ICC General Requirements Practice Exam

If a structure is assigned a risk category I, what does this indicate about occupancy?

1. The building is likely infrequently occupied

2. The building is frequently occupied

3. The building has high occupancy load

4. The building is only for residential use

The correct answer is: The building is likely infrequently occupied

Assigning a structure a risk category I indicates that it is intended for occupancy by a small number of people, usually on an infrequent basis. This category encompasses buildings such as agricultural structures, temporary facilities, or those used for low-hazard content. The main intent behind this classification is to acknowledge that these buildings generally have lower impacts on life safety and risk to health compared to those classified in higher risk categories. In this context, a risk category I structure is designed for minimal occupancy, which aligns with the correct answer. The other options imply increased occupancy or residential use, which does not correspond to the low occupancy nature associated with risk category I. Therefore, the correct understanding of this classification emphasizes infrequency and low occupancy levels.