A business occupancy is permitted to have a maximum occupant load of _____ without requiring installation of a drinking fountain.

In the context of building codes and plumbing requirements, the threshold for requiring a drinking fountain in a business occupancy is typically set at a specific occupant load. When the occupant load is 15 or fewer individuals, the code allows for the absence of a drinking fountain without violating any regulations. This means that businesses with an occupant load of 15 or fewer can operate without the necessity of providing this facility.

Once the occupancy exceeds this limit, the requirement to install a drinking fountain becomes mandatory to ensure adequate hydration for occupants, reflecting safety and health standards set forth by building codes. Therefore, the answer indicating a maximum occupant load of 15 aligns with these regulatory standards, reinforcing the importance of providing necessary amenities based on the number of people expected in a given space.