What is the maximum coverage of mezzanines?

The correct maximum coverage for mezzanines is 1/3 of the floor below. This regulation stems from the need to ensure that mezzanines do not overly occupy the space of the floor they are adjacent to, which helps maintain proper egress and fire safety.

By limiting the mezzanine to this maximum coverage, it allows for adequate space for fire suppression systems and escape routes in case of an emergency. This restriction also promotes structural integrity by preventing excessive load concentrations on specific areas of the floor below.

In contexts where mezzanine spaces are designed, allowing a greater percentage of coverage could increase the fire load and complicate evacuation plans. Hence, regulations typically emphasize this 1/3 maximum to promote safety and compliance within building designs.