CodeMandatory
Townhouse fire-resistance separation
IRC R302.2Description
Townhouses must be separated by 2-hour fire-rated walls (or two 1-hour walls) with no openings in the separation. Walls must extend through any concealed roof spaces.
Why this exists
Each townhouse unit must independently survive a fire in an adjacent unit; the wall is the firebreak.
Measurements
| Property | Operator | Value | Unit | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
minFireRating | min | 2 | hours |
Categories
Life safetyStructure
Source
ICCno manifest entry
International Residential Code (2024)
Section: R302.2
Published 2024-01-01 · last verified 2026-05-09
Solver enforcement
Browsable only — the solver does not currently enforce this directive (no spec-level data to check against). This entry exists so the architect personas can cite it in conversation and the user can read what the rule says.
Related directives
- Garage / dwelling fire separation · IRC R302.6
- Habitable space minimum ceiling height · IRC R305.1
- Egress window net opening dimensions · IRC R310.2
- Stair riser, tread, and headroom · IRC R311.7
- Smoke alarms required throughout dwelling · IRC R314
Last reviewed 2026-05-09.