§ 18-234. Allowable floor area increases.

(a)

Generally. The floor areas specified in section 18-233 may be increased by one of the following when the developed area is provided with an approved automatic fire extinguishing system throughout:

(1)

Separation on two sides. Where public space, streets or yards more than 20 feet (6.1 m) in width extend along and adjoin two sides of the building, floor areas may be increased at a rate of 1.25 percent for each foot (305 mm) by which the minimum width exceeds 20 feet (6.1 m), but the increase shall not exceed 50 percent.

(2)

Separation on three sides. Where public space, streets or yards more than 20 feet (6.1 m) in width extend along and adjoin three sides of the building, floor areas may be increased at 2.5 percent for each foot (305 mm) by which the minimum width exceeds 20 feet (6.1 m); but the increase shall not exceed 100 percent.

(3)

Separation on all sides. Where public space, streets or yards more than 20 feet (6.1 m) in width extend on all sides of a building and adjoin the entire perimeter, floor areas may be increased at a rate of five percent for each foot (305 mm) by which the minimum width exceeds 20 feet (6.1 m). Such increases shall not exceed 100 percent.

(b)

Area limited. No buildings of any occupancy shall be permitted to have unlimited area.

(c)

Automatic fire extinguishing systems. The area specified in section 18-233 may be tripled if the building is provided with an approved automatic fire extinguishing system throughout. The area increase permitted in this subsection may be compounded with that specified in subsection (1), (2) or (3) of subsection (a) of this section. The increases permitted in this subsection shall not apply when automatic fire extinguishing systems are installed under the substitution for one-hour fire resistive construction pursuant to Table 601, Footnote a of the International Building Code.

(Ord. No. 040477, § 1, 8-12-04; Ord. No. 071193, § 1, 1-3-08; Ord. No. 120375, § 1, 5-24-12)