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St. Paul, Minnesota 55155 1-800-DIAL-DLI
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Construction Codes & Licensing Division – Building Plan Review unit

PLAN REVIEW POLICY

PR-01 Smoke Resistant Construction 8/03, 6/07

Based on the 2007 Minnesota State Building Code

Background:

The building code makes specific references to construction capable of resisting the
passage of smoke (IBC Sec. 508.2.2.1). However, no definitive criterion has been
provided to evaluate construction for compliance with these provisions for this section.
As a result, a policy is needed to ensure consistent enforcement.

Policy:

The following is considered meeting the requirements of IBC Sec. 508.2.2.1 (Incidental
Use) Construction to resist the passage of smoke:

1. For penetrations of walls if the annular space around the penetrating items
do not exceed ¼ inch, then no approved sealant is required. For annular
spaces in excess of ¼ inch, an approved smoke sealant shall be used.
2. At the termination of a wall to the floor or deck above if the space does not
exceed ½ inch, mineral wool, fire-safing, or similar approved material is
permitted. For gaps in excess of ½ inch, an approved smoke sealant shall
be used.
3. Transfer ducts and transfer grills or louvers shall not be permitted in the
walls unless protected with an approved smoke damper. Smoke dampers
are not required at penetrations by a ducted HVAC system.
4. Smoke-gasketing is not required so long as the door is relatively tight
fitting.

Note: To be used in accordance with the attached, “Plan Review Policies”

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