Assembly (Group A) – places used for people gathering for entertainment, worship, and eating or drinking. Examples: churches, restaurants (with 50 or more possible occupants), theaters, and stadiums. Group A is divided into five sub groups.
Business (Group B) – places where services are provided (not to be confused with mercantile, below). Examples: banks, insurance agencies, government buildings (including police and fire stations), and doctor’s offices.
Educational (Group E) – schools and day care centers up to the 12th grade.
Factory (Group F) – places where goods are manufactured or repaired (unless considered “High-Hazard” (below)). Examples: factories and dry cleaners.
High-Hazard (Group H) – places involving production or storage of very flammable or toxic materials. Includes places handling explosives and/or highly toxic materials (such as fireworks, hydrogen peroxide, and cyanide).
Institutional (Group I) – places where people are physically unable to leave without assistance. Examples: hospitals, nursing homes, and prisons. In some jurisdictions, Group I may be used to designate Industrial.
Mercantile (Group M) – places where goods are displayed and sold. Examples: grocery stores, department stores, and gas stations.
Residential (Group R) – places providing accommodations for overnight stay (excluding Institutional). Examples: houses, apartment buildings, hotels, and motels.
Storage (Group S) – places where items are stored (unless considered High-Hazard). Examples: warehouses and parking garages.
Utility and Miscellaneous (Group U) – others. Examples: water towers, barns, towers.
