Is it the intent of Section 707.4 to allow non-
fire rated exterior walls complying with Section
705 to serve as separation between fire areas
(reference also Sections 707.3.9, 901.7, and
903.2.1.2)?
Interpretation #7231
Published September 25, 2013
Original Request
- Code Version
- 2010
- Code
- BUILDING
- Code Description
- Chapter
- 7
- Section
- 707.4
- Topic
Question
Answer Published 09/25/2013 at 1:25 AM
No. A wall with no fire resistance rating cannot serve to
separate fire areas.
separate fire areas.
Commentary
In the situation described, as part of the comment, the
exerior area would be included within the fire area
definition since the definition includes "Areas of the
buildng not provied with surrounding walls....if such areas
are included within the horizontal projection of the
roof...."
In order to create separate fire areas, a fire barrier wall
would need to be utilized per section 707.3.9 to separate
the fire areas to limit square footage.