How it is determined
Codes assign an area per person for each type of use. A restaurant dining room, a retail floor and an office all have different figures. The total, divided by the space, sets the maximum number of people.
The count influences exits, corridor widths and washroom requirements.
Mixed uses in one space, such as a cafe with a retail corner, may be assessed under more than one category.
Effects on the design
More occupants may require more exits, wider doors, more washroom fixtures and additional fire protection. A small increase in capacity can trigger a large change.
Designers and our in-house engineering team check this at the start so the layout is realistic.
Fire protection systems
Sprinklers, alarms, emergency lighting and exit signs are set by occupancy type and size. Changing the use can require upgrades, even if the physical space is unchanged.
Our team installs electrical, alarm and emergency lighting systems in-house, which keeps the coordination simple.
Alarm devices, door releases and exit signs are tied together, so a single team installing them reduces conflicts.
Common problems
Assembly uses such as restaurants, event rooms and fitness studios often hit load limits. Others forget to account for mezzanines, storage or future growth.
If the design assumes a higher count than the building can support, redesign can be expensive.
What to do
Raise the intended occupant count in your first design meeting and confirm with the authority having jurisdiction where needed. Keep posted capacity signs current.
Our engineers can prepare an occupant load summary that your landlord and reviewers can read quickly.
Questions we hear
Who sets the occupant load?
It is calculated by the designer from code tables and reviewed by the authority. A posted sign shows the approved number.
Can occupant load be increased later?
Possibly, if exits and fixtures allow, but it needs review and may need construction.