What characterizes a Subsidiary Occupancy?

A Subsidiary Occupancy is characterized as a secondary use of a building that exists alongside a primary, or major, occupancy. This means that the key aspect of a subsidiary occupancy is its supporting role within the building, often serving a purpose that is ancillary to the main activities conducted within the space.

In practical terms, subsidiary occupancies might include spaces such as storage areas, mechanical rooms, or minor retail areas in a primarily residential building. These spaces are not the dominant function of the building but serve to complement and support the main use, which is essential in understanding their role in the context of building design and safety regulations.

The distinction of being a secondary use highlights that while these areas may have unique requirements for structure and safety, they do not carry the same level of occupancy risk or code requirements as the primary use, which is more consequential in terms of occupancy loads and design considerations.

This understanding of subsidiary occupancy is critical in architectural planning and when navigating building codes, as it informs how space can be utilized and what regulations need to be adhered to in order to ensure safety and functionality.