What describes the intended use of a building or a portion of it?

The term that best describes the intended use of a building or a portion of it is occupancy. In the context of building and fire codes, occupancy refers to the classification of a building based on its purpose and the nature of activities occurring within. This classification can have significant implications for safety regulations, including fire safety measures, egress requirements, and occupancy limits, all of which are designed to ensure the safety of occupants based on their specific use of the space.

Understanding occupancy is crucial for fire officers, as it determines how fire safety plans are developed and implemented. Different types of occupancy, such as residential, commercial, institutional, or industrial, have distinct requirements and risks associated with them. This classification ensures that buildings are equipped and maintained to handle the specific hazards and needs presented by their intended use, ultimately protecting both occupants and the property itself.