Interpretation #7853

Published September 30, 2016

Original Request

Code Version: 2014
Code: BUILDING
Code Description
Chapter
Section: 303.1
Topic: Occupant load for a Group B

Question

A doctors office consists of the care areas, office space and a waiting room/area. The total area of the building is approximately 3,000 square feet. The waiting room is an area of approximately 400 square feet. Is the waiting room considered to be a part of the business occupancy or is it considered to be an non-separated group A assembly making this a mixed use space?

Answer Published 09/30/2016 at 1:55 PM

Group "B"
Please see the attached commentary

Commentary

Table 1004.1.2 is based on the function of the space; not the occupancy class. A small waiting room at a doctor's office does not rise to a Group A use. If one did want to classify it as Group A, the Exception at 303.1.2 would apply.