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IBC 2015 - Occupant load for terrace

B

BobCat

Member
Joined
Feb 5, 2016
Messages
7
Location
NJ
Adjacent to the office floor - there is a narrow terrace of 945 sq ft. Per design there are movable chair/tables. Total chair count = 20.

What occupant load factor should I consider to calculate the total occupants for this floor?

Please advise.
 
Yes the terrace is going to be used by office people. The problem with 15 load factor is that I am getting a count of 63 occupants, but the layout only allows about 20 occupants.

*Edit - the terrace is partially landscaped and not accessible.
A 20 vs 63 occupants is affecting the total plumbing fixtures required. There is going to be no increase in occupants - since the space is primarily going to be used by employees.
 
Last edited:
303.1 Assembly Group A.
Assembly Group A occupancy includes, among others, the use of a building or structure, or a portion thereof, for the gathering of persons for purposes such as civic,social or religious functions; recreation, food or drink consumption or awaiting transportation.

303.1.1 Small buildings and tenant spaces.
A building or tenant space used for assembly purposes with an occupant load of less than 50 persons shall be classified as a Group B occupancy.
303.1.2 Small assembly spaces.
The following rooms and spaces shall not be classified as Assembly occupancies:
1. A room or space used for assembly purposes with an occupant load of less than 50 persons and accessory to another occupancy shall be classified as a Group B occupancy or as part of that occupancy.
2. A room or space used for assembly purposes that is less than 750 square feet (70 m2) in area and accessory to another occupancy shall be classified as a Group B occupancy or as part of that occupancy.

1108.2 Assembly area seating.
A building, room or space used for assembly purposes with fixed seating shall comply with Sections 1108.2.1 through 1108.2.5. Lawn seating shall comply with Section 1108.2.6. Assistive listening systems shall comply with Section 1108.2.7. Performance areas viewed from assembly seating areas shall comply with Section 1108.2.8. Dining areas shall comply with Section 1108.2.9.

1108.2.1 Services.
If a service or facility is provided in an area that is not accessible, the same service or facility shall be provided on an accessible level and shall be accessible.
TABLE 1015.1 SPACES WITH ONE EXIT OR EXIT ACCESS DOORWAY

OCCUPANCY MAXIMUM OCCUPANT LOAD
A, B, E, F, M, U 49


Which way do the 2 doors swing?
 
IF the 'useable' area (un-landscaped seating area) is less than 750 s.f. it would not be counted as a separate 'A' space, but the Occupant Load would still be based on 'use of space'. For table and chair seating the factor would be 15 s.f. per person NET floor area (so not including the landscaped areas).
In the 2015 IBC there is Section 1004.5. Outdoor Areas, which authorizes the AHJ to determine Occupant Load '... in accordance with the anticipated use.' Make your pitch to the AHJ and see where he/she stands on the matter.
 
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