Which of the following best describes a Mixed Occupancy?

• A. A building where occupancies are intermingled
• B. A building where occupancies are separated by fire barriers
• C. A building with only one occupancy
• D. A building that includes health care and detention

Answer: (A)

Mixed occupancy is when a building contains more than one occupancy type and the spaces for those occupancies are intermingled rather than separated by fire barriers. This differs from separated occupancies, where fire barriers or partitions isolate different uses. In a mixed-occupancy building, life-safety design must address the most restrictive requirements among the occupancies present, often leading to enhanced fire protection and egress considerations. So describing occupancies as intermingled best captures the concept.