Which criterion determines the required number of exits in a building according to code?

• A. Architecture firm preference.
• B. Occupant load, travel distance, and number of required exits.
• C. Door handle color.
• D. Building age.

Answer: (B)

The key idea is that exit requirements are driven by how many people might be inside and how far they must travel to reach safety. Codes tie occupant load to a minimum number of exits and also set maximum travel distances to an exit. If the space could hold many people or if the longest allowed walk to an exit would be exceeded, the code requires more exits or a different arrangement to ensure safe egress. Factors like architectural firm preference, door handle color, or the building’s age don’t determine how many exits are needed because they don’t reflect safe evacuation capacity or performance. So, occupant load and travel distance (which together influence the required number of exits) are the correct criteria.