Interpretation #6550

Published June 22, 2010

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Original Request

Code Version
2007
Code
BUILDING
Code Description
Building
Chapter
7
Section
705.4
Topic
Fire Walls

Question

Is the intent of Florida Building Code - Building Section 705.4 to require a 2 hour fire separation wall between occupancies in an S-2 occupancy group aircraft hanger when the hanger is being converted to a mixed use of S-2, Storage and B, Business office areas?

Answer Published 06/22/2010 at 11:34 AM

No, unless the intent is to create two separate buildings.
Separation of occupancies, if required, is governed by
Florida Building Code Section 508.3.3. Per Table 508.3.3,
the required separation between a B (Business) Occupancy and
an S-2 (Storage) Occupancy is 2 hours in a non-sprinkled
building
and 1 hour in a fully sprinkled building.

Commentary

The required separation must be accomplished by the use of fire barriers constructed per FBC 706 or horizontal assemblies constructed per FBC 711, or both. See FBC 508 for additional information and requirements.