What fire resistance rating is required for the wall separating units in a two-family dwelling?

In a two-family dwelling, the wall that separates the two units is required to have a fire resistance rating of 1 hour. This requirement is primarily established to ensure a level of fire safety that protects both living spaces in the event of a fire, allowing residents adequate time to evacuate and helping to prevent the rapid spread of fire between units.

The code regulations specify that walls separating different dwelling units must provide a certain degree of fire resistance to mitigate risks associated with shared structures. A 1-hour rating reflects a balance between safety measures and practical construction practices for two-family homes, ensuring that residents have protection against fire and smoke infiltration. Establishing this fire resistance rating is crucial for maintaining safety standards and minimizing fire hazards in residential settings.