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This help desk is a free resource intended for discussion purposes only. Neither BOMA, its chapters, affiliates, or Extreme Measures Inc.® are responsible for the information, comments or opinions expressed herein. For complete information, refer to the official publications of the standards themselves.

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BOMA Measurement Standard for Multi-story Office Building

Gerry Lannom
McDermott Associates
April 21, 2025

Are stairs and elevator etc. square footage areas counted as Major Vertical Penetrations at the lowest floor of the building (where there is no penetration to a lower level)?

David Fingret
Extreme Measures Inc.
April 22, 2025

Hi Gerry,

Since the BOMA 2017 Office Standard, the lowest termination area of stairs, elevators and other vertical penetrations (where there is a floor) are considered Rentable Areas (usually designated as Building Service Area). Vertical penetrations occurring above their lowest level (where there is a hole in the floor slab) are designated as Major Vertical Penetrations and thus not included as Rentable Areas.

Thanks,
David

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