In the California building code, which type of buildings is included in Category IV?

Category IV buildings in the California building code are classified as "Essential Facilities." This classification is reserved for structures that are critical for emergency services or public safety and must remain operational during and after a disaster.

Fire stations, rescue services, and police stations are essential for community safety and response during emergencies. These facilities have to withstand potential disasters and continue functioning to effectively manage emergencies, making their classification as Category IV justified.

In contrast, agricultural facilities, minor storage facilities, and certain temporary facilities do not hold the same level of essentiality to public safety or emergency response, which is why they are classified under different categories in the building code. Essential facilities are specifically defined to ensure that they meet higher design criteria to remain viable in adverse conditions.