Fire doors in common walls separating sleeping units are permitted to be without automatic-closing devices in which group occupancy?

In group R-1 occupancy, which typically includes transient lodging such as hotels or motels, fire doors in common walls separating sleeping units are allowed to be without automatic-closing devices. This is primarily due to the nature of transient occupancy where guests may frequently enter and exit their sleeping units, making it impractical for automatic closing mechanisms to function effectively in maintaining fire safety protocols.

The rationale behind this exception often involves the specific means of egress and the overall design of the building, which is intended to facilitate quick evacuation in case of an emergency. Buildings classified as R-1 must still adhere to stringent fire safety measures, but this particular allowance reflects a balance between safety and the functional needs of transient occupants. Other occupancy groups, such as assemblies or businesses, may have different requirements due to their purpose and occupancy characteristics, leading to the need for fire doors with automatic-closing devices to enhance fire containment and safety.