A. Story Defined. A story means the portion of a building included between the upper surface of any floor and the upper surface of the floor next above. See Figure 23.106-2: Story.

B. Topmost Story. The topmost story of a building is the portion of a building between the floor of the topmost floor and the ceiling or roof above.

C. Below Grade Spaces. If the finished floor level directly above the ceiling of a basement, garage structure, cellar, or unused underfloor space is more than 6 feet above existing grade at any point, such basement, cellar, or unused underfloor space is considered a story.

D. Penthouses. A penthouse used for purposes other than shelter of mechanical equipment or shelter of vertical shaft openings in the roof is considered a story.

E. Mezzanines. When the total floor area of a mezzanine exceeds 33.3 percent of the total floor area in that room, it constitutes an additional story. (Ord. 7787-NS § 2 (Exh. A), 2021)