Living space debate

[mehen]

You San Diegans are crazy - errr interesting !

[johnnyprc]

Yes, I believe that is the reasoning..........

Its probably a municipal code you are taking about. Between fire codes (fire wall separations etc) and density code issues, someone that builds a home with 16-17' ceilings can simply later place a floor in the building to double the "area" SF. In the small town I am in there are SF maximums based upon fire flow pressure from the fire hydrants, so I can see why a City/County would look to restrict "envelope" sizes for those reasons alone.

[perryh]

The cities are finally getting smarter about the tricks that have been played on them for years.

[johnnyprc]

The cities are finally getting smarter about the tricks that have been played on them for years.

True, very true, but I think they get carried away with themselves...

In many ways I think the methods used by municipalities to restrict building in one way or another EXCEEDS the reason/cause for their authority in the first place. Theoretically, public safety is the only reason they have authority. In this example, considering fire flow etc, I suppose that is reasonable. Other codes I am left scratching my head on how it effects public safety.

[Joe Carrick]

OMG. I think my home just went from 5015 sq.ft. to 6500 sq.ft. - just because I have high ceilings. Unfortunately it won't have any effect on the sales price.

Seriously, If someone is going to remodel and add area by filling in the high ceiling with another floor they should be getting a permit anyway.

[Canuck]

As much as I agree with you Joe, people often avoid following the rules...and logic.

[Bradley Boltz]

Subject to interpretation may be a bit strong. Here is the question, you have a 20x 20 room, with 15' high ceilings, how much floor area is this? The city of San Diego will say this is 800 s.f., not 400 s.f. Now how will the home owners and how will the assessor and how will the real estate agent define this area?

That's California GobbleyGook! They are just penalizing you for volume not square footage. Standard Gross living area typically (and for all jobs I've done since the late '70's) is calculated from the Exterior of the Exterior Sheathing or the exterior of the Exterior walls but does not include unfinished basements, attics, or garages, decks or porches. For Lot coverage for stormwater management, you have to count all impervious areas covered by the house footprint including impervious paving etc.

Not sure why Lew's getting banged on here but mostly I think Joe C's first reply is spot on.-BB