There is no specific distance required by the NFPA, but established by the project specification. I generally specify riser circuitry to be in raceway and separated by a 2 hour wall (or CI type cable); normal SLC's to be in raceway.
NFPA 72-2002
6.4.2.2.2 All styles of Class A circuits using physical conductors (e.g., metallic, optical fiber) shall be installed such that the outgoing and return conductors, exiting from and returning to the control unit, respectively, are routed separately. The outgoing and return (redundant) circuit conductors shall not be run in the same cable assembly (i.e., multi-conductor cable), enclosure, or raceway.
Exception: The outgoing and return (redundant) circuit conductors shall be permitted to be run in the same cable assembly, enclosure, or raceway under any of the following conditions:
(1) For a distance not to exceed 3 m (10 ft) where the outgoing and return conductors enter or exit the initiating device, notification appliance, or control unit enclosures.
(2) Single conduit/raceway drops to individual devices or appliances.
(3) Single conduit/raceway drops to multiple devices or appliances installed within a single room not exceeding 92.9 m2 (1000 ft^2) in area.
