The 2012 NC Residential Code had increased the fire separation distance from 3’ to 5’ from the lot line for single family dwellings that trigger the minimum fire-resistance ratings of walls and projections and the openings in walls limits found in Table R302.1. The Rule passed by the Council was approved by the Rules Review Commission on May 16, 2013 and is immediately available for use by permit holders. The effective date for the Rule is June 1, 2013 as adopted by the Building Code Council and approved by the Rules Review Commission.
During the Public Hearing for this important change, Robert Privott, NCHA Director of Codes and Construction explained to the Council that “during this past code cycle, the fire separation distances were arbitrarily increased by a distance of 2’-0’’ without any scientific data or reports that proved the allowable distance found in the previous NCRBC were an increased fire hazard.” Privott further explained that “there are thousands of vacant lots approved for development in North Carolina that are designed for 3’ separation distance from property lines that this modification will continue to allow and that the increased fire separation distance negatively impacts our industry, existing homeowners and the economy.”
The approved amendment to Table R302.1 now reads:
EXTERIOR WALL ELEMENT
MINIMUM
FIRE-RESISTANCE RATING
MINIMUM
FIRE SEPARATION
DISTANCE
Walls
(Fire-resistance rated)
1 hour-tested in accordance with ASTM E 119 or UL 263 with exposure to both sides
❤ 5 Feet
(Not fire-resistance rated)
0-Hours
3 5 Feet
Projections
(Fire-resistance rated)
1-Hour on the underside
3 4 Feet
(Not fire-resistance rated)
0-Hours
3 5 Feet
Openings
Not Allowed
N/A
25% Maximum of Wall Area
0-Hours
3 Feet
Unlimited
0-Hours
3 5 Feet
Penetrations
All
Comply with
Section R302.4
❤
None Required
3 5 Feet
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