18.08.255 Floor Area.
For the purposes of determining FAR (floor area ratio), “floor area” shall mean the sum of the horizontal area of each floor of an enclosed structure, measured from the exterior faces of exterior walls or from the centerline of party walls separating structures. The horizontal area of interior spaces utilizing high or vaulted ceilings of more than fifteen (15) feet in height from floor to ceiling shall be double-counted, and any additional increment of seven (7) feet of clearance thereafter shall be measured as additional floor area. Floor area shall also include:
A. Attached and detached primary and accessory buildings, garages, and carports (measured by total roof area) with a floor area of twenty (20) square feet or more and an interior ceiling height of seven (7) feet or greater. However, structures that accommodate required parking for nonresidential or mixed-use buildings are excluded from the floor area.
B. Interior courtyards and atriums, covered or uncovered.
C. Basements, storage spaces, crawl spaces, attic spaces, bay projections and any enclosed space with seven-foot or greater ceiling height, excepting those portions of basements where more than half of basement story height is below grade.
D. Elevator shafts, chimneys, and stairwells at each floor.
E. The entirety of structures belonging to a subject property or serving the primary use of the subject property, regardless of extensions off of the lot or location of structures partially or wholly in the public right-of-way. (Ord. 1030 § 2(12), 2018; Ord. 953 § 1(3), 2007; Ord. 929 § 8, 2004; Ord. 778 § 1, 1988; Ord. 773 § 3, 1988; Ord. 699 § 1, 1983; Ord. 687 § 5, 1983)