The total number of occupants shall be the occupant load determined in accordance with Section 1004 of the Chicago Building Code provided that such number may be reduced based on nonsimultaneous occupancy or access controls. Where separate facilities for each sex are required by Section 18-29-403.2 or the number of occupants of each sex is required by Table 18-29-403.1, the number of male occupants and the number of female occupants shall be the total number of occupants divided in half. Where the calculated number of male occupants is not a whole number, it shall be rounded down to the next whole number, and the calculated number of female occupants shall be rounded up to the next whole number so that the sum of male occupants and female occupants is equal to the total number of occupants.
Exceptions:
1. The total number of occupants shall not be required to be divided in half where approved statistical data indicate a distribution of the sexes of other than 50 percent of each sex. In such case, the total number of occupants shall be divided based on the approved statistical data.
2. Where a ratio is based on the number of care recipients, detainees or employees in a facility, the number shall be determined in accordance with Table 18-29-403.1, footnote c.
3. In mercantile occupancies with 7,500 square feet (697 m
2
) or more of gross floor area, the number of occupants shall be determined by dividing the net floor area used by the public or 25 percent of the gross floor area, whichever is smaller, by 100.
(Added Coun. J. 10-14-21, p. 37722, Art. IV, § 6)