CBC · California Building Code

How to calculate occupant load for egress design

The CBC requires you to compute occupant load by dividing the applicable floor area by the occupant‑load factor in Table 1004.5, add mezzanine occupants that must egress through adjacent rooms per §1004.2.2, and then use those totals to size exits and stairs using the capacity factors in §1005.3.

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Last reviewed: July 5, 2026

What the code requires — plain English

The design occupant load (the number of people used to size exits, stairs and other egress components) is determined from the California Building Code (CBC) occupant‑load rules and the occupant‑load factors in Table 1004.5; mezzanine occupant loads that require egress through an adjacent room or level must be added to that room’s occupant load. See §1004.1, §1004.5 and §1004.2.2 for the governing rules.

Requirements in detail

Basic rule: compute load from area and factor

  • For spaces without fixed seating you compute occupant load by dividing the floor area under consideration by the occupant‑load factor assigned to that function in Table 1004.5; the result is the design occupant load for egress sizing. The CBC requires this method for means of egress design. See §1004.1 and §1004.5.

Cumulative and mezzanine loads

  • If egress from one space passes through another (intervening/accessory spaces), the occupant loads are cumulative up to that point along the egress path. See §1004.2.1.
  • Specifically for mezzanines: the portion of the mezzanine occupant load that is required to egress through a room, area or space on an adjacent level must be added to that room/space’s occupant load when sizing egress. See §1004.2.2.
  • Mezzanine construction/openness rules that affect whether a mezzanine is treated as contributing occupants are in §505.2.2 (mezzanine openness and exceptions).

Multiple functions and occupancies

  • If an area contains multiple functions with different occupant‑load factors, calculate each function separately (area ÷ factor) and add them for the design occupant load. See §1004.3.
  • Where multiple occupancies share egress components, those components must meet the most stringent requirements of all occupancies served. See §1004.4.

Egress sizing based on occupant load

  • Once the occupant load for the space (or cumulative load at a point) is determined, use the means‑of‑egress capacity factors to size components:
    • Stairways: required capacity = occupant load × 0.3 inch per occupant (typical); reduced factors apply when the building is sprinklered and certain other conditions exist. See §1005.3.1.
    • Other egress components (corridors, doors, ramps): required capacity = occupant load × 0.2 inch per occupant (typical); reduced factors apply with sprinklers, etc. See §1005.3.2.

Minimum and posting requirements

  • Rooms used for assembly/classroom/dining/drinking having occupant loads of 50 or more (assembly occupancies) must have the occupant load posted near the main exit for the intended configuration. See §1004.9.

Table: common occupant‑load factors (decision‑relevant)

Function of space Occupant‑load factor (sq ft per person) Net vs. Gross Code Reference
Assembly — Unconcentrated (tables & chairs) 15 net §1004.5, Table 1004.5
Assembly — Concentrated (chairs only, not fixed) 7 net §1004.5, Table 1004.5
Assembly — Standing space 5 net §1004.5, Table 1004.5
Business areas 150 gross §1004.5, Table 1004.5
Airport terminal — Waiting areas 15 gross §1004.5, Table 1004.5

Note: Table 1004.5 in the CBC lists many specific functions and identifies whether the factor is net or gross; use the most specific function that matches the space.

Exceptions & special cases

  • Building official approval of actual design occupancy: where approved, an actual (lower) design occupant count for which the space was designed may be used instead of the calculated value. See the Exception to §1004.5.
  • Mezzanine openness exceptions: mezzanines (or enclosed portions) may not be required to be open to the room when the aggregate enclosed area is below thresholds or the mezzanine has two or more exits; see the exceptions in §505.2.2. These affect whether mezzanine load is treated independently or must be added to the room below.
  • Net vs. gross area: some functions are explicitly gross‑area factors in Table 1004.5; the code also permits certain occupancies listed in the table that call for gross area to use net area for determining total occupant load per a footnote — check the table footnotes and the code official’s interpretation.

If any required detail (for example, a specific table row or a complex mall OLF calculation) is not covered in the excerpts you have, consult the full Table 1004.5 and related CBC text or your local building official; the files provided here contain the main CBC sections but not every table footnote in full.

Common mistakes

  • Using the wrong area basis (net vs. gross) — net is used for many assembly factors; gross for many business/industrial factors. Always confirm the Table 1004.5 entry.
  • Forgetting to add mezzanine occupants that egress through an adjacent room (§1004.2.2). Designers sometimes size exits only for the primary floor and omit the mezzanine contribution.
  • Treating separate stories as cumulative (the code generally forbids adding occupant loads from separate stories except where egress components are designed to converge per §1005.6). See §1004.2.3.
  • Misapplying reductions for sprinklered buildings — reduced capacity factors apply only when the building meets the specific sprinkler/alarm requirements identified in §1005.3 exceptions.

Worked example — restaurant with a mezzanine

Project facts (example):

  • Main dining room: 1,200 sq ft, unconcentrated assembly (tables & chairs). Table 1004.5 factor = 15 sq ft/person (net).
  • Mezzanine: 300 sq ft, open to main dining room and egress is through the main dining room (so mezzanine occupants are added to main room per §1004.2.2).

Step 1 — occupant load for main dining room:

  • 1,200 sq ft ÷ 15 sq ft/person = 80 occupants. (§1004.5)

Step 2 — occupant load for mezzanine:

  • 300 sq ft ÷ 15 sq ft/person = 20 occupants. (§1004.5 and mezzanine rule §1004.2.2)

Step 3 — cumulative occupant load where mezzanine egress goes through main room:

  • 80 + 20 = 100 occupants to be used for sizing the egress components for the room and the path that receives mezzanine egress. (Apply §1004.2.2 and §1004.2.1 as needed.)

Step 4 — egress width example (other egress components):

  • For corridors/doors: required capacity = occupant load × 0.2 inch/occupant = 100 × 0.2 in = 20 inches required capacity. Convert to a practical door width: rounding and code minimums apply; typically you would provide doors and corridor widths to meet or exceed the code minimum widths and the calculated capacity. See §1005.3.2.

Step 5 — stair example:

  • If a stair must serve those 100 occupants, required stair capacity = 100 × 0.3 in = 30 inches; if the building is fully sprinklered and meets the exception conditions, reduced factors may apply (see exceptions in §1005.3.1). See §1005.3.1.

Notes:

  • The example uses the Table 1004.5 factor for unconcentrated assembly; if your layout creates concentrated seating or standing areas, use the appropriate factor.

Related provisions (quick reference)

  • §1004.1 — Design occupant load (general rule).
  • §1004.2.1 — Intervening/accessory spaces and cumulative loads.
  • §1004.2.2 — Adjacent levels for mezzanines (add mezzanine occupants when egress through adjacent level is required).
  • §1004.2.3 — Adjacent stories (do not add separate stories except as allowed).
  • §1004.3 — Multiple‑function occupant load calculation.
  • §1004.4 — Multiple occupancies sharing egress.
  • §1004.5 — Areas without fixed seating and Table 1004.5 (occupant‑load factors).
  • §1004.9 — Posting occupant loads (assembly, etc.).
  • §1005.3.1 / §1005.3.2 — Means‑of‑egress sizing (capacity factors per occupant).
  • §505.2.2 — Mezzanine openness/when mezzanine counts toward floor load/egress treatment.

Code references

Grounded in the retrieved California Building Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:

  • CBC § 1003.7 High relevance — show source text

    on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

    MEANS OF EGRESS

    1003.7 Elevators, escalators and moving walks. Elevators, escalators and moving walks shall not be used as a component of a required means of egress from any other part of the building.

    Exception: Elevators used as an accessible means of egress in accordance with Section 1009.4.

    SECTION 1004—OCCUPANT LOAD

    1004.1 Design occupant load. In determining means of egress requirements, the number of occupants for whom means of egress facilities are provided shall be determined in accordance with this section.

    1004.2 Cumulative occupant loads. Where the path of egress travel includes intervening rooms, areas or spaces, cumulative occupant loads shall be determined in accordance with this section.

    1004.2.1 Intervening spaces or accessory areas. Where occupants egress from one or more rooms, areas or spaces through others, the design occupant load shall be the combined occupant load of interconnected accessory or intervening spaces. Design of egress path capacity shall be based on the cumulative portion of occupant loads of all rooms, areas or spaces to that point along the path of egress travel.

    1004.2.2 Adjacent levels for mezzanines. That portion of the occupant load of a mezzanine with required egress through a room, area or space on an adjacent level shall be added to the occupant load of that room, area or space.

    1004.2.3 Adjacent stories. Other than for the egress components designed for convergence in accordance with Section 1005.6, the occupant load from separate stories shall not be added.

    1004.3 Multiple function occupant load. Where an area under consideration contains multiple functions having different occupant load factors, the design occupant load for such area shall be based on the floor area of each function calculated independently.

    1004.4 Multiple occupancies. Where a building contains two or more occupancies, the means of egress requirements shall apply to each portion of the building based on the occupancy of that space. Where two or more occupancies utilize portions of the same means of egress system, those egress components shall meet the more stringent requirements of all occupancies that are served.

    1004.5 Areas without fixed seating. The number of occupants shall be computed at the rate of one occupant per unit of area as prescribed in Table 1004.5. For areas without fixed seating, the occupant load shall be not less than that number determined by dividing the floor area under consideration by the occupant load factor assigned to the function of the space as set forth in Table 1004.5. Where an intended function is not listed in Table 1004.5, the building official shall establish a function based on a listed function that most nearly resembles the intended function.

    Exception: Where approved by the building official, the actual number of occupants for whom each occupied space, floor or building is designed, although less than those determined by calculation, shall be permitted to be used in the determination of the design occupant load.

  • CBC § 1010.1.4. High relevance — show source text
    1. Steps at exterior doors complying with Section 1010.1.4.
    2. A stair with a single riser or with two risers and a tread is permitted at locations not required to be accessible by Chapter 11 A or 11B where the risers and treads comply with Section 1011.5, the minimum depth of the tread is 13 inches (330 mm) and not less than one handrail complying with Section 1014 is provided within 30 inches (762 mm) of the centerline of the normal path of egress travel on the stair.
    3. A step is permitted in aisles serving seating that has a difference in elevation less than 12 inches (305 mm) at locations not required to be accessible by Chapter 11 A or 11B, provided that the risers and treads comply with Section 1030.14 and the aisle is provided with a handrail complying with Section 1030.16.

    Throughout a story in a Group I-2 occupancy, any change in elevation in portions of the means of egress that serve nonambulatory persons shall be by means of a ramp or sloped walkway.

    1003.6 Means of egress continuity. The path of egress travel along a means of egress shall not be interrupted by a building element other than a means of egress component as specified in this chapter. Obstructions shall not be placed in the minimum width or required capacity of a means of egress component except projections permitted by this chapter. The minimum width or required capacity of a means of egress system shall not be diminished along the path of egress travel.

    10-6 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE

    on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

    MEANS OF EGRESS

    1003.7 Elevators, escalators and moving walks. Elevators, escalators and moving walks shall not be used as a component of a required means of egress from any other part of the building.

    Exception: Elevators used as an accessible means of egress in accordance with Section 1009.4.

    SECTION 1004—OCCUPANT LOAD

    1004.1 Design occupant load. In determining means of egress requirements, the number of occupants for whom means of egress facilities are provided shall be determined in accordance with this section.

    1004.2 Cumulative occupant loads. Where the path of egress travel includes intervening rooms, areas or spaces, cumulative occupant loads shall be determined in accordance with this section.

    1004.2.1 Intervening spaces or accessory areas. Where occupants egress from one or more rooms, areas or spaces through others, the design occupant load shall be the combined occupant load of interconnected accessory or intervening spaces. Design of egress path capacity shall be based on the cumulative portion of occupant loads of all rooms, areas or spaces to that point along the path of egress travel.

    1004.2.2 Adjacent levels for mezzanines. That portion of the occupant load of a mezzanine with required egress through a room, area or space on an adjacent level shall be added to the occupant load of that room, area or space.

    1004.2.3 Adjacent stories. Other than for the egress components designed for convergence in accordance with Section 1005.6, the occupant load from separate stories shall not be added.

  • CBC § 1004.2 High relevance — show source text

    [BE] 1004.2 Cumulative occupant loads. Where the path of egress travel includes intervening rooms, areas or spaces, cumulative occupant loads shall be determined in accordance with this section.

    [BE] 1004.2.1 Intervening spaces or accessory areas. Where occupants egress from one or more rooms, areas or spaces through others, the design occupant load shall be the combined occupant load of interconnected accessory or intervening spaces. Design of egress path capacity shall be based on the cumulative portion of occupant loads of all rooms, areas or spaces to that point along the path of egress travel.

    [BE] 1004.2.2 Adjacent levels for mezzanines. That portion of the occupant load of a mezzanine with required egress through a room, area or space on an adjacent level shall be added to the occupant load of that room, area or space.

    [BE] 1004.2.3 Adjacent stories. Other than for the egress components designed for convergence in accordance with Section 1005.6, the occupant load from separate stories shall not be added.

    [BE] 1004.3 Multiple-function occupant load. Where an area under consideration contains multiple functions having different occupant load factors, the design occupant load for such area shall be based on the floor area of each function calculated independently.

    [BE] 1004.4 Multiple occupancies. Where a building contains two or more occupancies, the means of egress requirements shall apply to each portion of the building based on the occupancy of that space. Where two or more occupancies utilize portions of the same means of egress system, those egress components shall meet the more stringent requirements of all occupancies that are served.

    [BE] 1004.5 Areas without fixed seating. The number of occupants shall be computed at the rate of one occupant per unit of area as prescribed in Table 1004.5. For areas without fixed seating, the occupant load shall be not less than that number determined by dividing the floor area under consideration by the occupant load factor assigned to the function of the space as set forth in Table 1004.5. Where an intended function is not listed in Table 1004.5, the fire code official shall establish a function based on a listed function that most nearly resembles the intended function.

    Exception: Where approved by the fire code official, the actual number of occupants for whom each occupied space, floor or building is designed, although less than those determined by calculation, shall be permitted to be used in the determination of the design occupant load.

    [BE]TABLE 1004.5—MAXIMUM FLOOR AREA ALLOWANCES PER OCCUPANT Col2
    FUNCTION OF SPACE OCCUPANT LOAD FACTORa
    Accessory storage areas, mechanical equipment room 300 gross
    Agricultural building 300 gross
    Aircraft hangars 500 gross
    Airport terminal
    Baggage claim 20 gross
    Baggage handling 300 gross
    Concourse 100 gross
    Waiting areas 15 gross
    Assembly
    Gaming floors (keno, slots, etc.) 11 gross
    Exhibit gallery and museum 30 net
    Assembly with fixed seats See Section 1004.6

    10-8 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE

    on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

    MEANS OF EGRESS

    |[BE]TABLE 1004.

  • CBC § 0.15 High relevance — show source text

    15|2|—| |Disco/dance floors|100|0.15|2|F| |Freezer and refrigerated spaces (< 50°F)|0|0|2|E| |Game arcades|45|0.15|1|—| |Gym, sports arena (play area)|10|0.15|2|E| |Health club/aerobics room/weight rooms|10|0.15|2|—| |Kitchen (cooking)|3|0.15|2|—| |Laundry rooms, central|5|0.15|2|—| |Lobbies/prefunction|33|0.15|1|F| |Multiuse assembly|33|0.15|1|F| |Occupiable storage rooms for dry materials|2|0.15|1|—| |Occupiable storage rooms for liquids or gels|2|0.15|2|B| |Office space|5|0.15|1|F| |Reception areas|5|0.15|1|F| |Shipping/receiving|2|0.15|2|B| |Spectator areas|33|0.15|1|F| |Swimming (deck)|33|0.15|2|C| |Swimming (pool)|10|0.15|2|C| |Telephone/dataentry|33|0.15|1|F| |All others|5|0.15|2|—| |General:
    1. The minimum occupant density is one-half of the maximum occupant load assumed for egress purposes in the CBC.
    2. If this column specifies a minimum cfm/ft2, then it shall be used to comply with Section 160.2(c)5E.
    3. For spaces not included in this table, the spaces in Table 120.1-A shall apply.
    Specific Notes:
    A – RESERVED.
    B – Rate may not be sufficient where stored materials include those having potentially harmful emissions.
    C – Rate does not allow for humidity control. “Deck area” refers to the area surrounding the pool that is capable of being wetted during pool use or when the pool is occupied.
    Deck area that is not expected to be wetted shall be designated as an occupancy category.
    D – RESERVED.
    E – Where combustion equipment is intended to be used on the playing surface or in the space, additional dilution ventilation, source control, or both shall be provided.
    F – Ventilation air for this occupancy category shall be permitted to be reduced to zero when the space is in occupied-standby mode.|General:
    1. The minimum occupant density is one-half of the maximum occupant load assumed for egress purposes in the CBC.
    2. If this column specifies a minimum cfm/ft2, then it shall be used to comply with Section 160.2(c)5E.
    3. For spaces not included in this table, the spaces in Table 120.1-A shall apply.
    Specific Notes:
    A – RESERVED.
    B – Rate may not be sufficient where stored materials include those having potentially harmful emissions.
    C – Rate does not allow for humidity control.

  • CBC § 160.2 High relevance — show source text

    The minimum occupant density is one-half of the maximum occupant load assumed for egress purposes in the CBC.
    2. If this column specifies a minimum cfm/ft2, then it shall be used to comply with Section 160.2(c)5E.
    3. For spaces not included in this table, the spaces in Table 120.1-A shall apply.
    Specific Notes:
    A – RESERVED.
    B – Rate may not be sufficient where stored materials include those having potentially harmful emissions.
    C – Rate does not allow for humidity control. “Deck area” refers to the area surrounding the pool that is capable of being wetted during pool use or when the pool is occupied.
    Deck area that is not expected to be wetted shall be designated as an occupancy category.
    D – RESERVED.
    E – Where combustion equipment is intended to be used on the playing surface or in the space, additional dilution ventilation, source control, or both shall be provided.
    F – Ventilation air for this occupancy category shall be permitted to be reduced to zero when the space is in occupied-standby mode.|General:
    1. The minimum occupant density is one-half of the maximum occupant load assumed for egress purposes in the CBC.
    2. If this column specifies a minimum cfm/ft2, then it shall be used to comply with Section 160.2(c)5E.
    3. For spaces not included in this table, the spaces in Table 120.1-A shall apply.
    Specific Notes:
    A – RESERVED.
    B – Rate may not be sufficient where stored materials include those having potentially harmful emissions.
    C – Rate does not allow for humidity control. “Deck area” refers to the area surrounding the pool that is capable of being wetted during pool use or when the pool is occupied.
    Deck area that is not expected to be wetted shall be designated as an occupancy category.
    D – RESERVED.
    E – Where combustion equipment is intended to be used on the playing surface or in the space, additional dilution ventilation, source control, or both shall be provided.
    F – Ventilation air for this occupancy category shall be permitted to be reduced to zero when the space is in occupied-standby mode.|General:
    1. The minimum occupant density is one-half of the maximum occupant load assumed for egress purposes in the CBC.
    2. If this column specifies a minimum cfm/ft2, then it shall be used to comply with Section 160.2(c)5E.
    3. For spaces not included in this table, the spaces in Table 120.1-A shall apply.
    Specific Notes:
    A – RESERVED.
    B – Rate may not be sufficient where stored materials include those having potentially harmful emissions.
    C – Rate does not allow for humidity control. “Deck area” refers to the area surrounding the pool that is capable of being wetted during pool use or when the pool is occupied.
    Deck area that is not expected to be wetted shall be designated as an occupancy category.
    D – RESERVED.
    E – Where combustion equipment is intended to be used on the playing surface or in the space, additional dilution ventilation, source control, or both shall be provided.
    F – Ventilation air for this occupancy category shall be permitted to be reduced to zero when the space is in occupied-standby mode.|

  • CBC § 1003.6 High relevance — show source text

    MEANS OF EGRESS

    Throughout a story in a Group I-2 occupancy, any change in elevation in portions of the means of egress that serve nonambulatory persons shall be by means of a ramp or sloped walkway.

    [BE] 1003.6 Means of egress continuity. The path of egress travel along a means of egress shall not be interrupted by a building element other than a means of egress component as specified in this chapter. Obstructions shall not be placed in the minimum width or required capacity of a means of egress component except projections permitted by this chapter. The minimum width or required capacity of a means of egress system shall not be diminished along the path of egress travel.

    [BE] 1003.7 Elevators, escalators and moving walks. Elevators, escalators and moving walks shall not be used as a component of a required means of egress from any other part of the building.

    Exception: Elevators used as an accessible means of egress in accordance with Section 1009.4.

    SECTION 1004—OCCUPANT LOAD

    [BE] 1004.1 Design occupant load. In determining means of egress requirements, the number of occupants for whom means of egress facilities are provided shall be determined in accordance with this section.

    [California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §3.27] Overcrowding.

    The number of occupants of any building, structure or portion thereof, shall not exceed the permitted or posted capacity.

    [BE] 1004.2 Cumulative occupant loads. Where the path of egress travel includes intervening rooms, areas or spaces, cumulative occupant loads shall be determined in accordance with this section.

    [BE] 1004.2.1 Intervening spaces or accessory areas. Where occupants egress from one or more rooms, areas or spaces through others, the design occupant load shall be the combined occupant load of interconnected accessory or intervening spaces. Design of egress path capacity shall be based on the cumulative portion of occupant loads of all rooms, areas or spaces to that point along the path of egress travel.

    [BE] 1004.2.2 Adjacent levels for mezzanines. That portion of the occupant load of a mezzanine with required egress through a room, area or space on an adjacent level shall be added to the occupant load of that room, area or space.

    [BE] 1004.2.3 Adjacent stories. Other than for the egress components designed for convergence in accordance with Section 1005.6, the occupant load from separate stories shall not be added.

    [BE] 1004.3 Multiple-function occupant load. Where an area under consideration contains multiple functions having different occupant load factors, the design occupant load for such area shall be based on the floor area of each function calculated independently.

    [BE] 1004.4 Multiple occupancies. Where a building contains two or more occupancies, the means of egress requirements shall apply to each portion of the building based on the occupancy of that space. Where two or more occupancies utilize portions of the same means of egress system, those egress components shall meet the more stringent requirements of all occupancies that are served.

  • CBC § 402.8.2 High relevance — show source text

    [BE] 402.8.2 Determination of occupant load. The occupant load permitted in any individual tenant space in a covered or open mall building shall be determined as required by this code. Means of egress requirements for individual tenant spaces shall be based on the occupant load thus determined.

    [BE] 402.8.2.1 Occupant formula. In determining required means of egress of the mall, the number of occupants for whom means of egress are to be provided shall be based on gross leasable area of the covered or open mall building (excluding anchor buildings) and the occupant load factor as determined by Equation 4-1.

    Equation 4-1 OLF = (0.00007)( GLA ) + 25

    where:

    OLF = The occupant load factor (square feet per person).

    GLA = The gross leasable area (square feet).

    Exception: Tenant spaces attached to a covered or open mall building but with a means of egress system that is totally independent of the open mall of an open mall building or of a covered mall building shall not be considered as gross leasable area for determining the required means of egress for the mall building.

    [BE] 402.8.2.2 OLF range. The occupant load factor (OLF) is not required to be less than 30 and shall not exceed 50.

    [BE] 402.8.2.3 Anchor buildings. The occupant load of anchor buildings opening into the mall shall not be included in computing the total number of occupants for the mall.

    [BE] 402.8.2.4 Food courts. The occupant load of a food court shall be determined in accordance with Section 1004. For the purposes of determining the means of egress requirements for the mall, the food court occupant load shall be added to the occupant load of the covered or open mall building as calculated in Section 402.8.2.1.

    [BE] 402.8.3 Number of means of egress. Wherever the distance of travel to the mall from any location within a tenant space used by persons other than employees is greater than 75 feet (22 860 mm) or the tenant space has an occupant load of 50 or more, not fewer than two means of egress shall be provided.

    [BE] 402.8.4 Arrangements of means of egress. Assembly occupancies with an occupant load of 500 or more located within a covered mall building shall be so located such that their entrance will be immediately adjacent to a principal entrance to the mall and shall have not less than one-half of their required means of egress opening directly to the exterior of the covered mall building. Assembly occupancies located within the perimeter line of an open mall building shall be permitted to have their main exit open to the open mall.

    [BE] 402.8.4.1 Anchor building means of egress. Required means of egress for anchor buildings shall be provided independently from the mall means of egress system. The occupant load of anchor buildings opening into the mall shall not be included in determining means of egress requirements for the mall. The path of egress travel of malls shall not exit through anchor buildings. Malls terminating at an anchor building where other means of egress has not been provided shall be considered as a dead-end mall.

  • CBC § 307.1 Medium relevance — show source text

    each having an occupant load greater than
    300 and a cumulative occupant load of these public assembly spaces of greater than 2,500.
    • Buildings and other structures containing Group E or Group I-4 occupancies or combination thereof, with an occupant load
    greater than 250.
    • Buildings and other structures containing educational occupancies for students above the 12th grade with an occupant load
    greater than 500.
    • Group I-3, Condition 1 occupancies.
    • Any other occupancy with an occupant load greater than 5,000.a
    • Power-generating stations with individual power units rated 75 MWAC (megawatts, alternating current) or greater, water treatment
    facilities for potable water, wastewater treatment facilities and other public utility facilities not included in Risk Category IV.
    • Buildings and other structures not included in Risk Category IV containing quantities of toxic or explosive materials that:
    • Exceed maximum allowable quantities per control area as given in Table 307.1(1) or 307.1(2) or per outdoor control area in
    accordance with the_California Fire Code_; and
    • Are sufficient to pose a threat to the public if released.b| |IV|Buildings and other structures designated as essential facilities and buildings where loss of function represents a substantial
    hazard to occupants or users, including but not limited to:
    •_ [OSHPD 1 & 4]_General Acute-care Hospital Buildings, General Acute-care Hospital Buildings providing only acute medical
    rehabilitation center services, and Correctional Treatment Center Buildings and all structures required for their continuous
    operation or access/egress.
    • Group I-2, Condition 2 occupancies.
    • Ambulatory care facilities having emergency surgery or emergency treatment facilities.
    • Group I-3 occupancies other than Condition 1.
    • Fire, rescue, ambulance and police stations and emergency vehicle garages
    • Designated earthquake, hurricane or other emergency shelters.
    • Designated emergency preparedness, communications and operations centers and other facilities required for emergency
    response [DSA-SS]as defined in the California Administrative Code (Title 24, Part 1, CCR) Section 4-207 and all structures
    required for their continuous operation or access/egress.
    • Public utility facilities providing power generation, potable water treatment, or wastewater treatment.
    • Power-generating stations and other public utility facilities required as emergency backup facilities for Risk Category IV structures.
    • Buildings and other structures containing quantities of highly toxic materials that:
    • Exceed maximum allowable quantities per control area as given in Table 307.1(2) or per outdoor control area in accordance
    with the_California Fire Code_; and
    • Are sufficient to pose a threat to the public if released.b
    • Aviation control towers, air traffic control centers and emergency aircraft hangars.
    • Buildings and other structures having critical national defense functions.
    • Water storage facilities and pump structures required to maintain water pressure for fire suppression.| |a. For purposes of occupant load calculation, occupancies required by Table 1004.5 to use gross floor area calculations shall be permitted to use net floor areas to determine the
    total occupant load. The floor area for vehicular drive aisles shall be permitted to be excluded in the determination of net floor area in parking garages.
    b.

  • CBC § 120.1 Medium relevance — show source text

    “Deck area” refers to the area surrounding the pool that is capable of being wetted during pool use or when the pool is occupied.
    Deck area that is not expected to be wetted shall be designated as an occupancy category.
    D – Rate does not include special exhaust for stage effects such as dry ice vapors and smoke.
    E – Where combustion equipment is intended to be used on the playing surface or in the space, additional dilution ventilation, source control, or both shall be provided.
    F – Ventilation air for this occupancy category shall be permitted to be reduced to zero when the space is in occupied-standby mode.|General footnotes for Table 120.1-A:
    1. The minimum occupant density is one-half of the maximum occupant load assumed for egress purposes in the CBC.
    Specific Notes:
    A – For high-school and college libraries, the values shown for “Public Assembly Spaces – Libraries” shall be used.
    B – Rate may not be sufficient where stored materials include those having potentially harmful emissions.
    C – Rate does not allow for humidity control. “Deck area” refers to the area surrounding the pool that is capable of being wetted during pool use or when the pool is occupied.
    Deck area that is not expected to be wetted shall be designated as an occupancy category.
    D – Rate does not include special exhaust for stage effects such as dry ice vapors and smoke.
    E – Where combustion equipment is intended to be used on the playing surface or in the space, additional dilution ventilation, source control, or both shall be provided.
    F – Ventilation air for this occupancy category shall be permitted to be reduced to zero when the space is in occupied-standby mode.|General footnotes for Table 120.1-A:
    1. The minimum occupant density is one-half of the maximum occupant load assumed for egress purposes in the CBC.
    Specific Notes:
    A – For high-school and college libraries, the values shown for “Public Assembly Spaces – Libraries” shall be used.
    B – Rate may not be sufficient where stored materials include those having potentially harmful emissions.
    C – Rate does not allow for humidity control. “Deck area” refers to the area surrounding the pool that is capable of being wetted during pool use or when the pool is occupied.
    Deck area that is not expected to be wetted shall be designated as an occupancy category.
    D – Rate does not include special exhaust for stage effects such as dry ice vapors and smoke.
    E – Where combustion equipment is intended to be used on the playing surface or in the space, additional dilution ventilation, source control, or both shall be provided.
    F – Ventilation air for this occupancy category shall be permitted to be reduced to zero when the space is in occupied-standby mode.|General footnotes for Table 120.1-A:
    1. The minimum occupant density is one-half of the maximum occupant load assumed for egress purposes in the CBC.
    Specific Notes:
    A – For high-school and college libraries, the values shown for “Public Assembly Spaces – Libraries” shall be used.
    B – Rate may not be sufficient where stored materials include those having potentially harmful emissions.
    C – Rate does not allow for humidity control.

  • CBC § 1005.3 Medium relevance — show source text

    1005.3 Required capacity based on occupant load. The required capacity, in inches (mm), of the means of egress for any room, area, space or story shall be not less than that determined in accordance with Sections 1005.3.1 and 1005.3.2.

    1005.3.1 Stairways. The capacity, in inches, of means of egress stairways shall be calculated by multiplying the occupant load served by such stairways by a means of egress capacity factor of 0.3 inch (7.6 mm) per occupant. Where stairways serve more than one story, only the occupant load of each story considered individually shall be used in calculating the required capacity of the stairways serving that story.

    Exceptions:

    1. For other than Group H and I-2 occupancies, the capacity, in inches, of means of egress stairways shall be calculated by multiplying the occupant load served by such stairways by a means of egress capacity factor of 0.2 inch (5.1 mm) per occupant in buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2 and an emergency voice/alarm communication system in accordance with Section 907.5.2.2.

    2. Facilities with smoke-protected assembly seating shall be permitted to use the capacity factors in Table 1030.6.2 indicated for stepped aisles for exit access or exit stairways where the entire path for means of egress from the seating to the exit discharge is provided with a smoke control system complying with Section 909.

    3. Facilities with open-air assembly seating shall be permitted to the capacity factors in Section 1030.6.3 indicated for stepped aisles for exit access or exit stairways where the entire path for means of egress from the seating to the exit discharge is open to the outdoors. 4. For Group H-1, H-2, H-3 and H-4 occupancies the total width of means of egress in inches (mm) shall not be less than the total occupant load served by the means of egress multiplied by 0.7 inches (7.62 mm) per occupant.

    1005.3.2 Other egress components. The capacity, in inches, of means of egress components other than stairways shall be calculated by multiplying the occupant load served by such component by a means of egress capacity factor of 0.2 inch (5.1 mm) per occupant.

    Exceptions:

    1. For other than Group H and I-2 occupancies, the capacity, in inches, of means of egress components other than stairways shall be calculated by multiplying the occupant load served by such component by a means of egress capacity factor of 0.15 inch (3.8 mm) per occupant in buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2 and an emergency voice/alarm communication system in accordance with Section 907.5.2.2.

    2. Facilities with smoke-protected assembly seating shall be permitted to use the capacity factors in Table 1030.6.2 indicated for level or ramped aisles for means of egress components other than stairways where the entire path for means of egress from the seating to the exit discharge is provided with a smoke control system complying with Section 909.

    2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 10-9

  • CBC § 1002.2 Medium relevance — show source text

    Evacuation plans 1002.2 Existing buildings 3310 Exit (see Exit) 1022, 1027 Exit access (see Exit Access) 1016, 1021 Exit discharge (see Exit Discharge) 1028 Exit enclosures 1023.2

    Exit passageway 1024 Exit signs 1013, 2702.2 Fire escapes 412.7.3 Fire safety plans 1002.2 Floor surface 804, 1003.4 Gates 1010.4

    Group I-2 407.2, 407.3, 407.4, 1019.4 Group I-3 408.2, 408.3, 408.4, 408.6, 408.8, 1019.4 Guards 1015

    Handrails 1014

    Hazardous materials 414.6.1.2, 415.11.2, 415.11.6.6 Headroom 1003.2, 1003.3 Heliports, Helistops 412.7.3 High-hazard Group H 415.11.2 High-rise 403.5, 403.6 Illumination 1008, 2702.2 Interior finish 803.13, 804 Ladders (see Ladders) Live loads Table 1607.1

    Live/work units 508.5.3 Mezzanines 505.2.2, 505.2.3, 1004.2.2,

    1009.1 Moving walk 1003.7 Number 1001.2, 1006 Occupant load 1004 Parking 406.5.7 Protruding objects 1003.3, 1005.7 Ramps 1012, 1019, 1027 Scoping 101.3, 108.2, 1001.1 Seating, fixed 1009.1, 1030 Special amusement areas 411.4 Stages 410.2.3, 410.5 Stairways 403.5, 404.6, 1005.3.1, 1011, 1019, 1023, 1027 Temporary structures 3103.4 Travel distance (see Travel Distance) 1006.2.1,

    1017

    Turnstile 1010.5

    Underground buildings 405.5.1, 405.7 Width 1005.1, 1005.2, 1005.4, 1011.2, 1012.5.1, 1020.3, 1030.6, 1030.8 Mechanical (see Air Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration and Ventilation) 101.4.2 Access 1011.12, 1208.4 Air transfer openings 705.11, 706.11, 707.10, 708.9, 709.8, 712.1.6, 713.10, 714.1.1, 717 Chimneys (see Chimneys) Code Chapter 28 Disconnected 3303.6

Frequently asked questions

How do I decide net vs gross area when a table row doesn't say?

Use the specific Table 1004.5 entry for the function; where the table lists a row as “net” or “gross” follow that. If the intended function is not listed, the building official will assign the nearest listed function. See §1004.5.

If a mezzanine has its own exit, do I still add its occupants to the room below?

If the mezzanine has two or more exits or direct access to exits so it does not rely on the room below for egress, you do not add its occupants to the room below. See §505.2.2 and §1004.2.2.

Can I use an actual (lower) occupant count if calculated load is higher?

Yes — where approved by the building official, the actual number of occupants for which the space is designed (even if less than the calculated value) may be used in determining the design occupant load. See the Exception to §1004.5.

How do occupant loads affect stair and corridor widths?

Occupant load is multiplied by the CBC capacity factors to determine required capacity in inches: stairways (0.3 in/occ typical) and other egress components (0.2 in/occ typical); exceptions and reduced factors apply when the building is sprinklered and meets the conditions stated in §1005.3. See §1005.3.1 and §1005.3.2.

Where must occupant loads be posted?

Assembly, classroom, dining or similar spaces having occupant loads of 50 or more (assembly occupancies) must have the occupant load posted near the main exit or exit access doorway. See §1004.9.

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