California Residential Inspector Practice Exam

What is the minimum fire-resistance rating for exterior walls of non-sprinklered dwellings with a fire separation distance of 5 feet?

1. One hour

2. Two hours

3. Three hours

4. Zero hours

The correct answer is: Zero hours

The correct answer for the minimum fire-resistance rating for exterior walls of non-sprinklered dwellings with a fire separation distance of 5 feet is zero hours. In California, the Building Code outlines specific requirements for fire-resistance ratings based on the distance of a structure from a property line or other building. When the fire separation distance is less than a specific threshold, such as 5 feet, less stringent fire-resistance ratings can be applied to the exterior walls of the building. For non-sprinklered, one- and two-family dwellings, a zero-hour rating indicates that the exterior wall does not necessarily need to be constructed with fire-resistive materials. This means that, under these conditions, common building materials can be used without special treatment for fire resistance, as long as they meet other safety and structural requirements. It is important to understand that this rating assumes that the building adheres to all other relevant safety standards and codes. In cases where the fire separation distance increases, or different building classifications are involved, more stringent requirements may apply.