FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES

Municipal Code of Chicago tit. 14B, ch. 14B-7

in effect

Municipal Code of Chicago § 14B-7-701 General.

14B-7-701 General. The provisions of Section 701 of IBC are adopted by reference with the following modification: 1. Revise Section 701.1 to read: "701.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall govern the materials, systems and assemblies used for structural fire resistance and fire-resistance-rated construction, separation of adjacent spaces to safeguard against the spread of fire and smoke within a building and the spread of fire to or from buildings."

Municipal Code of Chicago § 14B-7-702 Multiple use fire assemblies.

14B-7-702 Multiple use fire assemblies. The provisions of Section 702 of IBC are adopted by reference without modification.

Municipal Code of Chicago § 14B-7-703 Fire-resistance ratings and fire tests.

14B-7-703 Fire-resistance ratings and fire tests. The provisions of Section 703 of IBC are adopted by reference with the following modifications: 1. Delete Section 703.2.5. 2. Revise the numbered portion of Section 703.3 to read: "1. Fire-resistance designs documented in a test report prepared by an approved agency or test results compiled in the UL Online Certifications Directory, Intertek Directory of Building Products, GA 600 or another approved source. 2. Prescriptive designs of fire-resistance-rated building elements, components or assemblies as prescribed in Section 721. 3. Approved calculations in accordance with Section 722. 4. Approved engineering analysis based on a comparison of building element, component or assembly designs having fire-resistance ratings as determined by the test procedures set forth in ASTM E119 or UL 263." 3. Delete the last sentence of Section 703.4. 4. Revise the first sentence of Section 703.7 to read: "Where there is an accessible concealed floor, floor-ceiling or attic space and within mechanical and electrical rooms, fire walls, fire barriers, fire partitions, smoke barriers and smoke partitions or any other wall required to have protected openings or penetrations shall be effectively and permanently identified with signs or stenciling in the concealed space or mechanical or electrical room."

Municipal Code of Chicago § 14B-7-704 Fire-resistance rating of structural members.

14B-7-704 Fire-resistance rating of structural members. The provisions of Section 704 of IBC are adopted by reference with the following modifications: 1. Delete the exception to Section 704.1. 2. Revise Section 704.3 to read: "704.3 Protection of the primary structural frame other than columns. Members of the primary structural frame, other than columns, that are required to have protection to achieve a fire-resistance rating and support more than two floors or one floor and roof, or support a load-bearing wall or a nonload-bearing wall more than two stories high, shall be provided individual encasement protection by protecting them on all sides for the full length, including connections to other structural members, with materials having the required fire-resistance rating." 3. Revise Section 704.11 to read: "704.11 Bottom flange protection. Fire protection is not required at the bottom flange of lintels, shelf angles and plates, spanning not more than 6 feet 4 inches (1931 mm) whether part of the primary structural frame or not, and from the bottom flange of lintels, shelf angles and plates not part of the primary structural frame, regardless of span." 4. Revise Section 704.12 by deleting "approved." 5. Revise Section 704.13.1 to read: "704.13.1 Fire-resistance rating. The application of SFRM shall be consistent with the fire-resistance rating and the listing, including, but not limited to, minimum size of structural element, minimum thickness and dry density of the applied SFRM, method of application, substrate surface conditions and the use of bonding adhesives, sealants, reinforcing or other materials."

Municipal Code of Chicago § 14B-7-705 Exterior walls.

14B-7-705 Exterior walls. The provisions of Section 705 of IBC are adopted by reference with the following modifications: 1. Revise Section 705.2, its subsections, and related tables to read: "705.2 Projections. Cornices, eave overhangs, exterior balconies, decks and similar projections extending beyond the exterior wall shall conform to the requirements of this section and Section 1405. Egress balconies shall comply with Section 1021. Porches, exterior exit stairways and exterior exit ramps shall comply with Section 1027. Projections shall not extend any closer to the line used to determine the fire separation distance than shown in Table 705.2. Exception: Buildings on the same lot and considered as portions of one building in accordance with Section 705.3 are not required to comply with this section for projections between the buildings. TABLE 705.2 MINIMUM DISTANCE OF PROJECTION FIRE SEPARATION DISTANCE - FSD (feet) | MINIMUM DISTANCE FROM LINE USED TO DETERMINE FSD 0 to less than 2 | Projections not permitted a 2 to less than 3 | 24 inches a 3 to less than 5 | 2/3 FSD 5 or greater | 40 inches For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm; 1 inch = 25.4 mm. a. Detached private garages and buildings of Group R-3 or R-5 occupancy located within 28 inches (711 mm) of a property line are permitted to have roof eave projections not exceeding 4 inches (102 mm). 705.2.1 Types I and II construction. Projections from walls of Type I or II construction shall be of materials allowed by Table 705.2.1 . Projections not listed in the table shall conform to the type of construction and fire-resistance rating required for the building to which they are attached. 705.2.2 Type III, IV or V construction. Projections from walls of Type III, IV or V construction shall be of noncombustible materials or combustible materials as allowed by Table 705.2.1 or Table 705.2.2. Projections not listed in the table shall conform to the type of construction and fire-resistance rating required for the building to which they are attached. 705.2.3 Combustible projections. Decks, exterior balconies, exterior exit stairways, porches, and similar projections of combustible construction shall not exceed 50 percent of the building’s perimeter on each floor." 2. Insert Tables 705.2.1 and 705.2.2 as shown: TABLE 705.2.1 PROJECTIONS FROM WALLS OF ANY TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION a Type of Projection | Material Type | Fire Separation Distance (feet) b 0 to less than 3 | 3 to less than 5 | 5 to less than 10 | 10 or greater Type of Projection | Material Type | Fire Separation Distance (feet) b 0 to less than 3 | 3 to less than 5 | 5 to less than 10 | 10 or greater Cornices, eave overhangs, sunshades, bay windows, oriel windows and similar decorative projections on buildings not exceeding 40 feet in building height | U | No | Yes | Yes | Yes P | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes Cornices, eave overhangs, sunshades, bay windows, oriel windows and similar decorative projections on buildings greater than 40 feet in building height | U | No | No | No | No UNC | No | Yes | Yes | Yes P | No | No | No | Yes PNC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes Gutters and downspouts on buildings not exceeding 40 feet in building height | U | No | Yes | Yes | Yes UNC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes Gutters and downspouts on buildings greater than 40 feet in building height | U | No | No | No | No UNC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes Exterior balconies, each not exceeding 100 square feet in area, on buildings not exceeding 55 feet in building height | U | No | Yes | Yes | Yes UNC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes Exterior balconies, each not exceeding 100 square feet in area, on buildings greater than 55 feet in building height | U | No | No | No | No UNC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes Decks laid directly on the ground without airspace below | U | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes Decks not exceeding 400 square feet in area | U | No | Yes | Yes | Yes Decks, any area, not more than 6 feet above adjoining ground | U | No | No | Yes | Yes Decks, any area, any height | UNC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes Weather-protected entries not exceeding 50 square feet in area | U | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes Open porches, serving no more than 1 story above grade plane and not more than 200 square feet in area | U | No | Yes | Yes | Yes Other open porches and exterior exit stairways, serving more than 1 but no more than 4 stories above grade plane | U | No | No | No | No UNC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes Exterior exit stairways, other than fire escapes, serving any story more than 4 stories above grade plane | PNC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes Fire escapes | UNC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes Pickets, handrails and similar vertical elements not more than 42 inches in height above the adjacent walking surface | U | No | Yes | Yes | Yes UNC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm; 1 inch = 25.4 mm; 1 square foot = 0.0929 m 2. U = any material not less fire resistive than untreated wood or plastic composites that comply with ASTM D7032 and Section 2612, unprotected P = any material, protected with construction providing fire-resistance rating as required for exterior wall UNC = noncombustible, unprotected PNC = noncombustible, protected with construction providing fire-resistance rating as required for exterior wall a. Where material type U is allowed, material types P, UNC and PNC shall also be allowed; where material type P is allowed, material types UNC and PNC shall also be allowed; where material type UNC is allowed, material type PNC shall also be allowed. b. Egress balconies shall also comply with Section 1021. Exterior exit stairways and exterior exit ramps shall also comply with Section 1027. TABLE 705.2.2 PROJECTIONS FROM WALLS OF TYPE III, IV OR V CONSTRUCTION a Type of Projection | Material Type | Fire Separation Distance (feet) b 0 to less than 3 | 3 to less than 5 | 5 to less than 10 | 10 or greater Type of Projection | Material Type | Fire Separation Distance (feet) b 0 to less than 3 | 3 to less than 5 | 5 to less than 10 | 10 or greater Exterior balconies, each not exceeding 100 square feet in area, on buildings not exceeding 55 feet in building height | U | No | Yes | Yes | Yes UNC, HT | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes Exterior balconies individually exceeding 100 square feet in area | P, HT, UNC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes Decks, any area, any height | HT | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes Open porches on buildings of Group R occupancy serving no more than 3 stories above grade plane, not projecting more than 10 feet from the building and not providing more than 150 feet of floor surface, exclusive of stairs, per dwelling unit | U | No | Yes | Yes | Yes P, UNC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes Repair or replacement of enclosed porches existing on December 31, 2018, serving no more than 3 stories above grade plane | P1 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes U | No | No | Yes | Yes Repair or replacement of porches existing on January 20, 1950, serving no more than 4 stories above grade plane | U | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm; 1 inch = 25.4 mm; 1 square foot = 0.0929 m 2. U = any material not less fire resistive than untreated wood or plastic composites that comply with ASTM D7032 and Section 2612, unprotected P = any material, protected with construction providing fire-resistance rating as required for exterior wall P1 = any material, protected with construction providing fire-resistance rating of at least one hour HT = heavy timber construction, complying with Section 2304.11 UNC = noncombustible, unprotected PNC = noncombustible, protected with construction providing fire-resistance rating as required for exterior wall a. Where material type U is allowed, material types P, HT, UNC and PNC shall also be allowed; where material type P is allowed, material types HT, UNC and PNC shall also be allowed; where material type UNC is allowed, material type PNC shall also be allowed. b. Egress balconies shall also comply with Section 1021. Exterior exit stairways and exterior exit ramps shall also comply with Section 1027. 3. Revise exception 1 to Section 705.3 to read: "1. Two or more buildings on the same lot of record in accordance with the exception to Section 503.1.2." 4. Revise Section 705.5 to read: "705.5 Fire-resistance ratings. Exterior walls shall be fire-resistance rated in accordance with Tables 601 and 602 and this section. For other than Group H occupancies, the required fire-resistance rating of exterior walls with a fire separation distance of 10 feet (3048 mm) or greater shall only be required to be rated for exposure to fire from the inside. The required fire-resistance rating of exterior walls with a fire separation distance of less than 10 feet (3048 mm) shall be rated for exposure to fire from both sides." 5. Delete Section 705.7. 6. Delete Equation 7-1. 7. Delete Figure 705.7. 8. Delete Table 705.8. 9. Insert Tables 705.8(1) and 705.8(2) as shown: TABLE 705.8(1) MAXIMUM AREA OF EXTERIOR WALL OPENINGS BASED ON FIRE SEPARATION DISTANCE AND DEGREE OF OPENING PROTECTION FOR BUILDINGS NOT COVERED BY TABLE 705.8(2) FIRE SEPARATION DISTANCE (feet) | DEGREE OF OPENING PROTECTION | ALLOWABLE AREA a FIRE SEPARATION DISTANCE (feet) | DEGREE OF OPENING PROTECTION | ALLOWABLE AREA a 0 to less than 3 b, c, k | Unprotected, Nonsprinklered (UP, NS) | Not Permitted k Unprotected, Sprinklered (UP, S) i | Not Permitted k Protected (P) | Not Permitted k 3 to less than 5 e | Unprotected, Nonsprinklered (UP, NS) | Not Permitted Unprotected, Sprinklered (UP, S) i | 15% Protected (P) | 15% 5 to less than 10 e | Unprotected, Nonsprinklered (UP, NS) | 10% Unprotected, Sprinklered (UP, S) i | 25% Protected (P) | 25% 10 to less than 15 e, g | Unprotected, Nonsprinklered (UP, NS) | 15% Unprotected, Sprinklered (UP, S) i | 45% Protected (P) | 45% 15 to less than 20 f, g, j | Unprotected, Nonsprinklered (UP, NS) | 25% Unprotected, Sprinklered (UP, S) i | 75% Protected (P) | 75% 20 to less than 25 g | Unprotected, Nonsprinklered (UP, NS) | 45% Unprotected, Sprinklered (UP, S) i | No Limit Protected (P) | No Limit 25 to less than 30 g | Unprotected, Nonsprinklered (UP, NS) | 70% Unprotected, Sprinklered (UP, S) i | No Limit Protected (P) | No Limit 30 or greater | Unprotected, Nonsprinklered (UP, NS) | No Limit Unprotected, Sprinklered (UP, S) i | No Limit Protected (P) | No Limit For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm. UP, NS = Unprotected openings in buildings not equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1. UP, S = Unprotected openings in buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2. P = Openings protected with an opening protective assembly in accordance with Section 705.8.2. a. Values indicated are the percentage of the area of the exterior wall, per story. b. For the requirements for fire walls of buildings with differing heights, see Section 706.6.1. c. For openings in a fire wall for buildings on the same lot, see Section 706.8. d. [Reserved.] e. Unprotected openings shall not be permitted for openings with a fire separation distance of less than 15 feet for Group H-2 and H-3 occupancies. f. [Reserved.] g. The area of openings in an open parking structure with a fire separation distance of 10 feet or greater shall not be limited. h. [Reserved.] i. Not applicable to Group H-1, H-2 and H-3 occupancies. j. [Reserved.] k. For openings between S-2 parking garage and Group R-2 building, see Section 705.3, Exception 2. TABLE 705.8(2) MAXIMUM AREA OF EXTERIOR WALL OPENINGS BASED ON FIRE SEPARATION DISTANCE AND DEGREE OF OPENING PROTECTION FOR PRIVATE GARAGES AND GROUP R-2, R-3, R-4 AND R-5 OCCUPANCIES UP TO 4 STORIES ABOVE GRADE PLANE a FIRE SEPARATION DISTANCE (feet) | DEGREE OF OPENING PROTECTION | ALLOWABLE AREA b FIRE SEPARATION DISTANCE (feet) | DEGREE OF OPENING PROTECTION | ALLOWABLE AREA b 0 to less than 2 | Unprotected, Nonsprinklered (UP, NS) | Not Permitted Unprotected, Sprinklered (UP, S) | Not Permitted Protected (P) | Not Permitted 2 to less than 3 | Unprotected, Nonsprinklered (UP, NS) | 5% Unprotected, Sprinklered (UP, S) | 10% Protected (P) | 10% 3 to less than 5 | Unprotected, Nonsprinklered (UP, NS) | 25% Unprotected, Sprinklered (UP, S) | 25% Protected (P) | 25% 5 or greater | Unprotected, Nonsprinklered (UP, NS) | No Limit Unprotected, Sprinklered (UP, S) | No Limit Protected (P) | No Limit For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm. UP, NS = Unprotected openings in buildings not equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system. UP, S = Unprotected openings in buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2. P = Openings protected with an opening protective assembly in accordance with Section 705.8.2. a. Table 705.8(2) is applicable to detached private garages and carports, private garages and carports attached to buildings exclusively containing a Group R-2, R-3, R-4 or R-5 occupancy with no more than four stories above grade plane, and buildings exclusively containing a Group R-2, R-3, R-4 or R-5 occupancy with no more than four stories above grade plane. All other buildings shall be subject to the requirements of Table 705.8(1). b. Values indicated are the percentage of the area of the exterior wall, per story. For basements, both above- and below-grade portions of the exterior wall shall be included in determining the allowable area. 10. Revise Section 705.8.1 by replacing "Table 705.8" with "Table 705.8(1) or 705.8(2), as applicable" and inserting exceptions 3 and 4 to read: "3. Where fire separation distance is based on an imaginary line between buildings on the same lot, the maximum area of protected exterior wall openings shall be the greater of the value in Table 705.8(1) or 10 percent for stories that are at least 15 feet (4572 mm) vertically above the roof of adjacent buildings on the same lot. 4. Where fire separation distance is based on an imaginary line between buildings on the same lot, the maximum area of protected and unprotected exterior wall openings shall not be limited for stories that are at least 50 feet (15.24 m) vertically above the roof of adjacent buildings on the same lot." 11. Revise Section 705.8.3 by replacing "approved materials" with "materials allowed by this code." 12. Revise the description of Ap in Equation 7-2 to read: "Actual area of protected openings." 13. Add new exception 4 to Section 705.8.5 to read: "4. This section shall not apply to Group R-5 buildings." 14. Revise Section 705.8.6 to read: "Where fire separation distance is based on an imaginary line between buildings on the same lot and is less than 15 feet (4572 mm), every opening that is less than 15 feet (4572 mm) vertically above the roof of adjacent buildings on the same lot shall be provided with opening protectives having a fire protection rating of not less than 3/4 hour. Exceptions: 1. Opening protectives are not required where the roof assembly of the adjacent building has a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 hours for a minimum distance of 15 feet (4572 mm) horizontally from the exterior wall facing the imaginary line and the entire length and span of the supporting elements for the fire-resistance-rated roof assembly has a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 hours. 2. Buildings on the same lot that are considered as portions of one building in accordance with Section 705.3. exception 1, are not required to comply with Section 705.8.6. 3. Group R buildings that are four stories or less above grade plane." 15. Delete exception 5 to Section 705.11 and its subparts. 16. [Reserved.] 17. Add new Section 705.12 to read: "705.12 Easements. The building official may adopt rules for considering permanent and perpetual easements or restrictive declarations on adjoining lots as a means of adjusting requirements in this section based on fire separation distance." (Amend Coun. J. 2-19-20, p. 14473, Art. II, § 23; Amend Coun. J. 10-7-20, p. 21791, Art. II, § 10; Amend Coun. J. 6-25-21, p. 32180, Art. II, § 9; Amend Coun. J. 1-26-22, p. 43756, Art. II, § 6; Amend Coun. J. 9-21-22, p. 52080, Art. II, § 5)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 14B-7-706 Fire walls.

14B-7-706 Fire walls. The provisions of Section 706 of IBC are adopted by reference with the following modifications: 1. Revise Section 706.1.1 to read: "706.1.1 Party walls. Any wall located on a property line between adjacent buildings, which is used or adapted for joint service between the two buildings, shall be constructed as a fire wall in accordance with Section 706. Party walls shall be constructed without openings and shall create separate buildings. Exceptions: 1. Fire walls are not required on property lines dividing a building on a single zoning lot for ownership purposes where the aggregate height and area of the portions of the building located on both sides of the property line do not exceed the maximum height and area requirements of this code and a perpetual recorded easement or recorded contractual agreement, such as a condominium declaration, authorizes the owners of portions of the building located on either side of the property line to access the other side for purposes of maintaining the building and its systems. 2. Party walls dividing a structure on a single zoning lot into separate buildings are permitted to have protected openings in accordance with Section 716 where a perpetual recorded easement or recorded contractual agreement, such as a condominium declaration, authorizes the owners of portions of the building located on either side of the property line to access the other side for purposes of egress and maintaining the building and its systems." 2. Delete Section 706.2. 3. Revise Section 706.3, including the exception, to read: "706.3 Materials. Fire walls shall be of noncombustible materials." 4. Revise Section 706.4 to read: "706.4 Fire-resistance rating. Fire walls shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 4 hours." 5. Delete Table 706.4. 6. Revise the exceptions to Section 706.5 to read: "Exceptions: 1. [Reserved.] 2. Fire walls shall be permitted to terminate at the interior surface of noncombustible exterior sheathing, exterior siding or other noncombustible exterior finishes provided that the sheathing, siding or other exterior noncombustible finish extends a horizontal distance of not less than 4 feet (1220 mm) on both sides of the fire wall. Unprotected openings are not permitted within the horizontal distance of 4 feet (1220 mm). 3. Fire walls shall be permitted to terminate at the interior surface of noncombustible exterior sheathing where the building on each side of the fire wall is protected by an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2." 7. Revise item 1 in Section 706.5.1 to read: "1. The exterior walls on both sides of the fire wall shall be of noncombustible construction and have a 1-hour fire-resistance rating with 3/4-hour protection where opening protection is required by Section 705.8. The fire-resistance rating of the exterior wall shall extend not less than 4 feet (1220 mm) on each side of the intersection of the fire wall to exterior wall. Exterior wall intersections at fire walls that form an angle equal to or greater than 180 degrees (3.14 rad) do not need exterior wall protection." 8. Revise item 2 in Section 706.5.1 by replacing "lot line" with "property line." 9. Revise Section 706.5.2, including the exceptions, to read: "706.5.2 Horizontal projecting elements. Fire walls shall extend to the outer edge of horizontal projecting elements such as porches, exterior balconies, roof overhangs, canopies, marquees and similar projections that are within 4 feet (1220 mm) of the fire wall." 10. Delete exception 2 to Section 706.6. 11. Revise Exception 3 to Section 706.6 by replacing "Class B roof covering" with "Class A roof covering." 12. Delete exceptions 4 and 5 to Section 706.6. 13. Add a new exception 7 to Section 706.6 to read: "7. Offset construction in accordance with Section 706.6.3." 13.1. Revise Section 706.6.1 to read: "Where a fire wall separates buildings having different roof levels, the fire wall shall terminate at a point not less than 30 inches (762 mm) vertically above the lower roof level provided that within 15 feet (4572 mm) above the lower roof level the exterior wall shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1 hour and opening protectives shall have a fire protection rating of not less than 3/4 hour. The exterior wall above the fire wall shall also comply with Sections 602 and 705 based on fire separation distance. Exception: Where the fire wall terminates at the underside of the roof covering or roof deck of the lower roof, provided that: 1. The lower roof assembly within 15 feet (4572 mm) horizontally of the fire wall has not less than a 2-hour fire-resistance rating and the entire length and span of supporting elements for the rated roof assembly has a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 hours. 2. Openings in the lower roof shall not be located within 15 feet (4572 mm) horizontally of the fire wall." 14. Add a new Section 706.6.3 to read: "706.6.3 Offset construction. Where a fire wall is offset at an intermediate floor level, the offset floor and its supporting construction shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 4 hours. Interior exit stairways and other vertical shafts shall not penetrate the horizontal offset of a fire wall." 15. Revise Section 706.7 by deleting "approved for fireblocking." 16. Revise Section 706.11 by replacing "lot line" with "property line." (Amend Coun. J. 6-25-21, p. 32180, Art. II, § 10; Amend Coun. J. 1-26-22, p. 43756, Art. II, § 7 7; Amend Coun. J. 6-17-26, p. 45214, Art. IV, § 27)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 14B-7-707 Fire barriers.

14B-7-707 Fire barriers. The provisions of Section 707 of IBC are adopted by reference with the following modifications: 1. Revise Section 707.3.2 by replacing "Section 1023.1" with "Section 1023.2." 2. Revise Section 707.3.5 by replacing "Section 1026.1" with "Section 1026.2." 3. Revise Section 707.3.10 by deleting "fire walls." 4. Revise Table 707.3.10 by deleting "FIRE WALLS" from the title. 5. Revise Table 707.3.10 by adding "U" to the third row and deleting the fourth row. 6. Delete both exceptions to Section 707.5.1. 7. Revise Section 707.9 to read: "707.9 Voids at intersections. The voids created at the intersection of a fire barrier and a nonfire-resistance-rated roof assembly or a nonfire- resistance-rated exterior wall assembly shall be filled. The material or system used to fill the void shall be securely installed in or on the intersection for its entire length so as not to dislodge, loosen or otherwise impair its ability to accommodate expected building movements and to retard the passage of fire and hot gases." (Amend Coun. J. 10-7-20, p. 21791, Art. II, § 11)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 14B-7-708 Fire partitions.

14B-7-708 Fire partitions. The provisions of Section 708 of IBC are adopted by reference with the following modifications: 1. Delete items 2 and 4 in Section 708.1. 2. Delete the exceptions to Section 708.3. 3. Delete exceptions 2 and 4 to Section 708.4. 4. Delete the exception to Section 708.4.1. 5. Add a new item 3 to Section 708.4.2 to read: "3. In Group R-2 occupancies not more than four stories above grade plane and not exceeding 60 feet (18 288 mm) in building height, the attic space shall be subdivided by draftstops into areas not exceeding 3,000 square feet (279 m2) or above every two dwelling units, whichever is smaller." 6. Delete the exceptions to Section 708.4.2.

Municipal Code of Chicago § 14B-7-709 Smoke barriers.

14B-7-709 Smoke barriers. The provisions of Section 709 of IBC are adopted by reference with the following modifications: 1. Revise the last sentence of Section 709.4 to read: "Smoke-barrier walls used to enclose areas of refuge in accordance with Section 1009.6.4 or to enclose elevator lobbies in accordance with Section 405.4.3, 3007.6.2, or 3008.6.2 shall comply with Section 709.4.2." 2. Revise the first sentence of Section 709.4.2 to read: "Smoke-barrier walls used to enclose areas of refuge in accordance with Section 1009.6.4, shall form an effective membrane enclosure that terminates at a fire barrier wall having a level of fire protection rating not less than 1 hour, another smoke barrier wall or an outside wall."

Municipal Code of Chicago § 14B-7-710 IBC Section 710.

14B-7-710 IBC Section 710. The provisions of Section 710 of IBC are not adopted.

Municipal Code of Chicago § 14B-7-711 Floor and roof assemblies.

14B-7-711 Floor and roof assemblies. The provisions of Section 711 of IBC are adopted by reference with the following modifications: 1. Delete the exception to Section 711.2.3. 2. Delete the exception to Section 711.2.4.3.

Municipal Code of Chicago § 14B-7-712 Vertical openings.

14B-7-712 Vertical openings. The provisions of Section 712 of IBC are adopted by reference with the following modifications: 1. Revise Section 712.1.2 to read: "712.1.2 Individual dwelling unit. Unconcealed and unprotected vertical openings totally within an individual residential dwelling unit and connecting four stories or less shall be permitted." 2. Revise Section 712.1.3.2 by replacing "approved" with "approved." 3. Revise Section 712.1.5.2 by replacing "an approved material or system" with "a material or system engineered." 3.1. Revise Section 712.1.7 to read: "712.1.7 Atriums. Atriums complying with Section 404 that connect two or more stories in a Group I-2 or Group I-3 occupancy or three or more stories in any other occupancy shall be allowed. Exceptions: 1. Atriums shall not be allowed within Group H occupancies. 2. Interior balconies within Group A occupancies, mezzanines and equipment platforms that comply with Section 505, and lofts that comply with Section 1207.5 shall not be considered stories for purposes of this section. 4. Revise Section 712.1.8 by replacing "Approved vertical" with "Vertical." 5. Revise Section 712.1.9 to read: "712.1.9 Two-story openings. In other than Groups H, I-2 and I-3, a vertical opening that is not used as one of the applications listed in Sections 712.1.1 through 712.1.8 or 712.1.10 through 712.1.15 shall be permitted if the opening complies with either of the following items: 1. Does not connect more than two stories and: 1.1. Does not penetrate a horizontal assembly that separates fire areas or smoke barriers that separate smoke compartments. 1.2. Is not concealed within the construction of a wall or a floor/ceiling assembly. 1.3. Is not open to a corridor in Group I and R occupancies. 1.4. The building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2. 1.5. Is separated from floor openings and air transfer openings serving other floors by construction conforming to required shaft enclosures. 1.6. Does not connect to a story containing a mezzanine. 2. Does not connect more than two stories and: 2.1. Is located in a building of Type IA, IB, or IIA construction. 2.2. One of the stories is a level of exit discharge. 2.3. Where the building contains a Group R occupancy, the building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2." (Amend Coun. J. 2-19-20, p. 14473, Art. II, § 24; Amend Coun. J. 6-25-21, p. 32180, Art. II, § 11)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 14B-7-713 Shaft enclosures.

14B-7-713 Shaft enclosures. The provisions of Section 713 of IBC are adopted by reference with the following modifications: 1. Add a new exception to Section 713.4 to read: "Exception: Where shafts contain only noncombustible pipes, noncombustible conduit or iron, steel or aluminum ducts requiring floor penetrations not exceeding 9 square feet (0.8 m2) per story, the shaft enclosures connecting any number of stories shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1 hour." 2. Revise section 713.11, including the exception, by deleting "approved." 3. Revise the second sentence of Section 713.13.1 to read: "A single shaft enclosure shall be permitted to contain recycling and waste chutes." 4. Revise the first sentence of Section 713.13.4 to read: "Waste or linen chutes shall discharge into an enclosed room separated by fire barriers with a fire-resistance rating not less than 2 hours and constructed in accordance with Section 707 or horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711, or both." 5. Revise Section 713.13.6 by deleting "approved."

Municipal Code of Chicago § 14B-7-714 Penetrations.

14B-7-714 Penetrations. The provisions of Section 714 of IBC are adopted by reference with the following modifications: 1. Revise Section 714.4.1.1 by deleting "approved." 2. Revise exception 1.2 to Section 714.4.2 by deleting "cellulose loose fill." 3. Revise exception 2 to Section 714.4.2 by replacing "any material" with "any material allowed by the Chicago Electrical Code." 4. Revise exception 3 to Section 714.4.2 by replacing "any size or type" with "any size or type allowed by the Chicago Electrical Code." 5. Revise exception 4 to Section 714.4.2 by deleting "approved." 6. Delete the exceptions to Section 714.5.1. 7. Revise Section 714.5.1.1 by deleting "approved." Revise Section 714.5.1.2 by replacing "an approved" with "a." 8. Revise exception 3 to Section 714.5.2 by replacing "any size or type" with "any size or type allowed by the Chicago Electrical Code." 9. Revise exception 4 to Section 714.5.2 by replacing "any material" with "any material allowed by the Chicago Electrical Code." 10. Revise Section 714.5.4 by replacing "an approved" with "a." 11. Revise Section 714.6.1 by replacing "an approved" with "a." 12. Revise Section 714.6.2 by replacing "an approved" with "a."

Municipal Code of Chicago § 14B-7-715 Fire-resistant joint systems.

14B-7-715 Fire-resistant joint systems. The provisions of Section 715 of IBC are adopted by reference with the following modifications: 1. Revise Section 715.1 by replacing "an approved" with "a." 2. Delete item 4 in the exception to Section 715.1. 3. Revise Section 715.4 by replacing "an approved" with "a." 4. Revise the first sentence of the exception to Section 715.4 to read: "Voids created at the intersection of the exterior curtain wall assemblies and such floor assemblies where the vision glass extends to the finished floor level shall be allowed to be sealed with a material to prevent the interior spread of fire." 5. Revise Section 715.4.1 by replacing "an approved" with "a." 6. Revise Section 715.4.2 by replacing "An approved" with "A."

Municipal Code of Chicago § 14B-7-716 Opening protectives.

14B-7-716 Opening protectives. The provisions of Section 716 of IBC are adopted by reference with the following modifications: 1. Revise Table 716.1(2) by changing the rows for the first two types of assemblies as shown: Revisions to TABLE 716.1(2) TYPE OF ASSEMBLY | REQUIRED WALL ASSEMBLY RATING (hours) | MINIMUM FIRE DOOR AND FIRE SHUTTER ASSEMBLY RATING (hours) | DOOR VISION PANEL SIZE b | FIRE-RATED GLAZING MARKING DOOR VISION PANEL c, e | MINIMUM SIDELIGHT/ TRANSOM ASSEMBLY RATING (hours) | FIRE-RATED GLAZING MARKING SIDELIGHT/ TRANSOM PANEL Fire protection | Fire resistance | Fire protection | Fire resistance TYPE OF ASSEMBLY | REQUIRED WALL ASSEMBLY RATING (hours) | MINIMUM FIRE DOOR AND FIRE SHUTTER ASSEMBLY RATING (hours) | DOOR VISION PANEL SIZE b | FIRE-RATED GLAZING MARKING DOOR VISION PANEL c, e | MINIMUM SIDELIGHT/ TRANSOM ASSEMBLY RATING (hours) | FIRE-RATED GLAZING MARKING SIDELIGHT/ TRANSOM PANEL Fire protection | Fire resistance | Fire protection | Fire resistance Fire walls and fire barriers having a required fire- resistance rating greater than 1 hour | 4 | See Note f. | Not Permitted | Not Permitted | Not Permitted | NP | Not Permitted | NP 4 g | 3 a | 100 sq. in. | D-H-W-240 | Not Permitted | 4 | Not Permitted | W-240 3 | 3 a | 100 sq. in. | D-H-W180 | Not Permitted | 3 | Not Permitted | W-180 2 | 1-1/2 | 100 sq. in. b | < 100 sq. in. = D-H-90 >100 sq. in.= D-H-W-90 | Not Permitted | 2 | Not Permitted | W-120 1-1/2 | 1-1/2 | 100 sq. in. b | < 100 sq. in. = D-H-90 >100 sq. in.= D-H-W-90 | Not Permitted | 1-1/2 | Not Permitted | W-90 Enclosures for shafts, interior exit stairways and interior exit ramps | 2 | 1-1/2 | 100 sq. in. b, c | < 100 sq. in. = D-H-90 > 100 sq. in.= D-H-T-W-90 | Not Permitted | 2 | Not Permitted | W-120 2. Revise Table 716.1(2) by deleting the rows for "Horizontal exits in fire walls" and the rows for assemblies with a required wall assembly rating of 0.5 hours. 3. Add new notes f and g to Table 716.1(2) to read: "f. Two doors or shutters, each with a fire-resistance rating of 3 hours, installed on opposite sides of the same opening, with or without a vestibule. One door or shutter shall be automatic and the other shall be either automatic or self-closing. g. Where buildings on both sides of a fire wall are equipped with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2." 4. Revise the numbered portion of Section 716.1.1 to read: "1. Designs documented in a test report prepared by an approved agency or test results compiled in the UL Online Certifications Directory, Intertek Directory of Building Products, or another approved source. 2. Approved calculations performed in an approved manner. 3. Approved engineering analysis based on a comparison of opening protective designs having fire protection ratings as determined by the test procedures set forth in NFPA 252, NFPA 257, UL 9, UL 10B or UL 10C." 5. Revise Section 716.2.1 by replacing "Approved fire door" with "Fire door." 6. Revise Section 716.5.2 by replacing "Approved fire-protection-rated" with "Fire-protection-rated." 7. Delete item 8 in Section 716.2.6.6. 8. Revise Section 716.2.9.1 by deleting "approved and." 9. Revise Section 716.3.5.1 to read: "716.3.5.1 Fire window frames. Fire window frames shall only be used for intended applications." (Amend Coun. J. 6-25-21, p. 32180, Art. II, § 12)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 14B-7-717 Ducts and air transfer openings.

14B-7-717 Ducts and air transfer openings. The provisions of Section 717 of IBC are adopted by reference with the following modifications: 1. Revise the title of Section 717.1.1 to "Transfer ducts." 2. Delete Section 717.2.1. 3. Revise the first sentence of Section 717.4 to read: "Fire and smoke dampers shall be provided with a means of access that is large enough to allow inspection and maintenance of the damper and its operating parts." 4. Revise Section 717.5.1 to read: "717.5.1 Fire walls. Ducts and air transfer openings permitted in fire walls in accordance with Section 706.11 shall be protected with listed 3-hour-rated fire dampers installed on both sides of the fire wall in accordance with their listing." 5. Revise exception 2 to Section 717.5.2 by replacing "an approved" with "a." 6. Revise Section 717.5.3 by replacing "fire and smoke dampers" with "fire dampers." 7. Delete exceptions 2, 3 and 4 to Section 717.5.2. 8. Revise exception 5 to Section 717.5.2 to read: "5. Fire dampers are not required in kitchen and clothes dryer exhaust systems." 9. Revise Section 717.5.4 by replacing "Ducts and air transfer openings" with "Air transfer openings." 10. Revise the exceptions to Section 717.5.4 to read: “Exceptions: In occupancies other than Group H, fire dampers are not required where any of the following apply: 1. Corridor walls in buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2 and the duct is protected as a through penetration in accordance with Section 714. 2. [Reserved.] 3. The duct system is constructed in accordance with the Chicago Mechanical Code and the duct penetrating the wall complies with all of the following requirements: 3.1. The duct shall not exceed 100 square inches (0.06 m2 ). 3.2. The duct shall be constructed of steel not less than No. 26 gage thickness. 3.3. The duct shall not have openings that connect a corridor with adjacent spaces or rooms. 3.4. The duct shall be installed above a ceiling. 3.5. The duct shall not terminate at a wall register in the fire-resistance-rated wall. 3.6. A minimum 12-inch-long (305 mm) by 0.060-inch-thick (1.52 mm) steel sleeve shall be centered in each duct opening. The sleeve shall be secured to both sides of the wall and all four sides of the sleeve with minimum 1 1/2-inch by 1 1/2-inch by 0.060-inch (38 mm by 38 mm by 1.52 mm) steel retaining angles. The retaining angles shall be secured to the sleeve and the wall with No. 10 (M5) screws. The annular space between the steel sleeve and the wall opening shall be filled with mineral wool batting on all sides. 4. Such walls are penetrated by ducted HVAC systems and are in buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2. For the purposes of this exception, a ducted HVAC system shall be a duct system for conveying supply, return or exhaust air as part of the structure’s HVAC system. Such a duct system shall be constructed of sheet steel not less than No. 26 gage thickness and shall be continuous from the air-handling appliance or equipment to the air outlet and inlet terminals.” 11. Revise Section 717.5.4.1 to read: “717.5.4.1 Corridor ceilings. A corridor damper shall be provided where corridor ceilings, constructed as required for the corridor walls as permitted in Section 708.4, Exception 3, are penetrated.”* * Editor’s note – Coun. J. 6-17-26, p. 45214, Art. IV, § 28, failed to underline part of this amendment, and failed to include the end quotation mark. Corrected by the editor. Future legislation will correct if needed. 12. Revise Section 717.5.5 by replacing "at each point" with "adjacent to each point." 13. Add a new exception to Section 717.5.6 to read: "Exception: Fire dampers are not required in residential kitchen and clothes dryer exhaust systems." 14. Delete Section 717.5.7. 15. Revise Section 717.6.1 by deleting "approved." 16. Revise the exception to Section 717.6.1 by replacing "three floors" with "four floors." 17. Revise Section 717.6.2 by deleting "approved." 18. Revise Section 717.6.3 to read: "717.6.3 Nonfire-resistance-rated floor assemblies. Duct systems constructed of materials in accordance with the Chicago Mechanical Code that penetrate nonfire- resistance-rated floor assemblies shall be protected by any of the following methods: 1. A shaft enclosure in accordance with Section 713. 2. The annular space around the penetrating duct is protected with a noncombustible material that resists the free passage of flame and the products of combustion. Exception: Fire dampers are not required in ducts within individual residential dwelling units." 19. Add a new exception to Section 717.7. "Exception: Within individual Group R dwelling units or sleeping units." (Amend Coun. J. 6-17-26, p. 45214, Art. IV, § 28)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 14B-7-718 Concealed spaces.

14B-7-718 Concealed spaces. The provisions of Section 718 of IBC are adopted by reference with the following modifications: 1. Delete item 8 in Section 718.2.1. 2. Revise Section 718.2.1.3 to read: "718.2.1.3 Loose-fill insulation material. Loose-fill insulation material, insulating foam sealants and caulk materials shall not be used as a fireblock." 3. Revise Section 718.2.6 by replacing "approved wood of natural decay resistance" with "naturally durable wood." 4. Revise Section 718.2.7 by replacing "an approved material" with "a noncombustible material." 5. Delete the exception to Section 718.4.

Municipal Code of Chicago § 14B-7-719 Fire-resistance requirements for plaster.

14B-7-719 Fire-resistance requirements for plaster. The provisions of Section 719 of IBC are adopted by reference with the following modifications: 1. Revise Section 719.3 by deleting "approved." 2. Revise Section 719.4 by deleting "approved."

Municipal Code of Chicago § 14B-7-720 Thermal- and sound-insulating materials.

14B-7-720 Thermal- and sound-insulating materials. The provisions of Section 720 of IBC are adopted by reference with the following modification: 1. Revise Section 720.5 by replacing "approved roof coverings" with "a Class A or Class B roof covering."

Municipal Code of Chicago § 14B-7-721 Prescriptive fire resistance.

14B-7-721 Prescriptive fire resistance. The provisions of Section 721 of IBC are adopted by reference with the following modification: 1. Delete the word "approved" wherever it appears.

Municipal Code of Chicago § 14B-7-722 Calculated fire resistance.

14B-7-722 Calculated fire resistance. The provisions of Section 722 of IBC are adopted by reference with the following modifications: 1. Revise Section 722.1 by inserting the following before the first sentence: "The procedures described in Section 722 may only be used where approved by the building official." 2. Revise Section 722.5.2.1 by replacing "approved" with "tested." 3. Revise Section 722.5.2.1.2 by replacing "approved" with "tested." 4. Revise Section 722.5.2.2 by replacing "approved" with "tested." (Amend Coun. J. 2-19-20, p. 14473, Art. II, § 25)

Source: City of Chicago, Municipal Code of Chicago (American Legal Publishing, codelibrary.amlegal.com)URL: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/chicago/latest/chicago_il/0-0-0-2663514Fetched: 10/24/2026