3' set back or fire rated walls?

[70datsun]

Hi all,

First post here other than my inital greeting. After talking to my zoning department, I have a few stipulations that will limit the size of the backyard garage I want to build. The setback from the property lines must be 3 ft., unless I do fire rated walls. The garage also has to be 10 ft. from the house. So, that limits me to 20'X20', which is the minimim I would want. However, I would really like to make it 22' deep so I have room for work benches at the back.

So my question are: what is required to create fire rated walls? Is it worth the extra effort and hassle to gain a few feet of space? Any suggestions would be most appreciated.

 

[blkhonda1991]

if its a 1 hour wall it will be fairly simple, they dont require the roof/ceiling to be fire rated as well? some options http://www.usgdesignstudio.com/wallDesign.asp?fFraming=1&fRating=0.0&fSTC=&x=53&y=7

 

[gatchel]

I would say the every sq ft you can get when building definitely matters. What fire rating is going to be good? Your local codes enforcement official should be able to help with this one. Sometimes they want block, sometimes 5/8 drywall is enough.

 

[Gary S]

If you build 20x20, I suspect you will always regret it. Build larger if they let you. Go back and ask them for specifics for their fire rated wall and do it so it meets code. In the end, you won't be sorry.

 

[70datsun]

Okay, thanks for the comments. I do really want as much space as I can get, so I'll check with zoning to see what the fire wall requirement is. I worry that if I make take away too much of the setback, it'll be hard to do the siding, since there are property fences. But if I could make the garage 20X22 or even 22X22, it would be nice. I plan to spend many hours of my "free time" in there working.

 

[Cryptic1911]

Build it as big as you can build it the first time. Even then you'll end up wishing it was bigger.

I'm guessing that you'll have to do fire blocks in the wall, seal any wire openings, and use 5/8 type-x drywall for the fire rating, as well as not having any wood exposed. Shouldn't be anything too crazy

 

[rsanter]

A friend has a shop zero to the property line, he had to that wall as a concrete block wall and the rest was easy.
What is the orientation of the shop to the house. Most zoning is distance from the house or you have to connect to the house. Connection to the house is often good at just using a breezeway.
Do you have the option to make one bay deeper than the other?
That can give you the clearance in one area and depth in the other

Bon

 

[MadMechMaster]

I have a 20X22 and it is small, but workable. Sometimes another 2' in width would be appreciated.

Some of the builders on this board from Chicago(or other big cities) could explain how to work up against the property line WRT siding etc.

 

[cderalow]

CMU block while more expensive, is 1 HR rated per UL codes.

Means running electrical on the surface in conduit, but that's better in the long run anyway.

 

[gsport]

build it tall enough for a nice size loft...

 

[Stuart in MN]

Don't forget to include any roof overhang in your setback calculations.

 

[darkk]

Can you connect it to the house?

 

[70datsun]

A friend has a shop zero to the property line, he had to that wall as a concrete block wall and the rest was easy.
What is the orientation of the shop to the house. Most zoning is distance from the house or you have to connect to the house. Connection to the house is often good at just using a breezeway.
Do you have the option to make one bay deeper than the other?
That can give you the clearance in one area and depth in the other

Bon

The garage will be the same orientation as the house; I don't think I have room to change that, though it's crossed my mind. The 10' setback from the house is from the far corner of a one room addition, so there would be no parallel walls to create a breezeway. I had planned to use one 16' door, but the idea of making two different length bays is interesting. Thanks!

 

[theoldwizard1]

In general, 2 sheets of 1/2" drywall on walls and ceiling. You need to check with your building code people as there are probably other requirements.