Code Library › Volume 1 › Section 3.1 — General
PART 3 — FIRE PROTECTION, OCCUPANT SAFETY AND ACCESSIBILITYUpdated for the 2024 Ontario Building Code

3.1.17.1.Occupant Load Determination

(1) The occupant load of a floor area or part of a floor area, shall be based on (a) the number of seats in an assembly occupancy having fixed seats, (b) 2 persons per sleeping room in a dwelling unit, or (c) the number of persons for which the area is designed, but not less than that determined from Table 3.1.17.1. for occupancies other than those described in Clauses (a) and (b), unless it can be shown that the area will be occupied by fewer persons. (2) If a floor area or part thereof it has been designed for an occupant load other than that determined from Table 3.1.17.1., a permanent sign indicating that occupant load shall be posted in a conspicuous location. (3) For the purposes of this Article, mezzanines, tiers and balconies shall be regarded as part of the floor area. (4) If a room or group of rooms is intended for different occupancies at different times, the value to be used from Table

This provision includes a table — formatting is preserved from the source; refer to the official code for the authoritative layout.

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Common questions about this part of the code

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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.