International Building Code Section 2609

International Building Code 2609.1

General. Light-transmitting plastic roof panels shall
comply with this section and Section 2606. Light-transmitting
plastic roof panels shall not be installed in Groups H, I-2 and
I-3. In all other groups, light-transmitting plastic roof panels
shall comply with any one of the following conditions:
1. The building is equipped throughout with an automatic
sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
2. The roof construction is not required to have a fire-resistance
rating by Table 601.
3. The roof panels meet the requirements for roof coverings
in accordance with Chapter 15.

International Building Code 2609.2

Separation. Individual roof panels shall be separated
from each other by a distance of not less than 4 feet (1219 mm)
measured in a horizontal plane.
Exceptions:
1. The separation between roof panels is not required in
a building equipped throughout with an automatic
sprinkler system in accordance with Section
903.3.1.1.
2. The separation between roof panels is not required in
low-hazard occupancy buildings complying with the
conditions of Section 2609.4, Exception 2 or 3.

International Building Code 2609.3

Location. Where exteriorwall openings are required to
be protected by Section 704.8, a roof panel shall not be
installed within 6 feet (1829 mm) of such exterior wall.

International Building Code 2609.4

Area limitations. Roof panels shall be limited in area
and the aggregate area of panels shall be limited by a percentage
of the floor area of the room or space sheltered in accordance
with Table 2609.4.
Exceptions:
1. The area limitations of Table 2609.4 shall be permitted
to be increased by 100 percent in buildings
equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system
in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
2. Low-hazard occupancy buildings, such as swimming
pool shelters, shall be exempt from the area limitations
of Table 2609.4, provided that the buildings do
not exceed 5,000 square feet (465m2) in area and have
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PLASTIC
a minimum fire separation distance of 10 feet (3048
mm).
3. Greenhouses that are occupied for growing plants on
a production or research basis, without public access,
shall be exempt from the area limitations of Table
2609.4 provided they have a minimum fire separation
distance of 4 feet (1220 mm).
4. Roof coverings over terraces and patios in occupancies
in Group R-3 shall be exempt from the area limitations
of Table 2609.4 and shall be permitted with
light-transmitting plastics.