I need to bring this post back to the floor.
I see where 302.2 says that a "common" 1-hour wall can be used if it does not contain any plumbing, mechanical etc. Now I assume the mandatory sprinklers in 313 are why it is stated that "with sprinkler" you can drop to a 1-hour wall? Because the language of 302.2 does not mention sprinklers AT ALL! Therefore if my state removed 313, then a 1- hour wall could still be used as long as it had no plumbing, mech, etc. ?
We had that situation with a previous adoption but luckily they changed that with the last adoption. We only have an exception for One and Two family dwellings and not Townhomes.
My confusion with this comes from the commentary which I know is not enforceable but brought up an interesting question. The commentary states that each unit is considered separate therefore the exterior wall of each unit must be a 1-hour wall. Well the commentary also states the exception allows for a "2-hour common" wall as long as there is no plumbing, mech, etc.
So I am to assume the commentary is the misprint and the actual code language is correct? The intent was to sprinkle ALL townhomes and then allow a 1-hour common wall in place of two individual 1-hour exterior walls? Correct?
Last question, If a 2-hour wall is used can it contain plumbing and or mech. as long as it meets 302.4 for penetrations, correct?