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7'-6" or 7'-0"? Half Story 70% of Floor Area Zoning Calculating Floor Area New York State

Paul Sweet said:
7'-6" meets both codes. They are MINIMUM heights, not maximum or exact.
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This is for half story zoning, if I design to 70% of floor area under 7'-6", and then find I should have designed to the lower height of minimum ceiling height of 7'-0", I would be considered a "full story" as the percentage would bump up past 70%
 
Loretta Castagna said:
Which would be the "applicable building code", the city code of 7'-6" or the state code of 7'-0"?
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In this case the 7'-0" is the lowest you can go for the State but the 7'-6" is more stringent meaning that 7'-6" is as low as you can go per the City code. So IMO you need to stay at least 7'-6" for at least 50% of the room.
 
VillageInspector said:
You need to read the entire section of R305.1 as there are 3 exceptions. If you go to the NYS Dept of State website you will find free access to the 2020 NYS codes that were adopted on May 12, 2020
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I found the actual code online! Thank you! I read the three exceptions, I don't think those three exceptions would change the 7'-0" as a minimum ceiling height to apply to half story zoning, if you used R305.1 as the "applicable code"
 
my250r11 said:
In this case the 7'-0" is the lowest you can go for the State but the 7'-6" is more stringent meaning that 7'-6" is as low as you can go per the City code. So IMO you need to stay at least 7'-6" for at least 50% of the room.
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I think that's the best interpretation, let's hope the City of Albany agrees!
 
Loretta Castagna said:
And what reason would you have that this section of code would trump the "stricter" (as in I can't build as high) New York State Code R305.1?
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Don't know how Albany is, but suggest you call and talk only to the Building Official.

And ask the BO the question direct, or if you can find a direct email try that.
 
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cda said:
Don't know how Albany is, but suggest you call and talk only to the Building Official.

And ask the BO the question direct, or if you can find a direct email try that.
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Yes, I've called and emailed the City of Albany. I'm waiting to hear what they say.
 
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Loretta Castagna said:
My goal : largest workspace I can in the attic area above the joists,
solution: get as close as I can to 70% of my floor area to be under 7'-6"
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I tweaked your post for (i hope) clarity.

I’m sorry ... i must be incredibly dense. Maybe it’s a guy thing. You continually post contradictory statements. If your goal is the largest workspace, why would you force the ceiling height to be under a certain value?
 
e hilton said:
I tweaked your post for (i hope) clarity.

I’m sorry ... i must be incredibly dense. Maybe it’s a guy thing. You continually post contradictory statements. If your goal is the largest workspace, why would you force the ceiling height to be under a certain value?
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You're not dense at all! Half story zoning is confusing to explain in words, easy to explain with a drawing of a building section. I'll try and find a drawing and post it...
 
e hilton said:
I tweaked your post for (i hope) clarity.

I’m sorry ... i must be incredibly dense. Maybe it’s a guy thing. You continually post contradictory statements. If your goal is the largest workspace, why would you force the ceiling height to be under a certain value?
Click to expand...

I Assume trying to stay as a half story for zoning reasons? Because you can have 8, 9, 10 etc. foot ceilings with out the worry.
 
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