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Forum Categories BOMA 2010 - Office Buildings Question

Elevator lobby in single tenant floor - Method A

: September 6, 2011

Hello,

Regarding elevator lobbies on upper floors with single tenant occupancy, my understanding of the BOMA 1996 standard is that they are considered usable area only if the tenant can physically occupy the space. Does the same rule apply under 2010-Method A?

I noted in Illustration 11.5, the lobby is occupant area.

Adam Fingret: Extreme Measures Inc.; September 6, 2011

Hi Jitesh,

The BOMA 2010 Standard is quite specific on this issue. On page 25, under the definition "occupant area" it reads:

"Full floor occupants have effective use of the elevator lobby and any areas that would be required for corridors on multiple occupant floors so those areas are included in occupant area for full floor occupants under Method A."

As you point out, this is further supported by illustration 11.5.

So under BOMA 2010, elevator lobbies on single tenant floors are always included in the occupant area. By comparison, BOMA 1996 was not very clear on this. The BOMA 1996 26 Questions document suggests that the tenant must have full control of the elevator lobby (no fire code or other restrictions) in order for it to be considered Usable Area.