General Definition
- Mercantile Group “M” Occupancy refers to buildings used for displaying and selling goods, including retail stores, shopping centers, and wholesale showrooms.
- Both the International Building Code (IBC) and Japan’s Building Standard Law (BSL) classify mercantile buildings based on size, fire risk, and occupant load.
- However, BSL emphasizes seismic safety, pedestrian movement, and fireproofing for large-scale commercial complexes due to Japan’s urban density.
IBC Mercantile Group M Occupancy
- Department stores
- Drug stores
- Markets
- Greenhouses for display and sale of plants that provide public access.
- Motor fuel-dispensing facilities
- Retail or wholesale stores Sales rooms
BSL Occupancies Corresponding to IBC Group M
- 百貨店 (Hyakkaten) – Department Stores
- 薬局 (Yakkyoku) – Drug Stores / Pharmacies
- スーパーマーケット (Sūpāmāketto) – Supermarkets / Grocery Stores
- 商店 (Shōten) – Retail Stores (General Sales Rooms)
- Equivalent to IBC M: Retail Stores and Sales Rooms
- ホームセンター (Hōmu Sentā) – Home Improvement / Hardware Stores
- 園芸店 (Engeiten) – Greenhouses for Public Plant Sales
- ガソリンスタンド (Gasorin Sutando) – Motor Fuel-Dispensing Facilities
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Key Differences:
- BSL does not classify mercantile buildings as “M” occupancy but categorizes them based on size and function.
- BSL enforces stricter fireproofing (耐火建築物) for department stores, supermarkets, and commercial buildings over 1,000 m².
- BSL prioritizes pedestrian flow and emergency evacuation, requiring larger exit capacities in dense urban centers.\
- BSL classifies mercantile facilities under general “Commercial/Retail Establishments (店舗, Tenpo)” rather than a specific “Mercantile” category like IBC Group M.
- Gas stations (ガソリンスタンド) have additional regulations under the Fire Service Act, while retail stores and supermarkets primarily follow general fire safety and accessibility rules.
- Department stores, large supermarkets, and wholesale stores require stricter fire protection, including sprinkler systems and multiple egress routes.
- Greenhouses open to the public are classified under retail or garden center regulations rather than being listed separately.