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

2 adopted by Ordinance 2025-039 effective October 31, 2025, layers a flat square-footage trigger on top of the state's occupancy-by-occupancy sprinkler list. 21 already call for them, but Fresno adds that an approved automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in all new buildings or structures when the fire area is 4,999 square feet or larger in any occupancy group, including Group R occupancies, and where a lower square footage or an occupancy-specific rule would require sprinklers sooner, the most restrictive requirement applies. The section carries three exceptions: fully noncombustible Group F-2 and S-2 buildings storing only noncombustible contents; accessory uses that total no more than 10% of a building's gross area and no single accessory area over 2,499 square feet, provided the owner files an operational statement with Planning and Development and signs a covenant to install sprinklers if the use changes; and detached, noncombustible Group S-2 carports open on the sides and used only for vehicle parking, which may still carry rooftop solar panels.