PCCA Bulletin Board

[Bendigo]

Does a two (2) story detached garage that is accessory to a one family dwelling and has a ground floor area of 748 sq ft and a second story of also 748 sq. ft. need a UCC Permit?

Argument #1 goes that the building footprint or “building area” is less than 1000 sq ft so no permit is required. The UCC statue defines Utility and Misc. Use Structures as having a building area less than 1,000 square feet. The UCC does not define “building area”. However the IBC at §502 does define “building area” as the area included within surrounding exterior walls, or as the commentary explains it; as the building’s footprint.

Argument #2 says that the floor space of the garage (748) plus the floor space of the second floor, (748) exceeds 1000 sq ft – so a permit would be required.

These arguments are further debated by the claim that it depends on what use the second story area will be used for. But unless the second story is used as a living space it appears that a two or even three story garage should be excluded from the UCC Permit.

I think some confusion comes from the fact that the IRC uses the term “floor area” to exclude similar utility and misc. use structures whereas the UCC uses the term “building area”.

Any other thoughts????

[docj]

Our policy is in agreement with argument # 1 with an exception. If the second floor is used as living space. Such as an apartment, office, etc.
docj