Under what conditions must wall assemblies be fire-resistant according to the regulations?

Wall assemblies must be fire-resistant in accordance with building codes whenever specified by those codes, regardless of material flammability, location, or type of dwelling. Building codes are designed to ensure safety and minimize fire hazards in all types of structures. The regulations take into account various factors, including occupancy type, building height, and proximity to property lines, which may necessitate fire-resistant construction to protect against the spread of fire.

Choosing to emphasize fire resistance based solely on flammable materials, high-risk locational factors, or the type of housing, such as multi-family units, would not encompass the full scope of safety that building codes are intended to address. They provide general guidelines applicable to a wide range of scenarios, thereby reinforcing the notion that fire-resistant assemblies are required to enhance overall public safety in both residential and commercial settings.