How is the occupant load for my building calculated?
The occupant load for a building is based on the number of people that can be in a specific area of a building. It uses the actual square foot of a room or area multiplied by a factor indicated in the Fire Code for that type of room use. The total occupant load for a building is calculated by adding all of the various room/area occupant loads together.


Certain types of rooms are exempt from calculation, such as a bathroom, because the bathroom would normally be occupied by someone from one of the other calculated rooms.

The occupant load indicator listed in the Fire Code is different for different types of room uses; for example, an area used for an office does not need as much room as a room where manufacturing equipment is used. The seating area of a church with fixed pews is different from the seating area of a restaurant.

I just started a business and moved into a new building, what do I have to do?
You must obtain a Certificate of Occupancy or a change in occupancy. In order to get this certificate, you must call the Fire Marshal's Office and schedule a Fire Inspection for a Certificate of Occupancy.

An inspection is required because buildings are built based on the contents or operations to be performed inside the building. When the occupancy changes, the Fire Inspector has to check to make sure the fire protection related constructions features of the building are consistent with the new occupancy and it contents and operations. You will be advised at the time if additional fire protection systems or fire resistive construction must be added based on your operations. If the building is found to meet the fire code for your occupancy requirements, the Certificate of Occupancy will be granted. If the building does not meet the specific Fire Code requirements, the Inspector will provide you with information on how to proceed from that point, and who to contact.

Show All Answers

1. What is a fire inspection?
2. How can I prepare for the inspection?
3. What is the International Fire Code 2012?
4. How often will my business or property be inspected?
5. What if I have a question about the inspection and fire code violations?
6. Why does the city conduct Fire Inspections?
7. A Fire Inspector found a violation of the Fire Code in my building, what must I do?
8. How long do I have to correct the fire code violations noted on an inspection?
9. If I fail to make corrections to a fire code violation, what happens?
10. The Fire Inspector told me that a re-inspection is necessary, why?
11. Can I schedule a Courtesy Inspection or Fire Code Consultation?
12. Why am I being told I have to install a Fire Alarm System?
13. Why am I being told I have to install a Fire Sprinkler System?
14. Is my building is "Grandfathered" from having to meet current codes?
15. How is the occupant load for my building calculated?
16. When do I need a permit?
17. How do I get a permit application?
18. The Fire Inspector told me that a re-inspection is necessary, why?
19. There is a leaking fire hydrant on my street. Who is responsible for repairing it?
20. Why does the Deer Park Volunteer Fire Department make so much noise when they respond to a call?
21. SMOKE DETECTORS SAVE LIVES!!
22. Is one smoke detector enough?
23. Where should I install smoke detectors?
24. What type of smoke detectors are there?
25. How do I maintain my smoke detectors?
26. What should I do if I hear a smoke detector's alarm sound?
27. My smoke detector is "chirping". What should I do?
28. Who do I call to complain about tall weeds, fire hazards or abandoned autos?
29. Why do so many fire apparatus respond to simple incidents?
30. How come I see fire trucks with full lights and sirens go through a red light at intersections and then, after they go through, they turn off their lights and slow down?
31. Why do I see firefighters cutting holes in the roof of a building on fire?
32. Who do I call about a fire extinguisher that doesn't work?
33. How can I become a member of the Deer Park Volunteer Fire Department?
34. How do I get a copy of a fire incident report from the Deer Park Volunteer Fire Department?
35. Where is Deer Park Fire Marshal's Office located?