A storey (also spelled story) is one level of a building, measured from the top of one finished floor to the top of the next finished floor above. In planning regulations, the maximum number of permitted storeys is often prescribed to control building heights in an area.
What Counts as a Storey?
Not every level of a building automatically counts as a full storey:
- Full storey — the ground floor and each complete floor above
- Basement — may count as a storey if it projects above ground level beyond a specified height
- Attic/loft — usually not counted if not fitted out as habitable space
- Mezzanine — an intermediate floor that may or may not count depending on its area
Application
The concept of a storey is important in several contexts:
- Planning regulations — determine the maximum number of storeys per building plot
- Building permit — the proposed building must fall within the permitted number of storeys
- Building regulations — set requirements per storey for escape routes and fire safety
- Property valuation — the number of storeys influences the value of a building
Typical Floor-to-Floor Heights
| Building type | Floor-to-floor height |
|---|---|
| **Residential** | 2.6 – 3.0 m |
| **Office** | 3.4 – 3.8 m |
| **Retail** | 3.5 – 4.5 m |
| **Car park** | 2.8 – 3.2 m |
Related Terms
- Floor level
- Planning regulations
- Building height
- Building regulations
- Basement
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