In November 2006, Section 903.2.7 of the 2003 International Building Code and the 2003 International Fire Code that was adopted as part of the 2006 North Carolina code set was deferred to the legislature by rulemaking procedures. Despite our best lobbying efforts, legislation was introduced during the 2007 session; however, no final action was taken and the General Assembly adjourned on August 2, 2007. The 2006 NC Fire and Building Code, Group R sprinkler requirements as published and copied below became effective on August 3, 2007:

903.2.7 Group R. An automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3 shall be provided throughout all buildings with a Group R fire area.

Exception: An automatic sprinkler system is not required in Group R-3 and R-4 adult and child day care facilities.

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The Building Code Council has amended the Townhouse rule from the original form approved at the March 13, 2007 Council meeting.

TEMPORARY RULE
NC Building Code Council
NC Residential Code

R302.1 Exception 2, Exterior Wall Projections

(070313 Item B-2, 070612 Item C-1)

R302.1 Exterior walls. Exterior walls with a fire separation distance less than 3 feet (914mm) shall have not less than a one-hour fire-resistive rating with exposure from both sides. Non-rated projections shall not extend beyond the distance determined by the following two methods, whichever results in the lesser projections:
1. A point one-third the distance to the property line from an assumed vertical plane located where protected openings are required.
2. More than 12 inches (305 mm) into areas where openings are prohibited.
Projections extending beyond the distance described above into the fire separation distance shall have not less than one-hour fire-resistive construction on the underside. The above provisions shall not apply to walls which are perpendicular to the line used to determine the fire separation distance.

Exceptions:
1. Tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar structures exempted from permits by Chapter 1 are not required to provide wall protection based on location on the lot. Projections beyond the exterior wall shall not extend over the lot line.
2. In townhouse construction (3 or more attached dwellings), soffit shall be securely attached to framing members and shall be constructed using one of the following methods:
2.1. Non-Combustible material other than Aluminum.
2.2. Aluminum or vinyl soffit installed over ¾ wood sheathing or 5/8” gypsum board.
Venting requirements shall apply to both soffit and underlayments and shall not exceed the minimum net free air requirements established in section R806.2 by more than 150%.

The Effective Date for the Emergency Rule is April 5, 2007.

The Effective Date for this amended Temporary Rule is July 1, 2007.

The Statutory authority for Rule-making is G. S. 143-136; 143-138.