Glossary Term Defined

A floor structure within the exterior walls of a building and between two floors, capable of supporting personnel, equipment, storage or manufacturing. The area of a mezzanine can be limited by codes in certain occupancies to a fraction (like 1/3) of the area of the floor immediately below.

An intermediate level or levels between a floor and the floor or roof immediately above, the aggregate area of which shall not exceed one-third of the floor area of the space in which they are located. The clear height above and below the mezzanine floor construction shall not be less than 7 feet (International Building Code, Section 505.1). Mezzanines are always measured as part of exterior gross area of the floor immediately below. 

An intermediate horizontal load bearing structure that is between a floor level and the floor level or roof immediately above. The area of a mezzanine is often constrained by statute to a fraction (usually 1/3) of the area of the floor below. Mezzanines exceeding that fraction constitute full floors. There are three types of mezzanines that are measured as follows: Temporary Mezzanines are non-permanent (built with the intention of being removed or relocated), often tenant improvements, are supported upon the floor but otherwise not part of building structure, and used most frequently (but not exclusively) in retail and industrial occupancy for storage of goods and materials or as part of manufacturing processes. Such mezzanines are not measured as part of exterior gross area or drip line area of a floor or building. Permanent Mezzanines are not built with the intention of being removed and share building systems (HVAC, lighting, power, etc.). In a multi-story building containing elevators, the existence of an elevator stop at a mezzanine indicates that it is permanent. Such mezzanines are always measured as part of exterior gross area or drip line area of the floor immediately below. Unclassified Mezzanines cannot be classified as either temporary or permanent, are included in exterior gross area or drip line area, but are always disclosed when presenting area measurements.

An intermediate or partial story, other than a Catwalk, between the floor levels or roof of a Building and usually fully or partially open on one or more sides.

Is a floor structure within the Exterior Walls capable of supporting offices, warehousing or manufacturing activities, as a function of load-bearing capacity and compliance with applicable building codes governing the purpose for which the Mezzanine was constructed.