Capacity Calculator

During this time of recovery and reopening, the Buildings Department is committed to helping you with your reopening efforts. Many of the local Executive Orders note fire code capacity as an indicator for gathering limits. Please use the calculator below to support your preparations. 

How Capacity is Calculated

  • For a mercantile/retail space, the number is determined by dividing the square footage of the actual retail sales area by 30 for the first-floor area and/or areas below grade and by 60 for areas above the first floor.  The resulting number is the number of occupants permitted by the fire code for 100 % occupancy. 
  • For a Barber Shop/ Salon space, the number is determined by dividing the square footage of the area normally utilized for hair services by 100. The resulting number is the number of occupants permitted by the fire code for 100 % occupancy. 
  • The calculated number will need to be multiplied appropriately to calculate the percentage noted in the orders (for example; If you are permitted to operate with no more than 50%, multiple the number by .50). The resulting number is the maximum number of people allowed in the space at one time (the number includes patrons and employees). As a reminder, regardless of your occupancy allowances, physical distancing guidelines still apply. 

Mercantile/Retail Space Calculator

The area being used for the calculation should not include back-of-house, stock areas, break rooms, mechanical rooms, restrooms, vestibules, etc. NOTE: The number produced below is the 100% capacity number. You must calculate/adjust this number based on the percentages allowed per the Governor and local orders.

Enter your first floor and/or below grade square footage:

Enter your second floor square footage:

 

Barber Shop/Salon Calculator**

The area being used for the calculation should not include back-of-house, stock areas, break rooms, mechanical rooms, restrooms, vestibules, etc. NOTE: The number produced below is the 100% capacity number. You must calculate/adjust this number based on the percentages allowed per the Governor and local orders.

Enter your total square footage of the area permissible by the Executive Order:

 

If you have questions about your capacity and how it relates to the recent State, County, and City orders, please call 301-600-3827. More information on the local orders can be found at cityoffrederickmd.gov/covid19.