Statutes, codes, and regulations
District Of Columbia Administrative Code
Title 12 - CONSTRUCTION CODES SUPPLEMENT OF 2017Subtitle 12-A - BUILDING CODE SUPPLEMENT OF 2017
Chapter 12-A7 - FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
Rule 12-A706 - FIRE WALLS

D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 12, r. 12-A706

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Current through Register Vol. 71, No. 49, December 6, 2024
Rule 12-A706 - FIRE WALLS

Strike Sections 706.1 and 706.1.1 in the International Building Code in their entirety and insert new Sections 706.1 and 706.1.1 in the Building Code in their place to read as follows:

706.1

General. Each portion of a building separated by one or more fire walls that comply with the provisions of this section shall be considered a separate building. The extent and location of such fire walls shall provide a complete separation. Where a fire wall also separates occupancies that are required to be separated by a fire barrier wall, the most restrictive requirements of each separation shall apply.

706.1.1

Party walls. Any wall that straddles, or is in close proximity to, a lot line, which is used for structural support by two or more adjoining buildings or structures shall be constructed as a fire wall in accordance with Section 706. Such walls shall be constructed without openings and shall create separate buildings.

Exceptions:

a. Openings allowed pursuant to Section 705.8.7, provided that the owners of the adjacent buildings shall provide written authorization for such openings to each other and both buildings are subject to the covenant required by Section 705.8.7.8.
b. Openings in a party wall separating an anchor building and a covered or open mall building shall be in accordance with Section 402.4.2.2.

Strike Section 706.8 in the International Building Code in its entirety and insert new Section 706.8 in its place in the Building Code to read as follows:

706.8

Openings. Each opening through a fire wall shall be protected in accordance with Section 716.5 and shall not exceed 156 square feet (15 m2) in total area. The aggregate width of openings at any floor level shall not exceed 25 percent of the length of the wall.

Exceptions:

1. Openings are not permitted in party walls constructed in accordance with Section 706.1.1, unless authorized by and subject to the limitations of Section 705.8.7.
2. Openings are allowed pursuant to Section 705.8.7 where a fire wall can be replaced by two exterior walls.
3. Openings shall not be limited to 156 square feet (15 m2) where both buildings are equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.

D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 12, r. 12-A706

Final Rulemaking published at 67 DCR 5679 (5/29/2020)