Required separation for taller buildings?

[BayPointArchitect]

A colleague is trying to find something in the building code regarding increased separation based on the height of the building. I am looking at the 2009 IBC Section 705 but that only deals with the permitted openings within the exterior wall based on the separation distance. Is there some other section that I am overlooking? Is there some requirement to increase the distance from the property line as the height of the building increases from 20 feet to 35 feet and again to 75 feet, etcetera?

Thank you,

ICC Certified Plan Reviewer

NFPA Certified Fire Plan Examiner

 

[Paul Sweet]

This would usually be a zoning issue.

 

[north star]

@ : @ : @

BayPointArchitect,

I looked & looked in the IBC and could not find anything.

Think about all of the tall skyscraper buildings........Not

much separation distance at their grade level floors.



@ : @ : @

 

[mtlogcabin]

Table 1406.2.1.1.2 might be what you are thinking.

 

[BayPointArchitect]

Apparently my colleague was thinking that Table 705.8 determined that a large apartment building needed to be so far away from a shared property line based on the window openings within that exterior wall. I suppose that if you designed a brick apartment building with the exterior having 25% glass, then you would need to be at least 5 feet from the property line. Sprinkled building, non-rated glazing.

Thank you everyone!

 

[Mark K]

There are structural provisions that require separation between adjacent buildings to accommodate drift due to wind and seismic loads. This defines the distance from the property line.