Standing Area in A2 Occupancy

[Jim Burris]

In chapter 10, table for calculating occupant load, under A2 Occupancy, Assembly without Fixed Seating, how do you define 'Standing Area'. The table requires 1 occupant for each 5 net square feet. In two recent fast food restaurant projects, I have had the same local review official indicate this is the occupant requirement for the customer ordering counter area. In the past, I have not calculated my occupancy using this interpretation nor have I had an official define it as such. Just looking for some clarification.

 

[fatboy]

Welcome!

How do you calculate it? Ever been in a McD's at lunchtime?

I agree with the official........

 

[cda]

welcome also, not sure if I agree with my esteamed colleague from Colorado.

I normally look at seating area, for a mcdonalds type set up, now where you have a casual dining or the such where there is kind of a designated wait area, I would add a few people.

I guess the reason for the question??? add more toilets or sprinklers or ???? as in what does the added people do to the requirements for the project?

 

[north star]

= \ = \ =

Jim Burris,

1st, ...Welcome to The Building Codes Forum !

2nd, ...the Queue Areas [ IMO ] DO need the calculated Occupant Loads

for plumbing fixture counts and for adequate MOE [ EX: think of a

Chik-Fil-A Restaurant on a very busy day, ...orderly chaos ! ]........Also,

include any outside dining areas in the calculated Occupant Loads for

the overall total.



\ = \ = \

 

[steveray]

WE would typically edit out some room for egress through the "waiting/standing at the bar area" and then maybe do what is left at 5 sqft, if the DP does not give us enough info...... but other than that it would be up to the DP to provide a reasonable number.

 

[Builder Bob]

When the occupant load is net, the egress for aisles and exit access are included in these calculations.....

 

[Frank]

Think of bank teller line areas as well--it is standing space and 5 sq ft per person is not unusual on a Payday afternoon. People are intended to be there, they count towards facilities, exits and sprinkler requirements.