MyFloridaCode.com

2001 FBC:

§704.4 Townhouse fire separation

  §704.4.1 Each townhouse shall be considered a separate building and
  shall be separated from adjoining townhouses by a party wall complying
  with §704.4.2 or by the use of separate exterior walls meeting the
  requirements of Table 600 for zero clearance from property lines as
  required for the type of construction.  Separate exterior walls shall
  include one of the following:

  1. A parapet not less than 18 inches (457 mm) above the roof line.

  2. Roof sheathing of noncombustible material or fire retardant treated
     wood, for not less than a 4 ft (1219 mm) width on each side of the
     exterior dividing wall.

  3. One layer of 5/8 inch (15.9 mm) Type X gypsum board attached to the
     underside of roof decking, for not less than a 4 ft (1219 mm) width on
     each side of the exterior dividing wall.

  §704.4.2 When not more than 3 stories in height, townhouses may be
  separated by a single wall meeting the following requirements:

  1. Such wall shall provide not less than a 2-hour fire resistance rating.
     Plumbing, piping, ducts, electrical or other building services shall
     not be installed within or through the 2 hour wall, unless such
     materials and methods of penetration have been tested in accordance
     with §701.2.

  2. Such wall shall be continuous from the foundation to the underside of
     the roof sheathing or shall have a parapet extending not less than 18
     inches (457 mm) above the roof line.  When such wall terminates at the
     underside of the roof sheathing, the roof sheathing for not less than
     a 4 ft (1219 mm) width on each side of the wall shall be of
     noncombustible material, or fire retardant treated wood, or one layer
     of 5/8 inch (15.9 mm) Type X gypsum wallboard attached to the
     underside of the roof decking.

  3. Each dwelling unit sharing such wall shall be designed and constructed
     to maintain its structural integrity independent of the unit on the
     opposite side of the wall.

       EXCEPTION: Said wall may be penetrated by roof and floor
       structural members provided that the fire resistance rating and the
       structural integrity of the wall is maintained.


Mark Cramer
Mark Cramer Inspection Services, Inc.
492 20th Ave. 
Indian Rocks Beach, FL 33785
727-595-4211
http://www.BestTampaInspector.com

-----Original Message-----
From: codetalk-bounces at myfloridacode.com
[mailto:codetalk-bounces at myfloridacode.com] On Behalf Of Jack Wingo
Sent: Tuesday, June 30, 2009 9:05 AM
To: codetalk
Subject: [Florida Code Talk] Party Wall or Fire Wall

Good morning all,
Trying to find in the 2001 FBC or the 1997 Standard Building Code, that 
allows a residential party wall or fire wall, to fire rate 4' 
horizontally roof deck or directly beneath roof, in lieu of extending 
wall 3' above roof.
Thank you for your help-
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