Interpretation #7004
Published May 18, 2012
Original Request
- Code Version
- 2010
- Code
- BUILDING
- Code Description
- Building
- Chapter
- 7
- Section
- 709.1
- Topic
- tenant separation in highrise bldg
Question
Is it the intent of The FBC to remove the requirement for tenant seperation in Highrise construction where there would be multiple tenants on a floor. It appears there is a conflict in the exceptions. Exception one states the old 3000sqft rule but the new exception four states in other than dwelling and sleeping units if fire sprinklers are installed in accordance with 903.3.1.1 fire rated partitions would not be required.
Answer Published 05/18/2012 at 8:45 AM
Yes.
Commentary
The Exceptions stand alone.
The 3000 sq ft limit does not apply in fully sprinklered
buidings. The base requirement is one hour separation.
Then each of the Exceptions is a separate entity. There is
no "and" after the Exceptions binding them together; nor
are the Exceptions requirements. They are exceptions to the
requirement for a one hour fire-resistance rating.