This office lease provision describes the standard of measurement for usable area in office buildings recommended by building owners and managers associations.
Massachusetts Provisions Used for Measuring Additional or Option Space: A Detailed Description In the realm of real estate and construction in Massachusetts, accurately measuring additional or option space is crucial for determining property values, lease agreements, and development potential. The state has established specific provisions and guidelines to ensure consistency and fairness in determining the size and utilization of such spaces. This article provides a detailed description of the Massachusetts provisions used for measuring additional or option space, highlighting key terms and concepts along the way. 1. Gross Square Footage (GSF): When measuring additional or option space, Massachusetts often employs the Gross Square Footage (GSF) method. GSF encompasses the entire floor area within the exterior walls of a building, including all usable and non-usable spaces, such as hallways, stairwells, and mechanical rooms. 2. Net Square Footage (NSF): To determine the actual usable space within a building, Massachusetts also employs the Net Square Footage (NSF) method. NSF excludes space occupied by interior walls, columns, and other structural elements, providing a more accurate measurement of rentable or usable space. 3. Common Area Maintenance (CAM): In some cases, additional or option space may involve common areas shared by multiple tenants within a building or complex. These common areas include lobbies, corridors, restrooms, and elevators. Massachusetts provisions require the allocation of common area maintenance (CAM) expenses when measuring additional or option space. CAM expenses are divided among tenants proportionally based on their respective space allocations. 4. Rentable Square Footage (RSF): Rentable Square Footage (RSF) refers to the actual space available for lease within a building. In Massachusetts, RSF is calculated by adding the NSF of a specific area to a tenant's pro rata share of the allocated common areas. Thus, RSF accounts for both the usable space and a share of common areas, ensuring a fair and equitable rental calculation for additional or option space. 5. Zoning Regulations: Apart from measurement provisions, Massachusetts incorporates zoning regulations that impact the measurement and utilization of additional or option space. Zoning laws outline various requirements such as setback restrictions, floor area ratio (FAR) limitations, and maximum building heights. Consequently, these regulations affect the permissible size of additional or option spaces within a property. 6. Unique Types of Additional or Option Spaces: Depending on the property type, Massachusetts recognizes different types of additional or option spaces that require specific provisions for measurement. These may include: a. Basements: Massachusetts guidelines often treat basements differently when measuring additional or option space. Certain restrictions on basement usage, such as limited headroom or egress requirements, may affect the calculation of usable square footage. b. Mezzanines: Mezzanines, intermediate floor levels between main floors, pose unique challenges when measuring additional or option space. Massachusetts provisions take into account specific requirements, such as the calculation of the mezzanine's actual footprint and its impact on both gross and net square footage. c. Outdoor Spaces: Massachusetts also acknowledges outdoor spaces, such as patios, balconies, or rooftop gardens, as potential additional or option space. The measurement of such spaces may differ depending on their intended use and accessibility. Understanding and adhering to Massachusetts provisions for measuring additional or option space is crucial for property owners, tenants, and real estate professionals when making informed decisions regarding leases, valuations, and future developments. By utilizing consistent and accurate measurement methods like GSF, NSF, RSF, and considering zoning regulations and unique space types, Massachusetts ensures fairness and transparency in the real estate sector.
