Occupancy load....global vs. individual spaces

[Robert]

Hello and thanks for a great forum. I am working on a smaller tenant improvement B occupancy (office)...no change to the area or occupancy (1600 sq. ft). The smaller spaces within are accessory (ie: conference, employee lounge and storage are small enough to be considered accessory). Is it required to develop occupancy loads in each space then sum them for a total, or do I simply calculate the whole space as one since not a mixed occupancy? If I do each space, does it make sense to round down (ie:17.7 occupants = 17), then round up the final count? I will obviously get a higher number if I have to round up each space.

Also, am I correct in not including the restroom or storage closet or hall to the occupancy count?

 

[cda]

Net vs Gross

Check the table for each factor to see which one to use

FLOOR AREA, GROSS. The floor area within the inside perimeter of the exterior walls of the building under consideration, exclusive of vent shafts and courts, without deduction for corridors, stairways, closets, the thickness of interior walls, columns or other features. The floor area of a building, or portion thereof, not provided with surrounding exterior walls shall be the usable area under the horizontal projection of the roof or floor above. The gross floor area shall not include shafts with no openings or interior courts.

Gross floor area is that area measured within the perimeter formed by the inside surface of the exterior walls. The area of all occupiable and nonoccupiable spaces, including mechanical and elevator shafts, toilets, closets, mechanical equipment rooms, etc., is included in the gross floor area. This area could also include any covered porches, carports or other exterior space intended to be used as part of the building's occupiable space. This gross and net floor areas are primarily used for the determination of occupant load in accordance with Table 1004.1.1.

FLOOR AREA, NET. The actual occupied area not including unoccupied accessory areas such as corridors, stairways, toilet rooms, mechanical rooms and closets.

This area is intended to be only the room areas that are used for specific occupancy purposes and does not include circulation areas, such as corridors or stairways, and service and utility spaces, such as toilet rooms and mechanical and electrical equipment rooms. Floor area, net and gross, is utilized in Table 1004.1.1 to determine occupant load for a space.

 

[Robert]

Great, thank you. Would an employee lounge (counter, microwave and sink) count as assembly (unconcentrated)?

Also, any thoughts as to rounding up/down on the individual space occupancies, or doing at the final sum?

 

[cda]

Normally no unless a big one, say over 750 sq st

Up,

but normally does not matter, until you hit code requirements with specific occupant loads,,, than calculate more precisely