Section 5000.APPENDIX A  Space Standards

In the analysis of the basic units of activity, the following standards of space were developed to reflect the requirement of recurring, typical activities.  The standards provide the occupant of each work station with space sufficient to conduct his/her business in an efficient manner.  The amount of space allocated to each activity type includes allowances for various units of equipment and intrawork station circulation.  Additional allowances are used for supporting space for each job position as well as general circulation, conference rooms, library, reception area, special storage and other unusual space requirements.

These space allocation standards are in accordance with Part II, Section 3.20 of the Rules established by the Department of Central Management Services.

It is recognized, however, that agency functions and needs and physical variations in buildings will cause variations in the amount of space assigned and its division into private, semi-private and open areas.  Therefore, the space occupied by the agency would rarely exactly equal the net space requirement.

**     Any request for Professional, Technical or Clerical private office space must include justification.  Security, Confidentiality, Private consultation or other good cause may constitute justification.

***   Part-time or field personnel:  Whenever personnel use the assigned space less than 50% of the work week, the area allowances shall be adjusted to maximize efficient space utilization.  Generally, sixty (60) square feet or less should be adequate, and, if operational requirements permit, desks and space should be shared by two (2) or more staff.

B)        Common Functional Standards

1.         Conference Rooms – space allocation will be determined on the basis of:

•    average number of persons attending'

•    frequency of meetings (average number per month);

•    average length of sessions;

•    availability of private office space and;

•    special requirements, e.g. dais, blackboard, projector and screen, etc.

Conference rooms should be established only when they will be in use at least 15 hours per week.  Approximately 20 half-day sessions per month are considered capacity for one room.  Allow approximately 20 square feet per person.

2.        Reception/Client Areas – In establishing reception/client areas, agencies shall consider:

•    average number of callers each day;

•    type of callers;

•    maximum seating requirements; and,

•    special requirements, e.g. writing tables, bulletin board, coat rack, etc.

Space requirement is based on average visitor load at 10-15 square feet per person per hour plus circulation space.  (This allowance does not include space requirement for receptionist.

3.        Libraries – Space requirements is based on measurement of equipment plus circulation.  Despite the fact that there is considerable variation in size of books, the following formulas may be used to estimate the amount of space required for books:

Open reading rooms:                       7 volumes per lineal foot; 50 books per foot of standard height wall shelving; or, 100 books per foot of double faced shelving.

Book stack areas:                           15 books per square foot (includes aisles), or 2 books per cubic foot.  Approximately 50 long play phonograph records may be shelved on one lineal foot of wall shelving.

4.        Exhibit Areas, Duplicating Rooms, Mail Rooms, Supply Rooms – Space allocation based on measurement of equipment plus circulation.

5.        Furniture and Equipment – These standards are to be used only if the designated furniture is not included in a private office or part of an employee's work station.  Area requirements for other furniture and equipment can be determined by measuring the items.  If access or circulation space is required, this should also be included.

6.         Federal Space Standards – Agencies requesting to use standards other than those published in this Appendix shall supply a copy of those standards with the Department of Central Management Services.  Where federal regulations direct the use of space standards, the agency shall estimate its space requirements in accordance with the federal standards.