fire separation distance - recessed entry door

[mcooper]

Thanks in advance for any advice here.

We're able to build a two-story single family residence right on a property line since it's replacing a building that was there already. We're trying to figure out a way to get a door in the wall on the property line given the limitations in section 302 and Table 302.1(1) Exterior Walls. One thought is to recess a section of the wall by 5' on the first floor so that we can get past the 25% maximum allowed opening.

So: if part of the wall on one level is 5' from the property line is it far enough, or does the recessed section have to carry up to the roof?

The second part of the question is this: if recessing on one floor was OK, would the wall above that recessed part be considered a projection?

Thanks much.

 

[Mr. Inspector]

Openings are unlimited at a 5' separation distance so I would say Ok and would say only the door needs to be recessed.
I would require the underside of the next floor above the door to be fire-resistance rated.

 

[Builder Bob]

The issue is that the "opening" for the recessed door is still an opening in a wall on the property line. Therefore it would not be allowed.

 

[steveray]

The issue is that the "opening" for the recessed door is still an opening in a wall on the property line. Therefore it would not be allowed.

Interesting....didn't really see it that way, but you would not technically have access to a public way for egress......

 

[mcooper]

Thanks all. Interesting that the recess for the door might be considered as an 'opening'. Following that I guess that the outermost wall would be the one that we'd count when measuring to the property line, not each level's wall face individually, right?

 

[Paul Sweet]

I can see the argument against a recess, but it might work if the portion with the door was set back 5 ft. all the way to the end of the house, so you could exit without going onto the adjoining property.

 

[JPohling]

Am I confused...............the proposed building wall is along the property line. A proposed recessed alcove 5' back with the entry/exit door to the home is proposed. So my exit is then funneled to the property line. Is there a neighboring property adjacent to this property line or a public right of way?