Commercial Building Inspector B2Public Safety and Special ConstructionMedium
A building official is reviewing plans for a new school building (Group E). The building is protected throughout with an automatic sprinkler system. According to IBC 1004.1.2, what is the maximum occupant load factor to be applied for an assembly area with fixed seats without tables (e.g., an auditorium or lecture hall) when calculating the occupant load?
- A7 square feet (0.65 m²) per occupant
- BThe number of fixed seats provided
- C15 square feet (1.39 m²) per occupant
- DOne occupant per 5 square feet (0.46 m²)
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. The number of fixed seats provided
IBC 1004.1.2 explicitly states that for areas having fixed seats, the occupant load shall be determined by the number of fixed seats installed. This supersedes area-based calculations for such spaces.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. 7 sq ft per occupant is typically for assembly areas with non-fixed seating, but without tables.
- C. 15 sq ft per occupant is generally for areas with concentrated business use, not fixed seating.
- D. 5 sq ft per occupant is typically for standing space or waiting areas in assembly occupancies.
Occupant Load Factor (Fixed Seats)
For areas with fixed seating, the occupant load is determined by the actual number of seats provided, as this directly reflects the maximum capacity of the space.
- Applies to auditoriums, theaters, lecture halls, and similar spaces.
- Area-based factors are used for non-fixed seating or open floor areas.
- Crucial for determining means of egress capacity and plumbing fixture counts.
Memory trick: Fixed seats, count them all, for the occupant load to enthrall.