Interpretation #8698
Published November 14, 2022
Original Request
- Code Version
- 2021
- Code
- RESIDENT
- Code Description
- Chapter
- Section
- R302.2.4
- Topic
- Townhouses - Structural Independence
Question
Is it the intent of this section to require the front and rear walls of a townhouse to be structurally disconnected from the demising fire walls.
Answer Published 11/14/2022 at 9:47 AM
No. The intent of the code is that the party wall remains standing if a unit on one side collapses.
Commentary
The party wall is structurally independent in that the collapse of construction on one side does not cause the party wall to collapse. Though NFPA 221 is not referenced in the FBC-R, it is the best source for describing the options for construction of the party wall. The traditional construction utilizing the party wall for support of floors/roofs and bracing of the front and rear walls is known as a Tied Fire Wall. Construction attached on one side of the wall restrains the party wall from failing when the construction attached on the opposite side collapses.