N.Y.C. Admin. Code § BC 708: Section BC 708: Fire Partitions

708.1 General.

The following wall assemblies shall comply with this section.

1. Separation walls as required by Section 420.2 for Groups I-1, R-1, R-2 and R-3.

2. Walls separating tenant spaces in covered and open mall buildings as required by Section 402.4.2.1.

3. Corridor walls as required by Section 1020.1.

4. Egress balconies as required by Section 1021.2.

708.2 Materials.

The walls shall be of materials permitted by the building type of construction.

708.3 Fire-resistance rating.

Fire partitions shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1 hour.

Exception: Interior corridor walls as permitted by Table 1020.1.1.

708.4 Continuity.

Fire partitions shall extend from the top of the foundation or floor/ceiling assembly below to the underside of the floor or roof sheathing, slab or deck above or to the fire-resistance-rated floor/ceiling or roof/ceiling assembly above, and shall be securely attached thereto. If the fire partitions are not continuous to the sheathing, deck or slab, the space between the ceiling and the sheathing, deck or slab above shall be fire blocked or draft stopped in accordance with Sections 718.2 and 718.3 at the partition line. The supporting construction shall be protected to afford the required fire-resistance rating of the wall supported.

Exceptions:

1. The fire partitions separating tenant spaces in a covered or open mall building, complying with Section 402.4.2.1, are not required to extend beyond the underside of a ceiling that is not part of a fire-resistance-rated assembly. A wall is not required in attic or ceiling spaces above tenant separation walls. However, fireblocking or draftstopping shall be provided in accordance with Section 718.

2. Attic fireblocking or draftstopping is not required at the partition line in Group R-2 buildings that do not exceed four stories above grade plane provided the attic space is subdivided by draftstopping into areas not exceeding 3,000 square feet (278.8 m

2

) or above every two dwelling units, whichever is smaller.

3. Fireblocking or draftstopping is not required at the partition line in buildings equipped with an automatic sprinkler system installed throughout in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2, provided that automatic sprinklers are installed in combustible floor/ceiling and roof/ceiling spaces.

708.5 Exterior walls.

Where exterior walls serve as a part of a required fire-resistance-rated separation, such walls shall comply with the requirements of Section 705 for exterior walls, and the fire-resistance-rated separation requirements shall not apply.

Exception: Exterior walls required to be fire-resistance-rated in accordance with Section 1021.2 for exterior egress balconies, Section 1023.7 for interior exit stairways and ramps and Section 1027.6 for exterior exit stairways and ramps.

708.6 Openings.

Openings in a fire partition shall be protected in accordance with Section 716.

708.7 Penetrations.

Penetrations through fire partitions shall comply with Section 714.

7089.8 Joints.

Joints made in or between fire partitions shall comply with Section 715.

708.9 Ducts and air transfer openings.

Penetrations in a fire partition by ducts and air transfer openings shall comply with Section 717.