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Occupant Load Calculation for Banquettes in A-2 Restaurant

C

ccanney

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Jun 25, 2021
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24
Location
San Francisco
Hello,
I am working to calculate the occupant load for an A-2 restaurant space that utilizes a combination of booth and banquette seating. I know that the booth seating will be calculated at 1 occupant per 24" of length. I am unclear as to handle the banquette seating. I realize that the length of the banquette would be calculated similar to the booths, with 1 occupant per 24" of length. I am unclear however to calculate the load for the tables/chairs at the banquette. Would these technically be considered unconcentrated tables/chairs if they are associated with the fixed banquette seating? If so, what floor area needs to be calculated at the 1/15sf load? Would this be taken from the face of the banquette, face of table, back of chair? We are very close to the 100 occupant load for the assembly area which triggers the need for sprinklers in the building so I am trying to keep the occupant load as tight as possible. I tried to insert a PDF image to this thread for clarity but don't seem to be able to.
 
I think you will need to get the AHJ to accept an occupant load less than when calculated for non fixed seating. With just a quick look I cannot see the load being under100 with that SF and the booth/banquette seating
 
Thanks @JPohling.
I guess my real question is if the fixed seating is calculated based on linear footage then area of the banquettes should not be included in any non-fixed seating area calc, correct? That being the case how much floor area would need to be include in this calc? Face of the banquette? Face of table? And in more general sense, are the tables and chairs at the banquettes actually unconcentrated tables and chairs being that they are being utilized at the banquette? It wouldn't be feasible to move the tables and chairs to other locations in the dining room which is what the intent of the 1/15sf occupant load is derived from. I realize that these questions need to be addressed by our AHJ but am trying to get some sense from this community prior to bringing any argument to the plan checkers attention.
 
2015 IBC table 1004.1.2, I will look at the commentary tomorrow for guidance on net. Don't rule out fire sprinkler there are numerous other give backs you get for having them.

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I would not calculate the arrangement as banquettes. It seem you should show chairs at the table at the end of the benches, then one person per seat and one per per 18 in of bench. Lose table and chairs is used for round table and chairs in a function hall.
 
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Thanks. That is where my thinking was as well. The chair serving the banquettes aren't really loose/unconcentrated chairs.
 
The banquets and booth seating are fixed and occupant load is 1/24" of seating width at the backrest. The tables and chairs opposite the banquets are not fixed and tables can be inserted along with chairs and the entire length completely filled with diners. This area will need to be calculated on a 1/15 SF basis. your dilemma is where to place the demarcation line between the seating arrangements in order to get to a square footage to use. I know of no direction on this, but it seems as if the center line of the table may be a place to start.
 
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