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IBC Section 306 — Group F Occupancies

Updated Apr 3, 2026
Covers factory and industrial occupancies divided into moderate-hazard and low-hazard categories based on process risk.

Section 306 establishes two categories of factory and industrial occupancies: Group F-1 (Moderate-Hazard) and Group F-2 (Low-Hazard). Group F-1 moderate-hazard occupancies include manufacturing processes using flammable or combustible materials, sawmills, textile operations, and facilities processing or utilizing hazardous materials not in sufficient quantity to create a hazardous occupancy classification. These operations involve processes with elevated fire risk requiring automatic sprinkler protection throughout in most cases. Occupant load calculations for factory areas use one person per 200 square feet unless specific operations require higher density. Group F-2 low-hazard industrial occupancies include assembly operations with noncombustible materials, cold storage facilities without hazardous commodities, and laboratories with minimal hazardous material quantities. These spaces generally have lower fire protection requirements than F-1 occupancies. Both categories require appropriate exits based on occupant load and floor area, with minimum two exits required for any industrial space exceeding the allowable occupant load for single-exit designs. Special provisions apply to areas with printing operations, spray painting, flammable liquid dispensing, and other high-hazard manufacturing activities. Mezzanines are permitted in industrial occupancies with specific area and height limitations. Loading areas, warehousing components, and outdoor storage areas associated with industrial facilities must meet specific fire separation and protection requirements.

TAGS
ibcchapter-3factoryindustrialgroup-f
DETAILS
section
306
category
Use & Occupancy
code body
IBC
code year
2021
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