California Code, Health and Safety Code - HSC § 13142.6

(a) The board, under the direction of the vice chairperson, shall sit as a board of appeals on the application of the State Fire Marshal's regulations excepting application of building standards published in the California Building Standards Code, by the State Fire Marshal or his or her salaried assistants. When any affected person believes that the State Fire Marshal's regulations, excepting building standards, are being applied incorrectly, the person may appeal the decision of the State Fire Marshal to the board. The board shall not consider the appeal unless the matter has come to the attention of the State Fire Marshal and he or she has rendered a decision in writing. Any appeal to the board shall be made by the affected person or his or her agent in writing in the form and manner prescribed by the board. The decision of the board shall be binding upon the State Fire Marshal. Any decision made by the board shall be for the instant case only and shall not be construed as setting precedent for general application.

(b) When an affected person believes that building standards are being applied incorrectly by the State Fire Marshal or his or her salaried assistants, that person may appeal to the California Building Standards Commission pursuant to Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 18945) of Part 2.5 of Division 13 of this code.