Interpretation #7541
Published July 20, 2015
Original Request
- Code Version
- 2014
- Code
- RESIDENT
- Code Description
- Chapter
- Section
- R302.1
- Topic
- Fire Separation Distance
Question
Please clarify; If our community of existing single family residences are built in a planned unit development and currently have 5' side yard setbacks, will our overhangs of 12" to 24" be required to be enclosed and fire rated?
Answer Published 07/20/2015 at 12:21 PM
Yes, for buildings permitted after midnight June 30, 2015.
(Midnight being the hour 12 a.m. between June 29 and June
30.) The 5th Edition changes the minimum fire separation
distance from 3 feet to less than 5 feet for
non-sprinklered buildings. In order to have a non-rated wall
the fire separation distance has to be equal to or less than
five feet for the wall and the projection. with a 5 feet
set-back the wall could be non-rated, but the projection
would have to be rated one hour on the underside.
(Midnight being the hour 12 a.m. between June 29 and June
30.) The 5th Edition changes the minimum fire separation
distance from 3 feet to less than 5 feet for
non-sprinklered buildings. In order to have a non-rated wall
the fire separation distance has to be equal to or less than
five feet for the wall and the projection. with a 5 feet
set-back the wall could be non-rated, but the projection
would have to be rated one hour on the underside.
Commentary
Requirements for new construction will not impact previously
permitted/existing homes until such time as
renovations/additions are undertaken that require compliance
based upon the existing building code in affect at the time
of renovation/addition.