Occupancy Classification is used in the state building code and categorizes structures based on their primary usage, such as a home’s main purpose is Residential (R) or a hospital’s main purpose is Healthcare (I-2). Other examples of Occupancy Classification are Assembly (A), Business (B), and Factory (F).
Knowing a project’s Occupancy Classification is a vital step toward determining if an architect or professional engineer is required. If you know a structure’s classification, use the chart in E&A Regulation Act to determine if a project is exempt or not, based on square footage.
If a structure contains more than one Occupancy Classification, use the most restrictive occupancy for determining if a licensee must be involved.