Interpretation #7175

Published May 28, 2013

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Original Request

Code Version
2010
Code
BUILDING
Code Description
Building
Chapter
4
Section
423.18.1.2
Topic
occupant load

Question

Is it the intent of this section of the code to utilize 5nsf per person for calculating the overall occupant load of a gymnasium locker room? Is it acceptable to exclude obvious circulation paths from this calculated area and apply this ratio only to the area directly adjacent the lockers?

Answer Published 05/28/2013 at 6:53 PM

Section 423.18.1.2 does say 5 net square feet per person, so
by definition of Floor area: The actual occupied area not
including unoccupied accessory areas such as corridors,
stairways, toilet rooms, mechanical rooms and closets.
Circulation area may be reaching, but that is a judgement call
by the AHJ.

Commentary

The definition of Floor Area, Net comes from 1002.1 FBC.