Joining two Condo Units

[error404]

Is there anything in the code that would not allow two condo units next to each other to be joined by an opening? (Opening could be a fire-rated door with a self-closer... Cunrrently there's a 1 hour wall between units)

The two units are owned by different entities that do not want to pursuit a unity of title.

Thanks

 

[steveray]

First you need to determine if it is an IRC or IBC structure......The code does not recognize "condo" or ownership....Is there a property line at the point between them?

 

[error404]

IBC- I don't have all the details... but it's a mid-rise multifamily building.

 

[steveray]

If it is a one hour rating, the opening protection should be all that you need....And you might not even need that...If it is a 1 hour fire partition seperating "dwelling units" and you want to consider them one unit, technically the rated door might not be required...

You need to know why the wall was rated in the first place to determine the requirements for maintaining it....

 

[Paul Sweet]

Condominiums typically have a property line at the demising partition between units, which would technically make it a party wall. A code modification would be required.

 

[Mr. Inspector]

all condos I ever saw are R-2. No party walls required.

 

[mtlogcabin]

Pretty simple explanation

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Condominium

The difference between a "condominium" and an "apartment" complex is purely legal. There is no way to differentiate a condominium from an apartment simply by looking at or visiting the building. What defines a condominium is the form of ownership. The same building developed as a condominium (and sold in individual units to different owners) could actually be built at another location as an apartment building (the developers would retain ownership and rent individual units to different tenants). As a practical matter, builders tend to build condominiums to higher quality standards than apartment complexes because of the differences between the rental and sale markets.

Technically, a condominium is a collection of individual home units and common areas along with the land upon which they sit. Individual home ownership within a condominium is construed as ownership of only the air space confining the boundaries of the home (Anglo-Saxon law systems; different elsewhere). The boundaries of that space are specified by a legal document known as a Declaration, filed on record with the local governing authority. Typically, these boundaries will include the wall surrounding a condo, allowing the homeowner to make some interior modifications without impacting the common area. Anything outside this boundary is held in an undivided ownership interest by a corporation established at the time of the condominium’s creation. The corporation holds this property in trust on behalf of the homeowners as a group–-it may not have ownership itself.

Condominiums have conditions, covenants, and restrictions, and often additional rules that govern how the individual unit owners are to share the space.

It is also possible for a condominium to consist of single-family dwellings. So-called "detached condominiums" where homeowners do not maintain the exteriors of the dwellings, yards, etc. or "site condominiums" where the owner has more control and possible ownership (as in a "whole lot" or "lot line" condominium) over the exterior appearance. These structures are preferred by some planned neighborhoods and gated communities.