In my finished attached garage, how can I add an access panel into the void beneath the stairs without violating code? (California)

The access panel isn't a door into the living space, but rather into the unfinished space under the stairs which is inaccessible from the living space. For fire separation purposes, does that count as penetrating from the garage into the living space? Am I completely disallowed from adding any kind of opening here? Can I add some kind of fire-safe fume-sealed door to stay code compliant?Thanks! via /r/DIY https://ift.tt/2rrPNAx