Statutes, codes, and regulations
Code of Massachusetts Regulations
Department 780 CMR - STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDSChapter 10 - Means of Egress
Section 1004 - OCCUPANT LOAD
Subsection 1004.1 - Design occupant load

780 CMR, 1004.1

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Current through Register 1533, October 25, 2024
Subsection 1004.1 - Design occupant load

In determining means of egress requirements, the number of occupants for whom means of egress facilities shall be provided shall be determined in accordance with this section. Where occupants from accessory areas egress through a primary space, the calculated occupant load for the primary space shall include the total occupant load of the primary space plus the number of occupants egressing through it from the accessory area.

1004.1.1Areas without fixed seating. The number of occupants shall be computed at the rate of one occupant per unit of area as prescribed in Table 1004.1.1. For areas without fixed seating, the occupant load shall not be less than that number determined by dividing the floor area under consideration by the occupant per unit of area factor assigned to the occupancy as set forth in Table 1004.1.1. Where an intended use is not listed in Table 1004.1.1, the building official shall establish a use based on a listed use that most nearly resembles the intended use.

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.

TABLE 1004.1.1 MAXIMUM FLOOR AREA ALLOWANCES PER OCCUPANT

FUNCTION OF SPACEFLOOR AREA IN SQ. FT. PER OCCUPANT
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
Assembly with fixed seats See Section 1004.7
Assembly without fixed seats
Concentrated (chairs only-not fixed) 7 net
Standing space 5 net
Unconcentrated (tables and chairs) 15 net
Bowling centers, allow 5 persons for each lane including 15 feet of runway, and for additional areas 7 net
Business areas 100 gross
Courtrooms-other than fixed seating areas 40 net
Day care 35 net
Dormitories 50 gross
Educational
Classroom area 20 net
Shops and other vocational room areas 50 net
Exercise rooms 50 gross
H-5 Fabrication and manufacturing areas 200 gross
Industrial areas 100 gross
Institutional areas
Inpatient treatment areas 240 gross
Outpatient areas 100 gross
Sleeping areas 120 gross
Kitchens, commercial 200 gross
Library
Reading rooms 50 net
Stack area 100 gross
Locker rooms 50 gross
Mercantile
Areas on other floors 60 gross
Basement and grade floor areas 30 gross
Storage, stock, shipping areas 300 gross
Parking garages 200 gross
Residential 200 gross
Skating rinks, swimming pools
Rink and pool 50 gross
Decks 15 gross
Stages and platforms 15 net
Warehouses 500 gross
For SI: 1 square foot = 0.0929 m2.

780 CMR, 1004.1