Beaumont, CA Building Safety: Fire Sprinkler Requirements (2026)

Section 903.2 of the California Fire Code is deleted and replaced by Municipal Code § 15.21.020 with three rules. First, all new buildings and structures of 3,600 square feet or greater need an approved automatic sprinkler system regardless of occupancy classification, and where Sections 903.2.1 through 903.2.21 of the state code are more restrictive, the more restrictive requirement wins. Second, existing buildings other than one- and two-family dwellings must be retrofitted with sprinklers when the structure exceeds 3,600 square feet and any of these changes occurs: a change of use or occupancy, removal of an existing fire wall, or additions of 50 percent or more that leave the building over 5,000 square feet. Third, one- and two-family dwellings need an automatic fire sprinkler system regardless of square footage in accordance with the California Residential Code, and mobile homes, manufactured homes, and multifamily manufactured homes with two dwelling units follow Title 25 of the California Code of Regulations.

The exceptions list is specific: telecommunications equipment spaces with smoke detection and fire-rated separation, detached Group U agricultural buildings, detached non-combustible equestrian arena shade canopies open on all sides, non-combustible fueling station canopies up to 10,000 square feet at least 50 feet from other buildings, detached fabric or non-combustible shade structures open on all sides over playground equipment, temporary vehicle storage, or dining areas with no cooking, and cases where the Fire Chief determines no major life safety hazard exists. The state exceptions in Sections 903.2.3 and 903.2.11.3 are not allowed.

Design limits follow. Section 903.3.5.3 caps hydraulically calculated systems at 90 percent of the water supply capacity. Section B103.2.1 sets a minimum fire flow of 1,500 gallons per minute for a new subdivision or tract in a wildland-urban interface area. Section 509.2.1 keeps a 3-foot clear space around exterior fire protection system control valves.