What is the required fire-resistant rating for exterior walls located 30 feet from an adjacent building?

The required fire-resistant rating for exterior walls located 30 feet from an adjacent building is indeed two hours. This requirement is grounded in fire safety codes designed to protect buildings from fire exposure.

When determining fire ratings for exterior walls, proximity to adjacent structures is a key factor. In many building codes, walls that are within a certain distance of a property line or an adjacent building must have a fire-resistant rating to limit the spread of fire. A two-hour rating provides a balance between safety and practicality for buildings that are relatively close to one another. This rating helps contain a potential fire to its source and allows for safe evacuation of occupants, as well as giving firefighters adequate time to respond to the scene.

In contrast, a one-hour rating may be applicable to walls that are set further away from adjacent buildings, where the risk of fire spread is lower. A three-hour rating typically is reserved for more critical structures or situations where there is a significantly increased risk of fire exposure. The option stating that no rating is required would not meet the safety regulations intended to protect life and property in fire scenarios. Thus, the requirement of a two-hour fire-resistance rating aligns with these essential safety principles.