Regarding unit separation in townhouses, which statement is accurate?

The accurate statement regarding unit separation in townhouses involves several important elements crucial for safety and compliance with building codes.

Each dwelling unit that shares a wall must indeed be designed and constructed to maintain its structural integrity independently. This approach ensures that if one unit experiences a failure or damage, it does not compromise the structural stability of the adjacent unit.

The requirement for the roof to have at least 1 hour of fire resistance for a width not less than 4 feet on each side of the wall is also critical. This fire-resistance rating helps contain any fire that may start in one unit, preventing it from spreading to the adjacent unit via the roof area, which is often a vulnerable point for fire spread.

Furthermore, the stipulation that the wall separating the units provides not less than 2 hours of fire resistance is designed to protect the occupants. This fire-resistance capability can prevent fire from moving between the units for a significant period, allowing better chances for evacuation and fire control.

These requirements combine to ensure that townhouses are safely constructed, minimizing risks associated with fire and structural failure, making the collective understanding of these statements essential for building code compliance. Thus, all the provided statements reflect accurate and necessary building safety practices in townhouse construction.