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

Section 14.04.025 amends California Building Code Section 903.2 to state flatly that 'all new construction of buildings and structures shall be provided with an approved automatic fire sprinkler system.' The fire code official can exempt only a short list of accessory structures: detached private garages, utility sheds, and similar structures of 500 square feet or less accessory to a single-family (R-3) home, as long as no part sits more than 150 feet from an approved fire department access road; detached carports, gazebos, pergolas, and similar open, noncombustible shade structures of 500 square feet or less accessory to an R-3 home; and other similar structures the fire code official deems appropriate.

Section 14.04.030 adds Section 903.1.2, prohibiting a partial automatic fire sprinkler system: 'Whenever an automatic fire sprinkler system is installed for any portion of any building or structure, an automatic fire sprinkler system shall be installed for the entire building or structure.' Section 14.04.035 then extends the mandate to residential garages: carports with habitable space above and attached garages accessory to an R-3 home must carry residential fire sprinklers, and once a sprinkler system is triggered under Sections 903.1.2 and 903.2, detached garages and similar structures must be protected too, using sprinklers that meet California Residential Code Section R309 or NFPA 13D and deliver a minimum density of 0.05 gallons per minute per square foot, with garage doors not counted as obstructions to sprinkler placement.