Exception to subsection R602.3.2 amended to read as follows:

Exception: In other than Seismic Design Category D₀, D₁, or D₂. A single top plate may be installed in stud walls, provided the plate is adequately tied at joints, corners and interesting walls by a minimum 3-inch-by-6-inch by a 0.036-inch-thick (76 mm by 152 mm by 0.914 mm) galvanized steel plate that is nailed to each wall or segment of wall by six 8d nails on each side, provided the rafters or joists are centered over the studs with a tolerance of no more than 1 inch (25 mm). The top plate may be omitted over lintels that are adequately tied to adjacent wall sections with steel plates or equivalent as previously described.