15-8-020 Definition.

   A “fire wall” is hereby defined as a wall which subdivides a building into limited fire areas or which separates two or more buildings to prevent the spread of fire and which extends continuously through all stories to a level above the roof.

(Prior code §  62-1.1)

15-8-030 Construction.

   All fire walls shall be constructed of noncombustible materials providing fire resistance not less than the following:

   (a)   Walls exceeding 14 feet in unsupported height – eight hours;

   (b)   Walls not exceeding 14 feet in unsupported height – four hours.

   All structural members supporting fire walls shall be of construction providing fire resistance not less than that required for the wall.

(Prior code §  62-1.2)

15-8-040 Offset construction.

   If fire walls are offset at intermediate floor levels, the offset floor and its supporting construction shall provide fire resistance not less than that required for the wall.

(Prior code §  62-1.3)

15-8-050 Parapets.

   Fire walls shall extend not less than 36 inches above the roof, except that the fire walls may extend to the roof level when the roof is of fire-resistive construction for a distance of not less than 40 feet on each side of the wall.

(Prior code §  62-1.4)

15-8-060 Openings.

   (a)   Except as provided in subparagraph (b), the aggregate width of openings through a fire wall shall not exceed 25 percent of the length of the wall, except that at least one opening not exceeding the maximum dimensions for fire doors established in Section 15-12-120 shall be permitted in a fire wall of any length.

   (b)   In buildings of Types I-A, I-B and I-C construction, equipped throughout with an approved system of automatic sprinklers, the aggregate width of all openings at any floor level shall not exceed 50 percent of the length of the wall.

   (c)   Openings in fire walls shall be protected on both sides of the wall with Class A fire doors or other approved protective assemblies complying with the requirements of Section 15-12-070. One door shall be automatic and the other door shall be either automatic or self-closing.

(Prior code §  62-1.5)

15-8-070 Exterior walls – Requirements.

   Exterior walls shall comply with all structural requirements and the special requirements of Sections 15-8-080 to 15-8-110, inclusive.

(Prior code §  62-2)

15-8-080 Exterior walls – Construction.

   Exterior walls shall be constructed of materials providing fire resistance as required in Chapter 13-60. Assemblies including an EIFS (exterior insulation and finish system) that meet the requirements of Sections 15-8-081 through 15-8-086 shall be permitted for exterior walls in all occupancies.

(Prior code §  62-2.1; Amend Coun. J. 5-17-00, p. 32653, § 3)

15-8-081 Exterior insulating and finish systems.

   Any exterior wall assembly which includes a combustible plastic foam in its EIFS shall meet the requirements of Sections 15-8-080 through 15-8-086.

(Added Coun. J. 5-17-00, p. 32653, § 3)

15-8-082 Test data required.

   (a)   Where an exterior wall is required to have a fire resistance rating and an EIFS is installed, test data shall be provided on the permit plans to substantiate that the code-required fire resistance rating will be achieved. The inclusion of an EIFS over a listed fire-rated assembly shall not be deemed to reduce the tested or listed rating.

   (b)   Where the EIFS plane faces another building or an interior lot line at a distance of less than 30 feet, test data shall demonstrate that the exterior insulation finish system will not ignite upon exposure to a minimum radiant heat energy of 12.5 kw/m 2 , when tested in accordance with NFPA 268-96, Standard Test Method for Determining Ignitability of Exterior Wall Assemblies Using a Radiant Heat Energy Source. Where a material is intended to be installed in more than one thickness, tests shall be performed on the intended maximum and minimum thickness.

(Added Coun. J. 5-17-00, p. 32653, § 3)