§ 21.15.1070. Floor area, gross (GFA).

A.

"Gross floor area (GFA)" means the total area of all floors of a building, as measured to the outside surfaces of exterior walls. Gross floor area includes halls, stairways, elevator shafts, garages and mezzanines, except as otherwise defined in a specific Section of this Title.

B.

For the purpose of calculating GFA in all residential districts, up to four hundred (400) square feet of garage area may be exempted from floor area. For single-family dwellings, the exemption may be up to six hundred (600) square feet.

C.

For the purpose of calculating GFA in all residential districts, outdoor roof deck or balcony areas open to the sky or covered by patio cover or similar structure, when enclosed on all sides by a parapet, solid railing or building wall greater than three feet six inches (3′6″) in height, shall be included. However, open areas within the building above normal ceiling height shall not be calculated.

D.

For the purpose of calculating GFA in all nonresidential buildings, utility and elevator cores, and stairwells and restrooms shall be exempted.

(Ord. C-7326 § 3, 1995: Ord. C-6684 § 13, 1990: Ord. C-6533 § 1 (part), 1988)