New York City Occupancy Group

The NYC DOB (Department of Buildings) occupancy group classification system categorizes buildings and spaces based on their primary function or use.

NYC Occupancy Group Classification

Table of Contents

NYC Building Code 2022 BC 302.1

· Assembly (see Section 303): Groups A-1, A-2, A-3, A-4 and A-5.

· Business (see Section 304): Group B.

· Educational (see Section 305): Group E.

· Factory and Industrial (see Section 306): Groups F-1 and F-2.

· High Hazard (see Section 307): Groups H-1, H-2, H-3, H-4 and H-5.

· Institutional (see Section 308): Groups I-1, I-2, I-3 and I-4.

· Mercantile (see Section 309): Group M.

· Residential (see Section 310): Groups R-1, R-2, and R-3.

· Storage (see Section 311): Groups S-1 and S-2.

· Utility and Miscellaneous (see Section 312): Group U.

NYC Building Code 2014 BC 302.1

· Assembly (see Section 303): Groups A-1, A-2, A-3, A-4 and A-5.

· Business (see Section 304): Group B.

· Educational (see Section 305): Group E.

· Factory and Industrial (see Section 306): Groups F-1 and F-2.

· High Hazard (see Section 307): Groups H-1, H-2, H-3, H-4 and H-5.

· Institutional (see Section 308): Groups I-1, I-2, I-3 and I-4.

· Mercantile (see Section 309): Group M.

· Residential (see Section 310): Groups R-1, R-2 and R-3.

· Storage (see Section 311): Groups S-1 and S-2.

· Utility and Miscellaneous (see Section 312): Group U.

NYC Building Code 2008 BC 302.1

1. Assembly (see Section 303): Groups A-1, A-2, A-3, A-4 and A-5

2. Business (see Section 304): Group B

3. Educational (see Section 305): Group E

4. Factory and Industrial (see Section 306): Groups F-1 and F-2

5. High Hazard (see Section 307): Groups H-1, H-2, H-3, H-4 and H-5

6. Institutional (see Section 308): Groups I-1, I-2, I-3 and I-4

7. Mercantile (see Section 309): Group M

8. Residential (see Section 310): Groups R-1, R-2 and R-3

9. Storage (see Section 311): Groups S-1 and S-2

10. Utility and Miscellaneous (see Section 312): Group U

NYC Building Code 1968 SUBCHAPTER 3 27-237 TABLE 3-1

TABLE 3-1 OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATIONS
Occupancy Group	Classification	Fire Index
A	High hazard	4
B-1	Storage (moderate hazard)	3
B-2	Storage (low hazard)	2
C	Mercantile	2
D-1	Industrial (moderate hazard)	3
D-2	Industrial (low hazard)	2
E	Business	2
F-1a	Assembly (theaters, etc.)	1
F-1b	Assembly (churches, concert halls, etc.)	1
F-2	Assembly (outdoors)	1
F-3	Assembly (museums, etc.)	1
F-4	Assembly (restaurants, etc.)	1
G	Education	1
H-1	Institutional (restrained)	1
H-2	Institutional (incapacitated)	1
J-1	Residential (hotels, etc.)	1
J-2	Residential (apartment houses, etc.)	1
J-3	Residential (one-and-two-family dwellings)	1
K	Miscellaneous	1

NYC Building Code 1938 ARTICLE 4

(3.1.1). a. Public Buildings

(3.1.2). b. Residence Buildings.

(3.1.3). c. Commercial Buildings.

(3.1.4). §C26-236.0 Doubtful Classification.

(3.1.5). §C26-237.0 Mixed Occupancy.

To read more about NYC Zoning Resolution

These occupancy groups help regulate building construction, occupancy, fire safety, and zoning regulations, ensuring that buildings are designed and used safely and in compliance with applicable codes

Source: NYC DOB Building Code

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