Code Change No: RB79-13
Section(s): R302.2, R302.2.4
Proponent: Jeffrey M. Shapiro, representing IRC Fire Sprinkler Coalition
(jeff.shapiro@intlcodeconsultants.com)
Revise as follows:
R302.2 Townhouses. Each townhouse shall be considered a separate building and shall be separated
by fire-resistance rated wall assemblies meeting the requirements of Section R302.1 for exterior walls.
Exceptions:
1. Where a fire sprinkler system in accordance with Section P2904 is provided, a common 1-
hour fire-resistance-rated wall assembly tested in accordance with ASTM E 119 or UL 263 is
permitted for townhouses if such walls do not contain plumbing or mechanical equipment,
ducts or vents in the cavity of the common wall. The wall shall be rated for fire exposure from
both sides and shall extend to and be tight against exterior walls and the underside of the
roof sheathing. Electrical installations shall be installed in accordance with Chapters 34
through 43. Penetrations of electrical outlet boxes shall be in accordance with Section
R302.4.
2. Where a fire sprinkler system in accordance with Section P2904 is not provided, a common
2-hour fire-resistance-rated wall assembly tested in accordance with ASTM E 119 or UL 263
is permitted for townhouses where such walls do not contain plumbing or mechanical
equipment, ducts or vents in the cavity of the common wall. The wall shall be rated for fire
exposure from both sides and shall extend to and be tight against exterior walls and the
underside of the roof sheathing. Electrical installations shall be installed in accordance with
Chapters 34 through 43. Penetrations of electrical outlet boxes shall be in accordance with
Section R302.4.
R302.2.4 Structural independence. Each individual townhouse shall be structurally independent.
Exceptions:
1. Foundations supporting exterior walls or common walls.
2. Structural roof and wall sheathing from each unit may fasten to the common wall framing.
3. Nonstructural wall and roof coverings.
4. Flashing at termination of roof covering over common wall.
5. Townhouses separated by a common (delete: 1-hour fire resistance-rated) wall as provided in Section
R302.2, Exceptions 1 or 2.
Reason: The 1-hour separation requirements in these sections were reduced from 2-hour ratings in prior editions of the IRC based
on the assumption that fire sprinklers mandated by the IRC would be present in all townhouses. Because some jurisdictions are
amending the IRC to remove the fire sprinkler requirement, it is essential that the IRC provide for townhouse separation fire ratings
to be returned to 2-hours if sprinklers are not provided. No justification, other than sprinklers, was ever provided for allowing a 1-
hour separation, and this reduced rating is inappropriate for non-sprinklered buildings.
Cost Impact: The code change proposal will not increase the cost of construction.
Committee Action: Approved as Submitted
Committee Reason: The committee approved this proposed code change because they felt that a) it takes care of an important
omission in the code related to fire sprinkler systems and b) it addresses the many ways in which jurisdictions adopt the code and
modify sprinkler requirements.
Complete Revision History to the 2015 I-Codes: Successful Changes with Public Comments: 2015 IRC