Are spaces leased by different tenants in a multi-floor shopping complex required to have separation barriers between them?
Detailed Question:
In a shopping center with multiple floors, is there a need for a fire-resistant barrier between a store on one floor and another store directly above it? Specifically, does the floor/ceiling structure between them need to meet specific separation standards?
Summary of Building Code Interpretation:
According to Section 402.4.2.1 of the 2021 International Building Code (IBC), each leased space in a building must have fire-resistant walls separating it from other leased spaces, as detailed in Section 708. However, this requirement does not extend to leased spaces that are vertically aligned, i.e., one above the other. Thus, a fire-resistance rated separation is not mandatory for spaces situated on different floors directly above and below each other.
Do you agree?
Detailed Question:
In a shopping center with multiple floors, is there a need for a fire-resistant barrier between a store on one floor and another store directly above it? Specifically, does the floor/ceiling structure between them need to meet specific separation standards?
Summary of Building Code Interpretation:
According to Section 402.4.2.1 of the 2021 International Building Code (IBC), each leased space in a building must have fire-resistant walls separating it from other leased spaces, as detailed in Section 708. However, this requirement does not extend to leased spaces that are vertically aligned, i.e., one above the other. Thus, a fire-resistance rated separation is not mandatory for spaces situated on different floors directly above and below each other.
Do you agree?
