Building occupancy classifications
Encyclopedia
Building occupancy classifications refer to categorizing structures based on their usage and are primarily used for building and fire code enforcement
. They are usually defined by model building code
s, and vary, somewhat, among them. Often, many of them are subdivided. The following is based on the International Building Code
, the most commonly used building code in the United States
:
Many buildings may have multiple occupancies. These are referred to as "mixed occupancies" and the different parts will be required to meet the codes for those specific areas. An example of this is a shopping mall with underground parking. The shopping area itself is Group M (mercantile), while the parking area would qualify as Group S (storage).
In places where more than one occupancy may apply the stricter code is usually enforced. An example of this is a restaurant with seating under 50 which is not addressed in the code as either mercantile or business (this is a technical issue, but could be viewed as either or neither). Code enforcement officials will usually enforce the strictest side of the code.
Code Enforcement
Code enforcement, sometimes encompassing law enforcement, is the act of enforcing a set of rules, principles, or laws and insuring observance of a system of norms or customs. An authority usually enforces a civil code, a set of rules, or a body of laws and compel those subject to their authority...
. They are usually defined by model building code
Model building code
A model building code is a building code that is developed and maintained by a standards organization independent of the jurisdiction responsible for enacting the building code. A local government can choose to adopt a model building code as their own. This saves local governments the expense and...
s, and vary, somewhat, among them. Often, many of them are subdivided. The following is based on the International Building Code
International Building Code
The International Building Code is a model building code developed by the International Code Council . It has been adopted throughout most of the United States.-History:...
, the most commonly used building code in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
:
- Assembly (Group A) - places used for people gathering for entertainment, worship, and eating or drinking. Examples: churches, restaurants (with 50 or more possible occupants), theaters, and stadiums.
- Business (Group B) - places where services are provided (not to be confused with mercantile, below). Examples: banks, insurance agencies, government buildings (including police and fire stations), and doctor's offices.
- Educational (Group E) - schools and day care centers up to the 12th grade.
- Factory (Group F) - places where goods are manufactured or repaired (unless considered "High-Hazard" (below)). Examples: factories and dry cleaners.
- High-Hazard (Group H) - places involving production or storage of very flammable or toxic materials. Includes places handling explosives and/or highly toxic materials (such as fireworksFireworksFireworks are a class of explosive pyrotechnic devices used for aesthetic and entertainment purposes. The most common use of a firework is as part of a fireworks display. A fireworks event is a display of the effects produced by firework devices...
, hydrogen peroxideHydrogen peroxideHydrogen peroxide is the simplest peroxide and an oxidizer. Hydrogen peroxide is a clear liquid, slightly more viscous than water. In dilute solution, it appears colorless. With its oxidizing properties, hydrogen peroxide is often used as a bleach or cleaning agent...
, and cyanideCyanideA cyanide is a chemical compound that contains the cyano group, -C≡N, which consists of a carbon atom triple-bonded to a nitrogen atom. Cyanides most commonly refer to salts of the anion CN−. Most cyanides are highly toxic....
). - Institutional (Group I) - places where people are physically unable to leave without assistance. Examples: hospitals, nursing homes, and prisons. In some jurisdictions, Group I may be used to designate Industrial.
- Mercantile (Group M) - places where goods are displayed and sold. Examples: grocery stores, department stores, and gas stations.
- Residential (Group R) - places providing accommodations for overnight stay (excluding Institutional). Examples: houses, apartment buildings, hotels, and motels.
- Storage (Group S) - places where items are stored (unless considered High-Hazard). Examples: warehouses and parking garages.
- Utility and Miscellaneous (Group U) - others. Examples: water towers, barns, towers.
Many buildings may have multiple occupancies. These are referred to as "mixed occupancies" and the different parts will be required to meet the codes for those specific areas. An example of this is a shopping mall with underground parking. The shopping area itself is Group M (mercantile), while the parking area would qualify as Group S (storage).
In places where more than one occupancy may apply the stricter code is usually enforced. An example of this is a restaurant with seating under 50 which is not addressed in the code as either mercantile or business (this is a technical issue, but could be viewed as either or neither). Code enforcement officials will usually enforce the strictest side of the code.