Interpretation #7194

Published June 01, 2013

Original Request

Code Version: 2010
Code: BUILDING
Code Description: Building
Chapter: 1
Section: 302.1
Topic: multiple occupancy classification

Question

Is it the intent of Section 302.1 to allow a building, structure, and/or space to be classified with respect to occupancy in one or more of the occupancy groups AT THE SAME TIME? This implies having a building, structure, or space having a dual (or triple) occupancy and complying with all of their requirements simultaneously.

Answer Published 06/01/2013 at 11:04 AM

The most stringent occupancy group to be used should be the
design standard, thus allowing any of the less stringent
occupancies to use the space.

Commentary

For existing Buildings: Any certificate of use (occupancy) is specific to the space and its occupant. When that use (occupancy)changes, the new occupant must comply with the corresponding requirements for the new use (occupancy). These conditions are the same whether there are multiple occupancies in a building, or only one.