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 claimBaggage handlingConcourseWaiting areas | 20 gross300 gross100 gross15 gross | |
| Assembly | ||
| Gaming floors (keno,slots, etc.)Exhibit gallery and museumBilliard table/game table area | 11 gross30 net50 gross | |
| Assembly with fixed seats | See Section 1004.6 | |
| Assembly without fixed seats | ||
| Concentrated (chairs only - Not fixed)Standing spaceUnconcentrated (tables and chairs) | 7 net5 net15 net | |
| Bowling centers, allow 5 persons for each lane including 15 feet of runway and for additional areas | 7 net | |
| Business areas | 150 gross | |
| Concentrated business use areas | See Section 1004.8 | |
| Courtrooms - Other than fixed seating areas | 40 net | |
| Day care | 35 net | |
| Dormitories | 50 gross | |
| Educational | ||
| Classroom areaShops and other vocational room areas | 20 net50 net | |
| Exercise rooms | 50 gross | |
| Fixed guideway transit and passenger rail systems | ||
| PlatformConcourse/lobby | 100 gross (See Section 4901) | |
| Group H-5 fabrication and manufacturing areas | 200 gross | |
| Industrial areas | 100 gross | |
| Institutional areas | ||
| Inpatient treatment areasOutpatient areasSleeping areas | 240 gross100 gross120 gross | |
| Kitchens, commercial | 200 gross | |
| Library | ||
| Reading roomsStack area | 50 net100 gross | |
| Locker rooms | 50 gross | |
| Mall buildings - Covered and open | See Section 402.8.2 of the IBC | |
| Mercantile | ||
| Storage, stock, shipping areas | 60 gross300 gross | |
| Parking garages | 200 gross | |
| Residential | 200 gross | |
| Skating rinks, swimming pools | ||
| Rink and poolDecks | 50 gross15 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. |
[Statutory Authority: RCW 19.27.031 and 19.27.074. WSR 22-13-093, 23-12-107, and 23-20-027, § 51-54A-1004, filed 6/14/22, 6/7/23, and 9/25/23, effective 3/15/24.]