TCFP Plans Examiner Practice Test

What type of wall is located on the lot line between two buildings and is shared by both?

1. Partition wall

2. Load-bearing wall

3. Party wall

4. Fire wall

The correct answer is: Party wall

A party wall is a specific type of wall that is built on the boundary line between two separate properties and is shared by the occupants of both sides. It is often used in townhouses or duplexes where the structure on either side makes use of the same wall for support and separation. This arrangement allows both properties to benefit from the wall's structural integrity while also providing sound and fire separation, depending on local building codes. In contrast, a partition wall is typically an interior wall that divides spaces within a building but does not share a boundary with another property. A load-bearing wall is one that supports structural loads from the roof or floors above, and may not necessarily be located on a property line or shared with another building. A fire wall is specifically designed to prevent the spread of fire between buildings and is not inherently a shared wall, as it can stand independently within a single property. Thus, the unique characteristics and usage of a party wall clearly distinguish it as the correct choice when referring to a wall located on the lot line that is shared by two buildings.