Finger Lakes Building Officials, Inc.

An Affiliated Member of the New York State Building Officials Conference

June 16, 2003

Re: Minimum design requirements for a one-family dwelling

This in response to your letter asking if there is a minimum area requirement for a one-family dwelling that is proposed to be constructed. Whereas there are specific requirements for room dimensions within dwellings, the Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code and, more specifically, the Residential Code of New York State (RCNYS) does not have an overall minimum area value for a dwelling.

RCNYS Section R304.1 states that every dwelling unit shall have at least one habitable room with a minimum area of one hundred twenty (120) square feet. No other rooms are specifically required to be proposed. For purposes of information, a habitable room is a space used for living, sleeping, eating, or cooking.

You have also inquired whether or not you are required to have your plans prepared and stamped by a registered design professional (professional engineer or registered architect). The State Education Department would not require this one-family detached dwelling to be prepared and stamped by a design professional since the structure is smaller that fifteen hundred (1500) square feet. A local Code Enforcement Official could require a design professional's involvement to certify the design if he is not satisfied that the structure is in compliance with the RCNYS.

This advisory opinion is rendered based upon the information provided. Administration and enforcement of the code are within the jurisdiction of the local authority. If you have any questions or wish to discuss this matter further, please call me at (518) 474-4073.

Sincerely,
Daniel E. Nichols
Fire Protection Engineer I
Division of Code Enforcement and Administration
Al03-137

Finger Lakes Building Officials Association, Inc.
3100 Atlantic Ave.
Penfield, NY 14526