38B-006 Mass Code dorm kitchen use302.1 General: Structures or portions of structures shall be classified with respect to
occupancy….. A room or space that is intended to be occupied at different times for different
purposes shall comply with all of the requirements that are applicable to each of the purposes
for which the room or space will be occupied. Structures with multiple occupancies or uses shall
comply with Section 508.
303.1: Assembly Group A. Assembly Group A occupancy includes, among others, the use of a
building or structure, or a portion thereof, for the gathering of persons for purposes such as
civic, social or religious functions; recreation, food or drink consumption or awaiting
transportation.
A-2 Assembly uses intended for food and/or drink consumption including, but not limited to:
Banquet halls
Night clubs
Restaurants
Taverns and bars
508.2: Accessory occupancies. Accessory occupancies are those occupancies that are ancillary
to the main occupancy of the building or portion thereof. Accessory occupancies shall comply
with the provisions of Sections 508.2.1 through 508.2.5.3.
508.2 Code Commentary:
Buildings often have rooms or spaces with an occupancy that is different from, but accessory to,
the principal occupancy of the building. When such accessory areas are limited in size, they will
not ordinarily represent a significantly different life safety hazard…… The occupancy must be
ancillary to the principal purpose for which the structure is occupied. This means that the
purpose and function of the area is subordinate and secondary to the structure’s primary
function. As such, the activities that occur in accessory use areas are necessary for the principal
occupancy to properly function and would not otherwise reasonably exist apart from the
principal occupancy.