Interpretation #6997

Published June 13, 2012

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Original Request

Code Version
2010
Code
BUILDING
Code Description
Building
Chapter
7
Section
709.1 Exception 4
Topic
tenant separation

Question

Is it the intent of 709.1 Exception 4 that any tenant space in any occupancy classification in a multi tenant facility (for example a high rise multi-tenant office building)that walls used to seperate individual tenant spaces regardless of occupancy classification are not required to have a fire resistance rating (for example a 1 hour rated demising partition in a Group B - Business Occupancy) ?

Answer Published 06/13/2012 at 1:28 PM

Yes.
This Exception is for any Occupancy other than dwelling
units or sleeping units (i.e Residential) in a building
protected by a NFPA 13 Automatic Sprinkler system.

Commentary

Exception 1 applies to B and S Occupancies, without fire sprinkler protection. Exception 4 applies to occupancies within buildings with an automatic sprinkler system.