Occupant Load Analysis

Noven Consulting assesses occupant loads for assembly spaces, commercial premises and licensed venues in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. We help owners, operators and project teams document the proposed use, review the available exits and prepare information for the relevant authority.

Use, layout and egress capacity

An occupant load review considers the use and layout of the space together with the applicable code and egress requirements. A proposed seating arrangement, operational change or renovation can affect the assessment. Existing approvals and restrictions also need to be understood.

The agreed scope can include:

• Review of plans, proposed activities and occupant arrangements.
• Occupant load calculations and assessment of exit provisions.
• Documentation of assumptions, constraints and proposed capacity.
• Coordination of questions and submissions with building or fire officials.

Approval and operating requirements

The engineering analysis provides the technical basis for the relevant authority’s approval process. Building, fire and licensing requirements may all be relevant. The Province of British Columbia's fire safety codes and bulletins explain occupant load considerations and the relationship between different restrictions.

For a licensed establishment, confirm the documentation and approval sequence with the municipality and licensing team. Existing certificate conditions should be included in the review. Related services include fire code consulting and pedestrian and evacuation modelling.

Request an occupant load assessment

Provide the address, floor plans with dimensions, exit information, proposed use and seating layouts, existing occupant load documentation, and any authority or licensing comments. Tell us what is changing and when the assessment is needed. Request a proposal.