Last updated: 2026-04-30T00:00:00+00:00 · 3 tools in this category
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CODE 🏢Occupancy Load CalculatorNFPA 101 Table 7.3.1.2 + IBC Table 1004.5 side-by-side. Egress + AHJ-ready letter export. Calculate Load → REFERENCE 📚NFPA Standard Explorer65+ NFPA standards by topic — summaries, scope, and official links. Browse Standards → PREPLAN 🏢Fire Pre-Plan Builder12 templates — access, hydrants/FDC, hazards, shutoffs, occupant info. Start Pre-Plan →

From plan review to incident pre-plan

Code compliance has two audiences: people building or operating a space who need to satisfy AHJ requirements, and firefighters pre-planning structures they may someday respond to. These tools support both.

For owners, architects, AHJs

The occupancy load calculator gives you a one-page AHJ-ready letter showing NFPA 101 and IBC results side-by-side, including the more-restrictive value where they disagree. The NFPA Standard Explorer indexes 65+ standards by topic — useful when a plan reviewer needs to cite "what does NFPA say about industrial smoke control?"

For fire departments

The Fire Pre-Plan Builder produces a 12-section pre-plan ready for upload to your CAD or pinned to your station bulletin board. Combined with NFPA Explorer for plan-review reference and Occupancy Load for verification of posted limits, the toolset covers the full pre-incident planning cycle.

FAQ

Most U.S. jurisdictions adopt the IBC for new construction permits and the NFPA 101 Life Safety Code for ongoing operation, modifications, and certain occupancies (assembly, healthcare). Where the two codes disagree, AHJs typically apply the more-restrictive value. Confirm the version and adopted edition with your local building department or fire marshal.

Each space type has a factor (sq ft per person) and a basis (net or gross). Net excludes corridors, restrooms, and mechanical rooms; gross is the full perimeter area. Divide your floor area by the factor: 3,000 sq ft restaurant ÷ 15 net (assembly less concentrated) = 200 occupants.

The code value is the maximum permitted; AHJs may assign a lower value due to limited egress capacity, sprinkler deficiencies, travel-distance limits, or grandfathered restrictions. The legal occupancy is whatever your AHJ posts on your certificate of occupancy or operating permit — not the theoretical calculation.

References & Notes

  • NFPA 101 — Life Safety Code, current edition
  • International Building Code (IBC) — current edition
  • American Burn Association — referral criteria
  • NFPA 1620 — Standard for Pre-Incident Planning

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Training reference only. All tools are for informational and training purposes and do not replace official department policies, training, medical protocols, or professional judgment. Always follow your AHJ and your department's SOP/SOG.