Fire Stopping for two-Family?

I am in the middle of the permit application process for our two-Family townhouse. My AR seems a bit conflicting when it comes to fire separation requirements, so I would like to reach out to see if any of you have some good advice on this: Because it is a two-Family residence, no Fire Separation (@ walls, ceilings) is needed by NYC Code between the two units (basement rental-owner duplex; total of 3 floors, ca. 800sf/floor). That is, according to my AR. The plans have already been approved by the dob this way. However, now my AR says I need to have an engineer to do a special inspection/sign-off for fire-stopping. But why do I need fire-stopping if no FR is needed between the 2 units? This will cost me an additional $1500,- which seems a lot, let alone unnecessary? thanks for any feedback

cuzzinned

in About Brooklyn 12 years and 1 month ago

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a2chitect | 12 years ago

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Yes. A sprinkler system does not relieve you from the requirement.

slu2 | 12 years ago

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Is firestop required, if there is already a sprinkler system throughout the two-family building?

a2chitect | 12 years and 1 month ago

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Fire stopping serves two purposes. 1\. It does what the name implies: stops the spread of fire. 2\. It also is to stop smoke from passing from one floor to another or one living unit to another to allow occupants more time to get out of a building in an emergency. Whether what you are calling a fire separation is required or not, the DOB will always require fire stopping on all projects. One-family, two-family, multi-family. It doesn’t matter.

Lurker | 12 years and 1 month ago

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Curious Jack if you could elucidate a bit. How is it possible that DOB approved the plans without fire separation and now require it. Or are you suggesting fire separation is assumed all along? Also isn’t basic 1/2″ sheetrock considered sufficient firestop for ceilings and walls, or is there way more to it?

eman134 | 12 years and 1 month ago

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the engineering inspection of fire stopping is relatively new , but now required since so many contractors totally ignored code. Suck it up

jockdeboeraia | 12 years and 1 month ago

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Yes, you are required to have a fire separation in-between.