(a) Bearing partition studs shall be as required in this Building and Housing Code for strength and stability and shall be not less than two by fours spaced not more than sixteen inches on center set the four-inch way, except where specifically permitted otherwise.
(b) Nonbearing partition studs may be two by fours spaced sixteen inches on center set the two-inch way for walls around closets and chimneys, for walls not exceeding six feet of unsupported length which contain openings, and for walls exceeding six feet, provided they are devoid of openings.
(c) All openings in interior bearing partitions shall have jambs and heads double-framed the same as required for exterior openings.
(d) The top plates of all bearing partitions shall be doubled. All partition plates shall lap at all intersecting partitions and at outside walls and shall be securely spiked.
(e) When partitions are framed on top of the joists or subfloor, the studs shall bear on a sole plate at least two inches thick. When such sole plates are parallel to supporting joists and are not directly over joists, adequate blocking or solid bridging shall be installed to transmit the weight of the partition and its load to the joists. Such blocking or bridging shall be placed under all concentrated loads.
(f) Where nonbearing partitions run parallel to the second floor joists, a lathing member shall be placed above the partition plate and shall be wide enough to provide a nailing surface for the ceiling lath.
(g) Wood bearing partitions in cellars or basements must be properly moisture-treated or be six inches above the concrete floor.
(h) No stud shall be cut more than half its depth to receive piping and duct work. If more depth is required, the partition stud shall be increased or reinforced accordingly. Where the running of piping and duct work necessitates the cutting of plates, proper provision, acceptable to the Building and Zoning Inspection Division, shall be made for tying together and supporting all structural members affected by such cutting.
(i) Corners for all rooms shall be framed solid for lath or other interior finish.
(j) All interior partitions connecting to masonry walls shall have the end stud anchored to the masonry with not less than three and one-half inch bolts in each story height, or said stud may have other means of anchorage equivalent to the above when approved by the Division.
(k) Partitions similar to those described in this section may be used for similar purposes, provided they are constructed to develop a strength and rigidity equivalent to that provided for such partitions in this section and as required elsewhere in this Building and Housing code.
(l) Walls or partitions separating two residences of frame construction shall be of construction having a fire-resistance rating of not less than one hour.
(Ord. 42-1981. Passed 2-23-81.)