How is the occupant load for my building calculated?

The occupant load for a building is based on the number of people that can be in a specific area of a building. It uses the actual square foot of a room or area multiplied by a factor indicated in the Fire Code for that type of room use. The total occupant load for a building is calculated by adding all of the various room/area occupant loads together.

Certain types of rooms are exempt from the calculation, such as a bathroom, because the bathroom would normally be occupied by someone from one of the other calculated rooms.

The occupant load indicator listed in the Fire Code is different for different types of room uses; for example, an area used for an office does not need as much room as a room where manufacturing equipment is used. The seating area of a church with fixed pews is different from the seating area of a restaurant.

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1. What is a fire inspection?
2. How often will my business or property be inspected?
3. What if I have a question about the fire inspection and fire code violations?
4. What is the 2015 International Fire Code?
5. Why does the city conduct Fire Inspections?
6. A Fire Inspector found a violation of the Fire Code in my building, what must I do?
7. How long do I have to correct the fire code violations noted on an inspection?
8. If I fail to make corrections to a fire code violation, what happens?
9. The Fire Inspector told me that a re-inspection is necessary, why?
10. Can I schedule a Courtesy Inspection or Fire Code Consultation?
11. Why am I being told I have to install a Fire Alarm System?
12. Why am I being told I have to install a Fire Sprinkler System?
13. Is my building "Grandfathered" from having to meet current codes?
14. How is the occupant load for my building calculated?
15. I just started a business and moved into a new building, what do I have to do?
16. When do I need a permit?
17. How much does a permit cost?
18. How do I get a permit application?
19. How do I schedule an inspection?
20. Where is the Seabrook Fire Marshal's Office located?