Section R302.2, Townhouses, is hereby deleted in its entirety and the following provisions shall be substituted therefor:

Each townhouse shall be considered a separate building and shall be separated by fire-resistance-rated wall assemblies meeting the requirements of Section R302.1 for exterior walls.

Exceptions:

1. A common 1-hour fire-resistance-rated wall assembly tested in accordance with ASTM E 119 or UL 263 is permitted for townhouses where an automatic sprinkler system is installed in accordance with NFPA 13R or NFPA 13, if such walls do not contain plumbing or mechanical equipment, ducts or vents in the cavity of the common wall. The wall shall be rated for fire exposure from both sides and shall extend to and be tight against exterior walls and the underside of the roof sheathing. Electrical installations shall be installed in accordance with the currently adopted edition of the National Electrical Code. Penetrations of electrical outlet boxes shall be in accordance with Section R302.4.

2. A common 2-hour fire-resistance-rated wall assembly tested in accordance with ASTM E 119 or UL 263 is permitted for townhouses if such walls do not contain plumbing or mechanical equipment, ducts or vents in the cavity of the common wall. The wall shall be rated for fire exposure from both sides and shall extend to and be tight against exterior walls and the underside of the roof sheathing. Electrical installations shall be installed in accordance with the currently adopted edition of the National Electrical Code. Penetrations of electrical outlet boxes shall be in accordance with Section R302.4.