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Earlier editions: 20222019

Chapter 5 — EXHAUST SYSTEMS

502.2 Termination of Exhaust Ducts — 2025 California Mechanical Code

California Mechanical Code (Title 24, Part 4) · 2025 edition · updated 2026-10-19 · California

CBSC: official editions, supplements and errata

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

Cite as: 2025 California Mechanical Code (Title 24, Part 4) § 502.2 · Effective January 1, 2026 · Official source: Building Standards Commission

Exhaust ducts shall terminate in accordance with Section 502.2.1 through Section 502.2.4. Classes of air shall be as defined in Section

203.0 and classified in Section 403.9.

502.2.1 Environmental, Class 1, and Class 2 Air Ducts. Environmental, Class 1, and Class 2 air duct exhaust shall terminate not less than 3 feet (914 mm) from a property line, 10 feet (3048 mm) above a public way, 3 feet (914 mm) from openings into the building and the minimum separation distance from ventilation system outdoor air intakes determined in accordance with Section 402.4.1. The discharge of dryer exhaust ducts shall not terminate over a public way or over an area where condensate or vapor could create a nuisance or hazard.

502.2.2 Class 3 Air Ducts. Class 3 air duct exhaust shall terminate not less than 10 feet (3048 mm) from a property line, 3 feet (914 mm) from exterior walls or roofs that are in the direction of the exhaust discharge, 10 feet (3048 mm) from openings into the building, 10 feet (3048 mm) above adjoining grade, and the minimum separation distance from ventilation system outdoor air intakes determined in accordance with Section 402.4.1.

502.2.3 Product Conveying, Flammable, and Class 4 Air Ducts. Ducts conveying Class 4 air or explosive or flammable vapors, fumes, or dusts shall terminate not less than 30 feet (9144 mm) from a property line, 10 feet (3048 mm) from openings into the building, 6 feet (1829 mm) from exterior walls or roofs that are in the direction of the exhaust discharge, 30 feet (9144 mm) from combustible walls or openings into the building that are in the direction of the exhaust discharge, 10 feet (3048 mm) above adjoining grade, and the minimum separation distance from ventilation system outdoor air intakes determined in accordance with Section 402.4.1.

Exception: Type I Hood exhaust termination shall be in accordance with Section 510.9. 502.2.4 Commercial Kitchen Ducts. Commercial

kitchens exhaust ducts shall terminate in accordance with

Section 510.9 for Type I exhaust systems or Section 519.5 for Type II exhaust systems.

Part I – Environmental Air Ducts and Product-Conveying Systems.

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