What is the term for the change in the occupancy classification of a structure or portion of a structure?

• A. Change of Use
• B. Change of Occupancy Classification
• C. Alteration of Building Code
• D. Structural Refit

Answer: (B)

In NFPA 101, how a building is classified for life safety depends on its occupancy classification, which groups spaces by the level of risk and the protections required. When that classification changes for all or part of a structure, the term used is Change of Occupancy Classification. This reflects a shift in the fundamental protection needs—egress, fire resistance, detection and suppression—based on the new, higher or different occupancy group.

Change of Use describes a different idea: it’s about what the space is being used for, which can influence loads or means of egress but doesn’t by itself imply a reclassification of the occupancy groups. The other options—Alteration of Building Code and Structural Refit—aren’t standard terms used to describe this concept in life safety contexts.