Exterior Wall Opening Protection 705.8

[Gutt Mcdonald]

Hey! I have a general question re IBC section 705.8.
Do these wall openings regulate all portions of an exterior wall- even if they dont need to be rated?
Say for example I have an exterior wall in a building- type VB construction- with a FSD of 15' to an existing building on the same lot.
Per 705.5 The wall would not need to be rated. Do I need to still comply with opening protectives of 75% of the wall opening per 705.8?

 

[steveray]

705.8.1​

The maximum area of unprotected and protected openings permitted in an exterior wall in any story of a building shall not exceed the percentages specified in Table 705.8 based on the fire separation distance of each individual story.

Exceptions:

1. 1.In other than Group H occupancies, unlimited unprotected openings are permitted in the first story above grade plane where the wall faces one of the following:
   
   1. 1.1.A street and has a fire separation distance of more than 15 feet (4572 mm).
   2. 1.2.An unoccupied space. The unoccupied space shall be on the same lot or dedicated for public use, shall be not less than 30 feet (9144 mm) in width and shall have access from a street by a posted fire lane in accordance with the International Fire Code.
2. 2.Buildings whose exterior bearing walls, exterior nonbearing walls and exterior primary structural frame are not required to be fire-resistance rated shall be permitted to have unlimited unprotected openings.

 

[Gutt Mcdonald]

Oh well that was an rather careless on my part!
Thank you @steveray!

 

[Gutt Mcdonald]

On this topic, I have a portion of an existing building which needs to have rated exterior walls due to the construction of a building on the same lot .
Does this wall need to comply with section 705.11 for parapets, or is the wording in 705.3 indicating the regulations on the walls to be strictly contained to 705.5 and 705.8?
"Where a new building is to be erected on the same lot as an existing building, the location of the assumed imaginary line with relation to the existing building shall be such that the exterior wall and opening protection of the existing building meet the criteria as set forth in Sections 705.5 and 705.8."

 

[Yankee Chronicler]

You only need a parapet for those portions of the exterior wall within a regulated distance from the fire separation line. If the second building is a new building, remember that the fire separation line can be drawn however it is most favorable to the design -- as long as you don't create any non-conforming conditions in the existing building.

 

[Gutt Mcdonald]

Correct, Both walls need to be rated, and while I considered creating the FSD line closer to the new building I let go of that idea as the spaces needed windows based on the room use.