Does the 2021 IFC allow for more “control areas” per floor?

With the new 2021 International Fire Code comes some interesting changes.  One such change impacts how we establish how many “control areas” within our buildings and floors.  Personally, I was surprised they made this change, but after close examination, it actually makes sense.  So let’s look at what liberties the 2021 edition gives us in establishing our control areas…

We can see Section 706 of the IBC HERE.

Here are the key points to our firewall construction:

• Firewalls shall be designed and constructed to allow collapse of the structure on either side without collapse of the wall under fire conditions.
• Firewalls shall be of any approved non-combustible materials.
• Firewalls shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than that required by Table 706.4.  NOTE: Most industrial facilities will be an F, but if we exceed our MAQ(s) then those areas would be bumped up to an H occupancy
• Firewalls shall be CONTINUOUS FROM EXTERIOR WALL TO EXTERIOR WALL and shall extend not less than 18 inches (457 mm) beyond the exterior surface of exterior walls.
• Firewalls shall extend from the foundation to a termination point not less than 30 inches (762mm) above both adjacent roofs.
• Each opening through a firewall shall be protected in accordance with Section 716 Opening Protectives and shall not exceed 156 square feet (15 m²). The aggregate width of openings at any floor level shall not exceed 25% of the length of the wall.
• Penetrations of firewalls shall comply with Section 714 Penetrations.
• Joints made in or between firewalls shall comply with Section 715 Fire-Resistant Joint Systems.
• Ducts and air transfer openings MUST NOT penetrate firewalls.