Structural Fire Separation Requirements
Requirements for Structural Fire Separations
Requirements:
- All multifamily and commercial addition / alteration permits will list two required structural fire wall inspections - 884 Structural Fire Wall and 888 Structural Fire Final.
- All multifamily dwellings and commercial tenant spaces require a one-hour fire separation. This includes shared walls and shared floors / ceilings.
- Dwelling and tenant separation walls must be repaired or replaced during remodeling. Penetrations in the walls, floors and ceilings must be fire stopped. Penetrations include shower drains, bath drains, pipes and holes in general.
- Structural fire walls can be one-hour fire separations required between dwelling units and commercial tenants or two to four-hour occupancy or building separations.
Consultations
A consultation with a fire inspector can be requested if there are any questions about separations.
Inspections
Required inspections:
- A 884 inspection should be called for when penetrations are fire stopped and before drywall is installed.
- A 888 inspection should be called for when drywall is installed and finished.
Fire Separation Construction
All fire separations and penetration fire stops must be constructed according to the UL or U.S. Gypsum system. Visit those websites for more information:
