ICC Commercial Building Inspector Practice Test

For a Type VB construction, what is the minimum required fire resistance rating for an exterior bearing wall of a Group R-3 dwelling located 12 feet from the property line?

1. 1 hour

2. 2 hours

3. No rating required

4. 3 hours

The correct answer is: No rating required

In Type VB construction, which is typically constructed of non-combustible materials but does not require fire-resistant rated construction, the provisions governing fire resistance ratings for exterior bearing walls are outlined in the building codes. For a Group R-3 dwelling, which often includes residential properties such as single-family homes, the International Building Code specifies the conditions under which fire resistance ratings are necessary based on their proximity to property lines. Since the exterior bearing wall of the Group R-3 dwelling in this instance is located 12 feet from the property line, it falls within a distance that does not necessitate a fire resistance rating. The code allows for unprotected exterior walls when they are set back a certain distance, ensuring that the risk of fire spread is minimized without imposing stringent requirements on the building's structure. Therefore, for buildings like the one described, no fire resistance rating is required for the exterior bearing wall, making this the correct answer.