1004.5 Areas without fixed seating. The number of occupants shall be computed at the rate of one occupant per unit of area as prescribed in Table 1004.5. For areas without fixed seating, the occupant load shall be not less than that number determined by dividing the floor area under consideration by the occupant load factor assigned to the function of the space as set forth in Table 1004.5. Where an intended function is not listed in Table 1004.5, the fire code official shall establish a function based on a listed function that most nearly resembles the intended function.

EXCEPTION:

Where approved by the fire code official, the actual number of occupants for whom each occupied space, floor, or building is designed, although less than those determined by calculation, shall be permitted to be used in the determination of the design occupant load.

1004.5.1 Increased occupant load. The occupant load permitted in any building, or portion thereof, is permitted to be increased from that number established for the occupancies in Table 1004.5, provided that all other requirements of the code are met based on such modified number and the occupant load does not exceed one occupant per 7 square feet (0.65 m2) of occupiable floor space. Where required by the fire code official, an approved aisle, seating or fixed equipment diagram substantiating any increase in occupant load shall be submitted. Where required by the fire code official, such diagram shall be posted.

Table 1004.5

Maximum Floor Area Allowances Per Occupant

Function of Space		Occupant Load Factora
Accessory storage areas, mechanical equipment room		300 gross
Agricultural building		300 gross
Aircraft hangars		500 gross
Airport terminal
	Baggage claim Baggage handling Concourse Waiting areas	20 gross 300 gross 100 gross 15 gross
Assembly
	Gaming floors (keno,slots, etc.) Exhibit gallery and museum Billiard table/game table area	11 gross 30 net 50 gross
Assembly with fixed seats		See Section 1004.6
Assembly without fixed seats
	Concentrated (chairs only - Not fixed) Standing space Unconcentrated (tables and chairs)	7 net 5 net 15 net
Bowling centers, allow 5 persons for each lane including 15 feet of runway and for additional areas		7 net
Business areas		150 gross
	Concentrated business use areas	See Section 1004.8
Courtrooms - Other than fixed seating areas		40 net
Day care		35 net
Dormitories		50 gross
Educational
	Classroom area Shops and other vocational room areas	20 net 50 net
Exercise rooms		50 gross
Fixed guideway transit and passenger rail systems
	Platform Concourse/lobby	100 gross (See Section 4901)
Group H-5 fabrication and manufacturing areas		200 gross
Industrial areas		100 gross
Institutional areas
	Inpatient treatment areas Outpatient areas Sleeping areas	240 gross 100 gross 120 gross
Kitchens, commercial		200 gross
Library
	Reading rooms Stack area	50 net 100 gross
Locker rooms		50 gross
Mall buildings - Covered and open		See Section 402.8.2 of the IBC
Mercantile
	Storage, stock, shipping areas	60 gross 300 gross
Parking garages		200 gross
Residential		200 gross
Skating rinks, swimming pools
	Rink and pool Decks	50 gross 15 gross
Stages and platforms		15 net
Warehouses		500 gross
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 square foot = 0.0929 m2

a	Floor area in square feet per occupant.

PDFWAC 51-54A-1004

Occupant load.