How is the 8 ft ceiling height requirement measured?

Anyone know how the 8 ft legal minimum ceiling height is measured? Is it the actual height between the floor’s surface to the ceiling or is it measured structurally, ie top of floor joists to bottom of ceiling joists?

My current ceiling height measured from the surface of my hardwood floors to the bottom of my ceiling drywall is just a tad under 8′. I’m considering installing noise isolation clips / furring channels to reduce impact (walking) noise from upstairs. That would bring my ceilings down to about 7′ 10 1/2″. Will my height still be up to code / should I be concerned with the DOB regarding the height?

krobertson

in General Discussion 6 years and 11 months ago

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krobertson

in General Discussion 6 years and 11 months ago

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Thanks for the replies and the link to the code, certainly clears things up.

jimhillra | 6 years and 11 months ago

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Finished height: top of finish floor to bottom of plaster/sheetrock.

slopefarm | 6 years and 11 months ago

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Minimum height of habitable basements in 1-2 fam houses is 7′.

http://www1.nyc.gov/assets/buildings/apps/pdf_viewer/viewer.html?file=2014CC_BC_Chapter_12_Interior_Environment.pdf&section=conscode_2014#nameddest=SECTION_1208

randolph | 6 years and 11 months ago

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oops I lied, looking at the plans they are 8′ 4″ in the garden apartment and on the top floor they are slanted so the high point is above 8′.

slopefarm | 6 years and 11 months ago

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It’s only really an issue if you are renting the space out.

randolph | 6 years and 11 months ago

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i did not even know there is a minimum ceiling height. my garden level and 3rd floor are both well below 8′.