It's a double layer of 1" drywall with H-studs, not 5/8" of drywall. Described here:
http://www.nationalgypsum.com/resources/codereports/90-26.01.pdf The units are completely independent of each other, sharing only the common wall. One of them across the street caught fire and had to be torn down to the ground. The units on either side continued to stand and were safe (they were not condemned) (although the common wall had to be protected with a tarp to prevent exposure to rain).
Virginia uses the IBC as I recall.
Each unit has it's own electrical service, if that wasn't clear.
[This message has been edited by brianl703 (edited 12-18-2006).]
[This message has been edited by brianl703 (edited 12-18-2006).]
