(Effective July 1, 2023)

PDFWAC 51-54A-1004

Occupant load.

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.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031 and 19.27.074. WSR 22-13-093, § 51-54A-1004, filed 6/14/22, effective 7/1/23.]