(1)
Except as permitted by Articles 3.2.2.48. to 3.2.2.55. and 3.2.2.93., a building classified as Group C other than a retirement home shall conform to Sentence (2).
(2)
Except as permitted by Article 3.2.2.16., the building referred to in Sentence (1) shall be of noncombustible construction, and
(a)
except as permitted by Sentences 3.2.2.7.(1) and 3.2.2.18.(2), the building shall be sprinklered throughout [[a-1.4.1.2.#|,]]
(b)
except as permitted by Sentence (3), floor assemblies shall be fire separations with a fire-resistance rating not less than 2 h,
(c)
mezzanines shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h, and
(d)
loadbearing walls, columns and arches shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the supported assembly.
(3)
In a building that contains dwelling units that have more than one storey, subject to the requirements of Sentence 3.3.4.2.(3), the floor assemblies, including floors over basements, which are entirely contained within these dwelling units, shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h but need not be constructed as fire separations.