Official Maximum Occupancy & Load Limit Signs

Pass your Fire Marshal inspection with compliant Maximum Occupancy Signs. Whether you manage a restaurant, bar, gym, or event space, clearly posting your occupant load is a requirement of the International Fire Code (IFC) and NFPA 101. We stock professional "Fill-in-the-Blank" signs, custom engraved placards, and heavy-duty architectural signage designed to meet local building codes. In stock and ships same-day.
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IBC & NFPA Mounting Compliance

Per International Building Code (IBC) Section 1004.3, occupant load signs must be permanently anchored and clearly visible near the main exit.

  • Vertical Height: Install the sign so the center line is 60 inches (5 ft) from the finished floor (AFF). This meets standard eye-level visibility requirements for Fire Marshals.
  • Location: Mount adjacent to the latch side of the door, or directly above the header if wall space is limited.
  • Fastening: Use permanent foam tape or screws. Velcro or temporary magnets are not compliant for permanent occupancy posting.

Guide to NFPA & Fire Code Occupancy Signage

Posting a Maximum Occupancy sign (also known as a Load Limit sign) is not a suggestion; it is a mandatory safety regulation for "Assembly Occupancies." If you operate a space where people gather—such as a dining hall, conference room, church, or night club—failure to post this sign can result in immediate fines or a "Stop Work" order from your local Fire Marshal.

When is an Occupancy Sign Required?

According to the International Building Code (IBC Section 1004.3), every room or space that is an assembly occupancy shall have the occupant load of the room or space posted in a conspicuous place.

  • Assembly defined: Generally, any room designed to hold 50 or more people is considered an Assembly Occupancy.
  • Multiple Rooms: If your facility has a main dining room and a separate private party room, each specific area often requires its own calculated load sign.

Technical Specifications for Legibility

A handwritten note on a piece of paper is not compliant. The code requires the sign to be durable and permanent.

  • Contrast: The text must be a contrasting color to the background (typically Black on White or Red on White) to ensure visibility in low light or smoke conditions.
  • Letter Height: While local codes vary, standard text height for the words "MAXIMUM OCCUPANCY" should be at least 1 inch high to be readable from a distance.
  • Durability: Signs must be made of rigid plastic, acrylic, or aluminum. They must withstand wear and tear and cannot be easily defaced or removed.

How to Fill Out Your Sign

Most of our stock signs feature a "Write-On" surface or a blank field.

  1. Get the Number: Do not guess this number. You must use the specific number calculated by your Building Official or Fire Marshal based on your square footage and exit width.
  2. Marking the Sign: Use a permanent industrial marker or apply vinyl numbering to the blank space.
  3. Engraving: For a more professional look in hotels or offices, we offer Custom Engraved architectural plaques where the number is permanently etched into the plastic.

Installation Guidelines

  • Location: The sign must be mounted near the main exit or entrance of the room.
  • Height: It should be mounted at eye level (roughly 60 inches from the floor) so it is immediately visible to anyone entering the space, including safety inspectors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions regarding MUTCD compliance, installation standards, and material specifications for regulatory signage.
How do I calculate my maximum occupancy number?

You generally cannot calculate this yourself for legal purposes. The Building Official establishes the occupant load based on the floor area (Net vs. Gross) and the function of the space (e.g., Standing Room vs. Tables and Chairs). Check your Certificate of Occupancy (CO) or contact your local Fire Marshal to get the official number.
Is a "Write-On" sign legal?

For most commercial businesses, a rigid plastic or aluminum sign where you write the number in with a permanent marker is fully compliant, provided the writing is legible and the sign is permanently mounted. High-end venues often prefer engraved signs for aesthetics, but the legal function is the same.
Does a small breakroom need an occupancy sign?

Typically, no. Spaces with an occupant load of fewer than 50 people (unless deemed hazardous) are usually exempt from the posting requirement under the IBC. However, local amendments vary, so always verify with your local inspector.

Need specific code assistance?

If your project requires a specific State DOT certification or a specialized variation not listed here, please contact our Compliance Support Team for a custom specification sheet.