Interpretation #8789
Published July 05, 2023
Original Request
- Code Version
- 2021
- Code
- Code Description
- Chapter
- Section
- 1004.8
- Topic
- Cubicle Seating Vs. Concentrated Business Use
Question
It is correct to assume that the 50 square feet per person is intended to be applied to concentrated business uses where there are more workstations than what would require a higher occupant load, but not for cubicle seating in a traditional office?
Answer Published 07/05/2023 at 12:04 PM
No, Cubicle seating could qualify for concentrated business use.
Commentary
An average office space uses an occupant load factor of 150 square feet (13.9 m2) per person. In recognition of the unique configurations and limited workspace provided within businesses such as telephone call centers, trading floors and electronic data processing centers, a higher density of occupants is anticipated. The designer should provide information to the code official based on the actual occupant load anticipated for such areas. In no case should those numbers be less than 50 square feet (4.65 m2) per person for determining the means of egress capacity and the number of plumbing fixtures.