In Ground Basement Floor Area Exclusions

Carpentry image by Justa Jeskova

RMOW Zoning and Parking Bylaw No. 303, 2015 Gross floor area exclusion regulations for basement areas in detached and duplex dwellings allows only those portions of the basement that are below ground or in-ground to qualify for the exclusion.

This regulation applies to new construction in detached and duplex dwellings.

In Part 2, “Interpretation” of RMOW Zoning and Parking Bylaw No. 303, 2015

  • “in-ground basement floor area” means that portion of the lowest floor of a building, at least 50% of the exterior wall height of which is below the level of finished ground adjoining the wall, and for this purpose wall height means the vertical distance from the level of the finished floor to the underside of the floor system above; (Bylaw No. 2132)

In Part 5, “General Regulations”, Section 26.(1)(ii) of RMOW Zoning and Parking Bylaw No. 303, 2015, the following is excluded from the gross floor area calculations:

  • In-ground basement floor area to a maximum of 125% of the gross floor area of the storey immediately above; (Bylaw No. 2132).

To apply for “in-ground basement floor area” the following additional information must be submitted:

  1. Lowest floor plan (detailing where 50% of the exterior wall height is below the level of finished ground at each wall)
  2. Elevation plan showing all 4 sides of the house (detailing the level of the finished floor, the level of the underside of the floor system above, the level of finished ground adjoining the building and noting where 50% of the wall height is below finished ground grade). See figures below.
  3. Area overlays (detailing where 50% of the exterior wall height is below the level of finished ground at each wall and a line through the plan labelling floor areas as either excluded area or gross floor area)
  4. Covenant Modification Application (if applicable)

Figure 1 – In Ground Basement Floor Area for an Uphill Parcel

In Ground Basement Floor Area for a Downhill Parcel

Figure 2 – In Ground Basement Floor Area for a Downhill Parcel

Figure 3 – In Ground Basement Floor Area for a Level Parcel

Contact

For further clarification of “in-ground basement floor area’ exclusions, please contact:

Building Department
604-935-8150
buildingdept@whistler.ca