What defines the maximum number of persons allowed to occupy a building or space?

The term "occupant load" specifically refers to the maximum number of people that can safely occupy a building or a given space at one time. This concept is crucial for ensuring safety and proper egress during emergencies, as it directly impacts the design and compliance of exits, pathways, and other safety measures in a building. The occupant load is calculated based on factors like the use of the building, its layout, and local building codes.

Capacity limit typically refers to the same idea but is not the technical term used in building regulations and codes. An evacuation plan outlines how people should exit a building in case of an emergency, but it does not define the maximum allowable population for a space. Building code encompasses all regulations governing construction practices, safety standards, and occupancy limits, but "occupant load" is the specific term that denotes the maximum number of occupants at any given time. Thus, occupant load is the most precise and appropriate answer to the question.