In mixed-use buildings, the sum of the ratios of actual building area to allowable building area for each separated occupancy must not exceed what value?

In mixed-use buildings, the sum of the ratios of actual building area to allowable building area for each separated occupancy must not exceed a value of 1. This means that the total area of the various occupancy types within the building must collectively stay within the limits set by their respective codes and regulations.

This approach ensures that the building does not exceed its intended use and safety limits for each type of occupancy, which is crucial for maintaining safety standards and ensuring that the different activities within the building can coexist without issues. By restricting the total ratio to 1, it guarantees that no single occupancy type dominates the usable area to the detriment of others, thereby preserving the intended scale and safety considerations inherent in mixed-use designs.

Higher values would allow more of a single type of occupancy, potentially leading to overcrowding or safety concerns, which is why the sum is limited to 1. This regulation is particularly important for balancing fire safety, accessibility, usage compatibility, and structural integrity in buildings with diverse functions.