"jamesgangnc" wrote
"John Grabowski" wrote:

*Usually the drywall is required in a garage for fire resistance. When

Yes, I knew there was something about fire resistance involved. I was
hoping that wallboard on just the garage ceiling would satisfy that
requirement. Do you have to have wallboard on the garage walls as
well for fire resistance?

James, the problem is none of us know where you are, so most 'code
information' you have so far, is questionable. Even with your location, we
may not have anyone here who's had to check that so knows your specifics.
You'll note John above said *usually* and that's dead on. His advice for
example doesnt match requirements where I am but probably matches much of
the USA for the ceiling portion with above living space. They may not
specifically say 'drywall' but that may be the only product in reasonably
affordable cost that meets the specs.

Usually you can call your county or city office and get a pretty easy answer
for free. Sometimes they give you an email address and ask you to email it
and they get back with you. Other times, you find they have some web site
with a 'common question FAQ' and they tell you where it is (your question
would be apt to be in there).

There are several levels of codes to weed through. Here's my understanding
of them if you live in the USA (not a given, cant tell)

Federal codes. These generally apply mostly to public buildings.
State codes: These tend to also deal alot with public buildings but have a
good bit on private dwellings as well
County codes: Not all have these it seems. All the ones i've seen dealt
with private housing
City codes: generally only applicable is you live inside the city lines.
Mix and match set of private and public.

Because you are asking a specific code question and we don't know where you
reside, *none* of us can give you a definative answer.

I can tell you a plywood ceiling is legal where *I* am and that's inside the
living areas. I'm even allowed to insulate exterior attached garage walls
then cover that with open holed peg board (insane but true as they havent
written rules against it yet, just against the side that adjoins the house).