Since 1928 building codes have assumed that business occupancies needed 100 square feet per occupant. In recognition of changing business practices, the ICC Code Change Committee for Egress has approved changing the number to 150 square feet per person.

In a similar move the committee refused to allow a proposed increase in the occupant load for industrial uses by 300% from 100 sf/occ to 300 sf/occ, due to lack of supporting evidence.

-Jay