Exterior Fire Resistivity
Exterior walls. Exterior walls with a fire separation distance less than 3 feet shall have not less than a layer of 1/2-inch gypsum wallboard membrane installed on the interior fire side of the wall. Where a detached garage extends closer than six feet to a dwelling, the garage wall must be protected with materials to provide a fire-resistive membrane installed on the interior fire side of the wall consisting of not less than a layer of ½-inch gypsum wallboard. For information on installation of sheetrock; [Click Here]
Projections shall not extend beyond the distance determined by the following two methods, whichever results in the lesser projections:
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A point one-third the distance to the property line from an assumed vertical plane located where protected openings are required.
- More than 12 inches into areas where openings are prohibited.
Projections extending into the fire separation distance shall have not less than one-hour fire-resistive construction on the underside. The above provisions shall not apply to walls, which are perpendicular to the line used to determine the fire separation distance.
Exception: Tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar structures exempted from permits are not required to provide wall protection based on location on the lot. Projections beyond the exterior wall shall not extend over the lot line.
Openings. Openings shall not be permitted in the exterior wall of a dwelling or accessory building with a fire separation distance less than 3 feet. This distance shall be measured perpendicular to the line used to determine the fire separation distance.
Exceptions:
- Openings shall be permitted in walls that are perpendicular to the line used to determine the fire separation distance.
- Foundation vents installed in compliance with this code are permitted.
Penetrations. Penetrations located in the exterior wall of a dwelling with a fire separation distance less than 3 feet shall be protected by an approved fire stop system.
Exception: Penetrations shall be permitted in walls that are perpendicular to the line used to determine the fire separation distance.
