To be classified as an apartment, how many units with independent kitchens are required?

• A. 2 or more
• B. 4 or more
• C. 3 or More
• D. 1 or more

Answer: (C)

To be classified as an apartment, there must be three or more dwelling units, and each unit has its own independent kitchen. This minimum creates a distinct multi-unit occupancy, which triggers specific fire and life-safety requirements appropriate for shared living spaces.

Having three units means the building functions as an apartment complex rather than a duplex or two-family home, so it carries the corresponding standards for egress, fire barriers, detection, and alarm systems. If there are only two units, the structure is typically treated as a duplex or two-family dwelling, with different applicable rules. Four or more units also meet the threshold, since three are already present, so the classification remains the same. The emphasis is on three or more units with independent kitchens to define an apartment building.