§ 8503. — 8503. (Added by Stats. 2025, Ch. 407, Sec. 4.)

(a)
For purposes of this section, all of the following definitions apply:
(1)
“Dedicated-use building” has the same meaning as defined in the California Building Standards Code (Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations).
(2)
“Noncombustible building” means a building that meets the Type I building requirements set forth in the California Building Standards Code (Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations).
(3)
“Outdoor installation” means an energy storage system that is regulated by the California Building Standards Code (Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations).
(b)
As part of the next update to the California Building Standards Code considered after July 1, 2026, the Office of the State Fire Marshal shall review and consider proposing provisions that restrict the location of energy storage systems to dedicated-use noncombustible buildings or outdoor installations.
(c)
(1)
In the review and consideration of limiting the use of indoor installations of energy storage systems pursuant to subdivision (b), the Office of the State Fire Marshal shall consider proposing provisions that are consistent with the efforts of the office to ensure the safe construction, installation, commission, operation, maintenance, and decommission of energy storage systems.
(2)
The provisions considered pursuant to paragraph (1) shall only pertain to fire and life safety considered
in the California Building Standards Code development process and shall not limit the commission’s general oversight of energy storage systems.
(d)
As part of the review pursuant to subdivision (b), the State Fire Marshal may consider different requirements for battery technologies with different flammability and risk profiles.
(e)
This section shall remain in effect only until January 1 2029, and as of that date is repealed.

Legislative History

Added by Stats. 2025, Ch. 407, Sec. 4. (SB 283) Effective January 1, 2026. Repealed as of January 1, 2029, by its own provisions.