In 2012 the IBC (International Building Code) added setion 1705.16. Here's what it requires... 1705.16 Fire-resistant penetrations and joints. In high-rise buildings or in buildings assigned to Risk Category III or IV in accordance with Section 1604.5, special inspections for through-penetrations, membrane penetration firestops, fire resistant joint systems, and perimeter fire barrier systems that are tested and listed in accordance with Sections 714.3.1.2, 714.4.1.2, 715.3 and 715.4 shall be in accordance with Section 1705.16.1 or 1705.16.2.

1705.16.1 Penetration firestops. Inspections of penetration firestop systems that are tested and listed in accordance with Sections 714.3.1.2 and 714.4.1.2 shall be conducted by an approved inspection agency in accordance with ASTM E 2174.

1705.16.2 Fire-resistant joint systems. Inspection of fire resistant joint systems that are tested and listed in accordance with Sections 715.3 and 715.4 shall be conducted by an approved inspection agency in accordance with ASTME 2393.

For clarification, “High Rise Buildings” are those structures greater than 75’ above fire department access. Category III or IV buildings in Section 1604.5 are ‘special occupancies’. From the IBC 2012, table 1604.5:

Category III Buildings

Buildings and other structures that represent a substantial hazard to human life in the event of failure, including but not limited to:

• Buildings and other structures whose primary occupancy is public assembly with an occupant load greater than 300.

• Buildings and other structures containing elementary school, secondary school or day care facilities with an occupant load greater than 250.

• Buildings and other structures containing adult education facilities, such as colleges and universities, with an occupant load greater than 500.

• Group I-2 occupancies with an occupant load of 50 or more resident care recipients but not having surgery or emergency treatment facilities.

• Group I-3 occupancies.

• Any other occupancy with an occupant load greater than 5,000a.

• Power-generating stations, water treatment facilities for potable water, waste water treatment facilities and other public utility facilities not included in Risk Category IV.

• Buildings and other structures not included in Risk Category IV containing quantities of toxic or explosive materials that: Exceed maximum allowable quantities per control area as given in Table 307.1(1) or 307.1(2) or per outdoor control area in accordance with the International Fire Code; and are sufficient to pose a threat to the public if released.

Category IV Buildings

Buildings and other structures designated as essential facilities, including but not limited to:

• Group I-2 occupancies having surgery or emergency treatment facilities.

• Fire, rescue, ambulance and police stations and emergency vehicle garages.

• Designated earthquake, hurricane or other emergency shelters.

• Designated emergency preparedness, communications and operations centers and other facilities required for emergency response.

• Power-generating stations and other public utility facilities required as emergency backup facilities for Risk Category IV structures.

• Buildings and other structures containing quantities of highly toxic materials that: Exceed maximum allowable quantities per control area as given in Table 307.1(2) or per outdoor control area in accordance with the International Fire Code; and Are sufficient to pose a threat to the public if released.

• Aviation control towers, air traffic control centers and emergency aircraft hangars.

• Buildings and other structures having critical national defense functions.

• Water storage facilities and pump structures required to maintain water pressure for fire suppression.