Cal. Civ. Code § 26G
Automatic sprinkler systems required for buildings and structures totaling more than 7,500 gross square feet
Operative Text
Section 26G. Every building or structure, including any additions or major alterations thereto, which totals, in the aggregate, more than 7,500 gross square feet in floor area shall be protected throughout with an adequate system of automatic sprinklers in accordance with the provisions of the state building code. No such sprinkler system shall be required unless sufficient water and water pressure exists. For purposes of this section, the gross square footage of a building or structure shall include the sum total of the combined floor areas for all floor levels, basements, sub-basements and additions, in the aggregate, measured from the outside walls, irrespective of the existence of interior fire resistive walls, floors and ceilings. This section shall not apply to buildings used for agricultural purposes as defined in section 1A of chapter 128. In such buildings or structures, or in certain areas of such buildings or structures, where the discharge of water would be an actual danger in the event of fire, the head of the fire department shall permit the installation of such other fire suppressant systems as are prescribed by the state building code in lieu of automatic sprinklers. Automatic suppressant or sprinkler systems shall not be required in rooms or areas of a telephone central office equipment building when such rooms or areas are protected with an automatic fire alarm system. Sprinkler systems shall not be required in open-air parking structures, defined as: buildings, structures, or portions thereof, used for parking motor vehicles and having not less than twenty-five per cent of the total wall area open to atmosphere at each level, utilizing at least two sides of the structure. This section shall not apply to buildings or additions used for residential purposes. The head of the fire department shall enforce the provisions of this section. Whoever is aggrieved by the head of the fire department's interpretation, order, requirement, direction or failure to act under the provisions of this section, may, within forty-five days after the service of notice thereof, appeal from such interpretation, order, requirement, direction or failure to act to the automatic sprinkler appeals board as provided in section two hundred and one of chapter six. The board may grant a reasonable waiver from the provisions of this section, or may allow the installation of a reasonable alternative or modified system of automatic sprinklers upon reviewing the characteristics of buildings that have architectural or historical significance.
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 148 § 26G requires that most buildings or structures exceeding 7,500 gross square feet in total floor area — calculated by combining all floors, basements, and additions measured from exterior walls — be equipped with a functioning automatic sprinkler system meeting state building code standards. Several categories of buildings are exempt, including purely residential buildings or additions, open-air parking structures, agricultural buildings, and certain telephone central office equipment rooms protected by fire alarm systems. Where water discharge would itself pose a danger, alternative fire suppression systems may be permitted, and parties aggrieved by a fire department decision have 45 days to appeal to the automatic sprinkler appeals board, which can grant waivers or approve modified systems for architecturally or historically significant buildings.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers overseeing non-residential buildings that meet or approach the 7,500 gross square foot threshold under Mass. Gen. Laws c. 148 § 26G generally ensure that sprinkler systems are installed throughout the building in conformance with the state building code before occupancy or after qualifying additions or major alterations. Compliant operators verify that adequate water supply and pressure exist, document any applicable exemptions (such as open-air parking or agricultural use), and coordinate with the local fire department head, who is responsible for enforcing this section. When a building has architectural or historical significance, operators are aware that the automatic sprinkler appeals board has authority to grant waivers or approve alternative systems upon a timely appeal.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants in non-residential buildings covered by Mass. Gen. Laws c. 148 § 26G have an interest in knowing that this provision requires sprinkler system protection in buildings exceeding 7,500 gross square feet, and that enforcement responsibility rests with the head of the local fire department. If a tenant believes a required sprinkler system is absent or inadequate, general enforcement paths include raising the concern directly with the local fire department or contacting a tenant-rights or occupant-safety organization for guidance. Anyone aggrieved by a fire department interpretation or inaction under § 26G may file an appeal with the automatic sprinkler appeals board within 45 days of receiving notice of the relevant decision.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 13, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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