This help desk is for discussion purposes only. Neither BOMA, its affiliates, nor Extreme Measures Inc.® are responsible for the information, comments, or opinions expressed herein. For complete information, please refer to the official publications of the standards themselves.

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