Code guides · IBC Chapter 3
Occupancy classifications
Occupancy classification drives almost every other code requirement. A miscategorized occupancy can ripple into wrong fire ratings, wrong egress widths, and wrong sprinkler scope.
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The groups
- A — Assembly: theaters, restaurants, churches, sports arenas
- B — Business: offices, banks, post-secondary education
- E — Educational: K-12, daycare for >5 children
- F — Factory: manufacturing, F-1 moderate, F-2 low hazard
- H — High Hazard: chemical storage, explosives, gas
- I — Institutional: hospitals, jails, supervised care
- M — Mercantile: retail, wholesale, market
- R — Residential: R-1 hotel, R-2 multifamily, R-3 1-2 family, R-4 small group
- S — Storage: warehouse, S-1 moderate, S-2 low hazard
- U — Utility & Misc: barns, sheds, retaining walls
Disclosure
This is a plain-English summary for estimating purposes. It is not a substitute for the actual code documents — review for AHJ-specific amendments. Adopted editions vary by jurisdiction; OmniTakeoff applies the edition declared on the project, not a hard-coded default.
Related
Other guides in the same area.
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