Interpretation #7730
Published February 23, 2016
Original Request
- Code Version
- 2014
- Code
- BUILDING
- Code Description
- Chapter
- Section
- 303.1.1
- Topic
- Restaurant occupant load
Question
Is it the intent of the FBC 2015 5TH Edition(2014)Building Section 303.1.1 to utilize an occupant load factor of 100 gross/person (Business) to determine the occupancy load of a restaurants (A-2) dining and kitchen spaces instead of 15 net/person (dining area) and 200 gross/person(kitchen)?
Answer Published 02/23/2016 at 3:16 PM
No. If you read the occupant load factor in Table 1004.1.2,
it lists "Function of Space" not "occupancy". Please see the
attached commentary for additional information.
it lists "Function of Space" not "occupancy". Please see the
attached commentary for additional information.
Commentary
While the occupancy classification may be Business when the
OL is less than 50, the use or function is still A-2 for the
determination of egress capacity, etc. The net areas of 7,
5, and 15 sq. ft./person or the number of fixed seats and
the 200 gross sq. ft. for the kitchen area are used to
determine whether the occupant load is below the 50 persons
to allow classification as Group B. Please note the heading
of column 1 of Table 1004.2 is "Function of Space"; not
occupancy
classification of space.