The number of occupants shall be computed at the rate of one occupant per unit of area as prescribed in Table 1004.1.2. For areas without fixed seating, the occupant load shall be not less than that number determined by dividing the floor area under consideration by the occupant load factor assigned to the function of the space as set forth in Table 1004.1.2. Where an intended function is not listed in Table 1004.1.2, the building official shall establish a function based on a listed function that most nearly resembles the intended function.
Exception: Where approved by the building official, the actual number of occupants for whom each occupied space, floor or building is designed, although less than those determined by calculation, shall be permitted to be used in the determination of the design occupant load.
| FUNCTION OF SPACE | OCCUPANT LOAD FACTORa |
| Accessory storage areas, mechanical equipment room |
300 gross |
| Agricultural building | 300 gross |
| Aircraft hangars | 500 gross |
| Airport terminal | |
| Baggage claim | 20 gross |
| Baggage handling | 300 gross |
| Concourse | 100 gross |
| Waiting areas | 15 gross |
| Assembly | |
| Gaming floors (keno, slots, etc.) | 11 gross |
| Exhibit gallery and museum | 30 net |
| Assembly with fixed seats | See Section 1004.4 |
| Assembly without fixed seats | |
| Concentrated (chairs only‒not fixed) |
7 net |
| Standing space | 5 net |
| Unconcentrated (tables and chairs) | 15 net |
| Bowling centers, allow 5 persons for each lane including 15 feet of runway, and for additional areas |
7 net |
| Business areas | 100 gross |
| Courtrooms‒other than fixed seating areas |
40 net |
| Day care | 35 net |
| Dormitories | 50 gross |
| Educational | |
| Classroom area | 20 net |
| Shops and other vocational room areas |
50 net |
| Exercise rooms | 50 gross |
| Group H-5 Fabrication and manufacturing areas | 200 gross |
| Industrial areas | 100 gross |
| Institutional areas | |
| Inpatient treatment areas | 240 gross |
| Outpatient areas | 100 gross |
| Sleeping areas | 120 gross |
| Kitchens, commercial | 200 gross |
| Library | |
| Reading rooms | 50 net |
| Stack area | 100 gross |
| Locker rooms | 50 gross |
| Mall buildings‒covered and open | See Section 402.8.2 |
| Mercantile | 60 gross |
| Storage, stock, shipping areas | 300 gross |
| Parking garages | 200 gross |
| Residential | 200 gross |
| Skating rinks, swimming pools | |
| Rink and pool | 50 gross |
| Decks | 15 gross |
| Stages and platforms | 15 net |
| Warehouses | 500 gross |
For SI: 1 square foot = 0.0929 m2, 1 foot = 304.8 mm.
a. Floor area in square feet per occupant.