(1)
Except as required by Sentence 3.2.3.20.(2), if buildings are connected by a walkway, each building shall be separated from the walkway by a fire separation with a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min.
(2)
Except as permitted by Sentence (4), a walkway connected to a building required to be of noncombustible construction shall also be of noncombustible construction.
(3)
Except as provided in Sentence (4), a walkway connected to a building or part of a building permitted to be of encapsulated mass timber construction shall be of noncombustible construction or encapsulated mass timber construction.
(4)
A walkway connected to a building required to be of noncombustible construction or to a building or part of a building permitted to be of encapsulated mass timber construction is permitted to be of heavy timber construction provided
(a)
not less than 50% of the area of any enclosing perimeter walls is open to the outdoors, and
(b)
the walkway is at ground level.
(5)
A walkway of noncombustible construction used only as a pedestrian thoroughfare need not conform to the requirements of Articles 3.2.3.14. and 3.2.3.15.