Occupancy in building construction and building codes is the use or intended use of a building or part thereof for the shelter or support of persons, animals or property. A closely related meaning is the number of units in such a building that are rented or leased, or otherwise in-use. The lack of occupancy in this sense is a vacancy.

It is possible to have multiple occupancies (or building uses) within one building. For instance, one may have a high-rise building, where the lower levels are occupied by retail stores, whereas the upper levels could be residential. Different occupancies within one building are separated by a fire barrier with a defined fire-resistance rating. It is common for a penetration, such as a fire door, to have a fire protection rating lower than the wall fire resistance rating in which it is installed. For example, a two-hour fire separation normally requires fire doors rated at 90-minutes.

For some high challenge occupancies the code requirements for an occupancy separation are more stringent than for other fire-barriers, even with an identical fire-resistance rating. In this case, an occupancy separation with a two-hour fire-resistance rating may not be able to de-rate its closures, such fire doors or firestops. For example, a two-hour rated high challenge fire wall requires 2 hr rated fire doors.

Matthew Jeremy Walters (born August 22, 1979) is a former American football player.

While at Eau Gallie High School, Walters lettered in three sports, including golf and basketball. Scouted by Baylor University as well as the universities of Florida and Virginia, he chose the University of Miami. Majoring in mechanical engineering at "The U," Walters distinguished himself academically, being named a 2002 First Team Verizon Academic All-American as well as winning the 2002 Big East Football Scholar-Athlete Award.

Walters was drafted in the fifth round of the 2003 NFL Draft (selection 150 overall) by the New York Jets. Walters is currently pursuing a career as an amateur triathlete training under his coach, Ed Donner.