1509.2 Bulkheads and Penthouses

Bulkheads and penthouses shall comply with the construction requirements of Section 1509.2.

Bulkheads and penthouses shall be constructed with walls, floors and roof as required for the building.

Exceptions: Where the total aggregate area of all rooftop structures does not exceed 33 percent of the area of the roof of the building upon which they are erected; the following shall apply:

1. Bulkheads on buildings of Type I and II construction. The exterior walls and roofs of such bulkheads with a fire separation distance of more than 5 feet (1524 mm) and less than 30 feet (9144 mm) shall be of at least 1-hour fire-resistance-rated noncombustible construction. Walls and roofs with a fire separation distance of 30 feet (9144 mm) or greater shall be of noncombustible construction. Interior framing and walls shall be of noncombustible construction.
2. Bulkheads on buildings of Type III, IV and V construction. The exterior walls of such bulkheads with a fire separation distance of more than 5 feet (1524 mm) and less than 30 feet (9144 mm) shall be at least 1-hour fire-resistance-rated construction. Walls with a fire separation distance of 30 feet (9144 mm) or greater from a common property line shall be of Type IV construction, or noncombustible construction. Roofs shall be constructed of materials and fire-resistance rated as required in Table 601 . Interior framing and walls shall be Type IV or noncombustible or fire-retardant-treated wood construction.
3. On one-story buildings, combustible unroofed mechanical equipment screens, fences or similar enclosures are permitted where located with a fire separation distance of at least 20 feet (6096 mm) from adjacent property lines and where not exceeding 4 feet (1219 mm) in height above the roof surface.

Enclosed walls of penthouses shall comply with the requirements for exterior walls as per Tables 601 and 602 for the construction class of the building on which they are erected. Roofs of penthouses shall comply with the requirements for roof construction of Table 601 and Chapter 15 of this code.

An enclosed rooftop structure not intended for human occupancy shall not be used for purposes other than shelter of mechanical equipment or shelter of vertical shaft openings in the roof. Provisions, such as louvers, louver blades or flashing, shall be made to protect the mechanical equipment and the building interior from the elements.