If there are openings in adjacent stories, the requirement for vertical separation is triggered if they are within how many feet of each other?

The requirement for vertical separation regarding openings in adjacent stories is triggered when these openings are within 5 feet of each other. This regulation is essential for fire safety, as it helps in preventing the spread of fire and smoke between different levels of a building through these openings. By ensuring that openings are at least 5 feet apart, the risk of fire traveling quickly between floors is mitigated, thereby enhancing the overall safety of the structure.

Understanding this requirement is critical for commercial building inspectors as they assess compliance with fire safety codes. Knowing the exact distance helps inspectors determine if additional fire protection measures, such as fire walls or other barriers, are necessary. In scenarios where the openings are closer than the specified distance, further actions may need to be taken to ensure compliance with safety standards.