1. A. Change Item 5 of Section 703.2.2 of the IBC to read:

   1. 5. Alternative protection methods as allowed by Section 112.2.

2. B. Change Section 703.5 of the IBC to read:

   703.7 Fire-resistance assembly marking. Where there is a concealed floor, floor-ceiling, attic space, the fire walls, fire barriers, fire partitions, smoke barriers, or any other wall required to have protected openings or penetrations shall be designated above ceilings and on the inside of all ceiling access doors that provide access to such fire rated assemblies by signage having letters no smaller than one inch (25.4 mm) in height. Such signage shall indicate the fire-resistance rating of the assembly and the type of assembly and be provided at horizontal intervals of no more than eight feet (2438 mm).

   Note: An example of suggested formatting for the signage would be "ONE HOUR FIRE PARTITION."

3. C. Add Exception 2 to Section 705.2 of the IBC to read:

   1. 2. Decks and open porches of buildings of Groups R-3 and R-4.

4. D. Change Section 706.1 of the IBC to read:

   706.1 General. Each portion of a building separated by one or more fire walls shall be considered a separate building. Fire walls shall be constructed in accordance with Sections 706.2 through 706.11. The extent and location of such fire walls shall provide a complete separation. Where a fire wall separates occupancies that are required to be separated by a fire barrier wall, the most restrictive requirements of each separation shall apply. Equipment and systems are permitted to serve multiple attached buildings on the same lot where separated by one or more fire walls.

5. E. Delete Exception 2 to Section 706.1.1 of the IBC.

6. F. Add Exception 4 to Section 706.5.2 of the IBC to read:

   1. 4. Decks and open porches of buildings in Groups R-3 and R-4.

7. G. Change Section 716.2.1.4 of the IBC to read:

   716.2.1.4 Smoke and draft control. Fire door assemblies located in smoke barrier walls shall also meet the requirements for a smoke and draft control door assembly tested in accordance with UL 1784.

8. H. Change Section 717.5.3 of the IBC to read:

   1. 1. Fire and smoke dampers are not required where steel exhaust subducts extend at least 22 inches (559 mm) vertically in exhaust shafts, provided there is a continuous airflow upward to the outside.
   2. 2. Fire dampers are not required where penetrations are tested in accordance with ASTM E119 as part of the fire resistance-rated assembly.
   3. 3. Fire and smoke dampers are not required where ducts are used as part of an approved smoke control system in accordance with Section 909.
   4. 4. Fire and smoke dampers are not required where the penetrations are in parking garage exhaust or supply shafts that are separated from other building shafts by not less than two-hour fire-resistance-rated construction.
   5. 5. Smoke dampers are not required where the building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.

   717.5.3 Shaft enclosures. Shaft enclosures that are permitted to be penetrated by ducts and air transfer openings shall be protected with approved fire and smoke dampers installed in accordance with their listing.

   Exceptions:

9. I. Add Section 717.6.2.2 to the IBC to read:

   1. 1. A duct detector installed in the return duct.
   2. 2. An area smoke detector interlocked with the HVAC equipment.
   3. 3. A listed heat sensor installed in the return duct.

   717.6.2.2 Equipment shutdown. Where ceiling radiation dampers are listed as static dampers, the HVAC equipment shall be effectively shut down to stop the airflow prior to the damper closing using one of the following methods:

Statutory Authority

§ 36-98 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 3, eff. November 16, 2005; amended, Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 14, eff. May 1, 2008; Volume 27, Issue 2, eff. March 1, 2011; Change in Effective Date, 27:5 VA.R. 534 November 8, 2010; amended, Virginia Register Volume 30, Issue 16, eff. July 14, 2014; Volume 34, Issue 18, eff. September 4, 2018; Volume 37, Issue 14, eff. July 1, 2021; Volume 40, Issue 9, eff. January 18, 2024.