Wash. Admin. Code § 51-54A-1004
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. |
1004.5.1 Increased occupant load. The occupant load permitted in any building, or portion thereof, is permitted to be increased from that number established for the occupancies in Table 1004.5, provided that all other requirements of the code are met based on such modified number and the occupant load does not exceed one occupant per 7 square feet (0.65 m2) of occupiable floor space. Where required by the fire code official, an approved aisle, seating or fixed equipment diagram substantiating any increase in occupant load shall be submitted. Where required by the fire code official, such diagram shall be posted.
Table 1004.5
Maximum Floor Area Allowances Per Occupant
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 Baggage handling Concourse Waiting areas | 20 gross 300 gross 100 gross 15 gross |
Assembly Gaming floors (keno,slots, etc.) Exhibit gallery and museum Billiard table/game table area | 11 gross 30 net 50 gross |
Assembly with fixed seats | See Section 1004.6 |
Assembly without fixed seats Concentrated (chairs only - Not fixed) Standing space Unconcentrated (tables and chairs) | 7 net 5 net 15 net |
Bowling centers, allow 5 persons for each lane including 15 feet of runway and for additional areas | 7 net |
Business areas Concentrated business use areas | 150 gross See Section 1004.8 |
Courtrooms - Other than fixed seating areas | 40 net |
Day care | 35 net |
Dormitories | 50 gross |
Educational Classroom area Shops and other vocational room areas | 20 net 50 net |
Exercise rooms | 50 gross |
Fixed guideway transit and passenger rail systems Platform Concourse/lobby | 100 gross (See Section 4901) |
Group H-5 fabrication and manufacturing areas | 200 gross |
Industrial areas | 100 gross |
Institutional areas Inpatient treatment areas Outpatient areas Sleeping areas | 240 gross 100 gross 120 gross |
Kitchens, commercial | 200 gross |
Library Reading rooms Stack area | 50 net 100 gross |
Locker rooms | 50 gross |
Mall buildings - Covered and open | See Section 402.8.2 of the IBC |
Mercantile Storage, stock, shipping areas | 60 gross 300 gross |
Parking garages | 200 gross |
Residential | 200 gross |
Skating rinks, swimming pools Rink and pool Decks | 50 gross 15 gross |
Stages and platforms | 15 net |
Warehouses | 500 gross |
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 square foot = 0.0929 m2 |
a Floor area in square feet per occupant.
Wash. Admin. Code § 51-54A-1004