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We are working on a mixed use building ( comercial base, residential on top), how should we treat vertical HVAC ducts? Should the be considered common area? Should they be counted only once like stairs and elevators? Thank you in advance for your prompt answer. Best, Gabriel
Hi Gabriel,
Vertical HVAC ducts are Major Vertical Penetrations (MVP). In the 2012 Mixed-Use Standard they are either a MUCA (Mixed-Use Common Area) to be proportionately allocated to each Use-Component or they belong to a Use Component directly. Either way, MVP is not rentable area.
I'm not exactly sure what you mean by "should they be counted only once..." but the 2012 Mixed-Use Standard does not include stairs, elevators and shafts as rentable area at the lowest level like in the latest BOMA Office, Retail, and Industrial standards.
Thanks,
David