It is unlawful to change the occupancy of a structure without approval if it subjects the structure to what?

Changing the occupancy of a structure often introduces different uses that can significantly affect safety, accessibility, and overall building requirements. When an occupancy changes, it may lead to the necessity for new occupancy provisions, as different types of use can require different standards for exiting, accessibility, load-bearing capacity, and fire safety. These new provisions ensure that the building is safe and suitable for its new use, protecting both occupants and first responders.

For instance, a building originally designed for residential use may not meet the codes required for a commercial establishment in terms of fire exits, or tenant capacity. Therefore, obtaining approval before changing occupancy is crucial to ensure that the structure complies with updated safety and building requirements that come with different occupancy classifications.