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Building Official Determination 24-01: R-4 Relative Hazard Classification

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Source: Building Official Determination 24-01: R-4 Relative Hazard Classification ↗ Last modified: Sun, 19 Apr 2026 20:03:03 GMT


Building Code Guides (BCGs) and Building Official Determinations (BODs) provide answers about the application of building codes and outline optional alternates. BODs are typically smaller in scope and address simpler questions. Code Guides provide a comprehensive alternative to a complicated set of code requirements.

BOD 24-01: R-4 Relative Hazard Classification

QUESTION: Since Table 24.85-A was developed before R-4 occupancies were added to the building code, which Relative Hazard Classification is appropriate?

RESPONSE: Residential Group R-4 occupancies include buildings with more than five but not more than 16 persons, excluding staff, who reside on a 24-hour basis in a supervised residential environment and receive custodial care.

Due to the number of occupants and nature of occupants, R-4 occupancy is considered more hazardous than R-3 (typically one and two-family residential dwellings) but less hazardous than I-1 occupancy (which includes assisted living facilities with more than 16 occupants). R-4 occupancies are assigned to Relative Hazard Classification 4.

TABLE 24.85-A

Relative Hazard Classification

OSSC Occupancy Classification

Seismic Improvement Standard

6 (Highest)

A, E, I-2, I-3, H-1, H-2, H-3, H-4, H-5

OSSC or ASCE 41-BPON

5

R-1, SR, I-1, I-4

4

R-2, R-4

ASCE 41-BPOE

3

B, M

2

F-1, F-2, S-1, S-2

1 (Lowest)

R-3, U


HISTORY: Implemented January 12, 2024.

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