I am trying to understand if/how the max occupancy rules can be a fire hazard. I am hosting a lunch for my friends (8 including me) in my one room apt. No one is staying overnight. Only 5-6 hours max. Where do I lookup if I am breaching any rules or what are my responsibilities?
I tried to search the state laws but they are only for overnight guests. But I want to make sure I don’t do anything I am not supposed to even if it’s only a few hours .
In: 2
Max occupancy is for public spaces like office buildings, churches and stadiums.
It’s so that in the event of an emergency there are enough exits for all people to leave safely and quickly.
Residential is different as it’s private.
Now you might have some rules about it if you are in an apartment building. The lobby should have that information, usually all those notices that no one reads.
Building code is also regional so it depends on where you live. A more urban area will most likely have more rules about this.
But also plain common sense factors in, if you have a small 1 bedroom apartment, having a party with 20 or 30 people is just asking for dumb stuff to happen. Don’t overcrowd your space.
A good rule of thumb. Don’t have more people than you have places for them all to sit. That’s just a good social event rule to always follow when indoors.
Source: Previous building inspector.
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