PART 3 — FIRE PROTECTION, OCCUPANT SAFETY AND ACCESSIBILITYUpdated for the 2024 Ontario Building Code
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3.1.17.1.shall be the value that gives the greatest number of persons for the occupancies concerned.
Table 3.1.17.1.
Occupant Load
Forming Part of Article 3.1.17.1.
Type of Use of Floor Area or Part Thereof Area per Person, m2
Assembly uses
space with fixed seats (1)
space with non-fixed seats 0.75
stages for theatrical performances 0.75
space with non-fixed seats and tables 0.95
standing space 0.40
stadia and grandstands 0.60
bowling alleys, pool and billiard rooms 9.30
classrooms 1.85
school shops and vocational rooms 9.30
reading or writing rooms or lounges 1.85
dining, beverage and cafeteria space 1.20
laboratories in schools 4.60
Care, care and treatment or detention uses
B-1 : detention quarters 11.60
B-2 : treatment and sleeping areas 10.00
B-3 : sleeping room areas 10.00
(See also Article 3.7.1.3.)
Residential uses
dwelling units (2)
dormitories 4.60
Business and personal services uses
personal service shops 4.60
offices 9.30
Mercantile uses
basements and first storeys 3.70
second storeys having a principal entrance from a pedestrian thoroughfare or a parking area 3.70
other storeys 5.60
Industrial uses
manufacturing or process rooms 4.60
storage garages 46.00
storage spaces (warehouse) 28.00
aircraft hangars 46.00
Other uses
cleaning and repair goods 4.60
kitchens 9.30
storage 46.00
public corridors intended for occupancies in addition to pedestrian travel 3.70(3)
Notes to Table 3.1.17.1.:
(1) See Clause 3.1.17.1.(1)(a).
(2) See Clause 3.1.17.1.(1)(b)
(3) See Note A-3.3.
This provision includes a table — formatting is preserved from the source; refer to the official code for the authoritative layout.
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Code text is reproduced for reference from the Ontario Building Code (O. Reg. 163/24, 2024 Building Code Compendium). This page is provided for general information and is not an official copy. Always verify requirements against the official Ontario Building Code and confirm with your local building department.