Doors in Party Walls - can it be done?

[Code Neophyte]

I know that it is expressly prohibited by §705.1.1, but has it ever been permitted in any of your jurisdictions given certain conditions? I have a request by a building owner in our historic downtown to create an opening between two buildings (separate ownership), which don't really share a common "party wall", but two, zero-lot-line exterior walls. I can see requiring some sort of "opening agreement" to be filed, outlining responsibility for maintenance, etc.

Can it be done?

 

[Coug Dad]

Neo

If you search this site, you will find several heated discussion regarding this issue. I have done it many times with the agreements legally filed with the deeds for both properties so that the provisions carry forward regardless of ownership changes. There are those on this board who strongly feel this should never be done. Each building official and design professional need to establish what their comfort level is for an alternate design approval.

 

[Code Neophyte]

Thanks, Coug Dad. Your response is exactly what I'm hoping to hear more of - that it has been done, even though the code pretty strongly suggests it shouldn't. Because I agree that in my mind, the prohibiting factor is separate ownership. If that can be addressed by a recorded agreement, then how is it any different than protected openings in firewalls?

 

[Jobsaver]

Coug Dad: If you are familiar with those other threads, could you provide some links from this thread? Thanks in advance.

 

[Coug Dad]

I do not know how to copy links to old threads, but if you type "property line" in the Google search for this site, several old threads pop up.

 

[FM William Burns]

CD...tough getting older huh? Just find the old thread - right click - click copy - click paste in your response

 

[Coug Dad]

Thanks FMWB, although I will likely forget your learned advice by the next time I try to expand my techie abilities. Hope you had a Merry Christmas!

 

[FM William Burns]

Indeed and to you also.