When determining occupant load, should the area of a mezzanine be considered if it is not classified as a storey?

Determining occupant load in a building involves considering all areas where people might be present, including mezzanines. If a mezzanine is not classified as a storey, it may still function as a space intended for occupancy, thus influencing the overall occupant load calculations.

Including the area of the mezzanine in the assessment helps ensure that life safety requirements are met, as it reflects the potential number of occupants that could be in the building at any given time. Building codes typically require that all occupied spaces, regardless of their designation as a storey, contribute to the occupant load calculation to ensure adequate egress provisions and safety measures.

While there might be specifics in certain building codes about the treatment of mezzanines, the general principle is that any space designed for occupancy should be accounted for when determining how many people can safely occupy the building. This encompasses safety, evacuation, and overall building functionality, ensuring that the design adheres to safety standards and provides a reasonable capacity for the expected use of the building.