Chapter 62 — ORGANIC PEROXIDES
  50. Chapter 63 — OXIDIZERS, OXIDIZING GASES AND OXIDIZING CRYOGENI…
  51. Chapter 64 — PYROPHORIC MATERIALS
  52. Chapter 65 — PYROXYLIN (CELLULOSE NITRATE) PLASTICS
  53. Chapter 66 — UNSTABLE (REACTIVE) MATERIALS
  54. Chapter 67 — WATER-REACTIVE SOLIDS AND LIQUIDS
  55. Chapter 80 — REFERENCED STANDARDS
  56. Appendix Chapter 4 — SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON US…
  57. Appendix A — BOARD OF APPEALS
  58. Appendix B — FIRE-FLOW REQUIREMENTS FOR BUILDINGS
  59. Appendix BB — FIRE-FLOW REQUIREMENTS FOR BUILDINGS
  60. Appendix C — FIRE HYDRANT LOCATIONS AND DISTRIBUTION
  61. Appendix CC — FIRE HYDRANT LOCATIONS AND DISTRIBUTION
  62. Appendix D — FIRE APPARATUS ACCESS ROADS
  63. Appendix E — HAZARD CATEGORIES
  64. Appendix F — HAZARD RANKING
  65. Appendix G — CRYOGENIC FLUIDS—WEIGHT AND VOLUME EQUIVALENTS
  66. Appendix H — HAZARDOUS MATERIALS MANAGEMENT PLANS AND HAZARDOU…
  67. Appendix I — FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS—NONCOMPLIANT CONDITIONS
  68. Appendix J — BUILDING INFORMATION SIGN
  69. Appendix K — CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS FOR EXISTING AMBULATORY…
  70. Appendix L — REQUIREMENTS FOR FIREFIGHTER AIR REPLENISHMENT SY…
  71. Appendix M — HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS—RETROACTIVE AUTOMATIC SPRINKL…
  72. Appendix N — INDOOR TRADE SHOWS AND EXHIBITIONS
  73. Appendix O — VALET TRASH AND RECYCLING COLLECTION IN GROUP R-2…
  74. Appendix P — TEMPORARY HAUNTED HOUSES, GHOST WALKS AND SIMILAR…
  75. Appendix Q — COMMUNITY WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE (WUI) FIRE HAZ…

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