New House Plan Design Questions
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Design
Three Story Ceiling Heights
In St Johns County the maximum building height of 35' can limit ceiling heights for three story homes. The height is measured from the lowest ground to the peak of roof. If your home is 12" above the ground with a flat roof that is 24" thick and two floor systems at 24" thick, that would equal 35' - 2' - 2' -2' -1' = 28' divided by 3 = 9.33' ceiling heights on all floors. You can have shorter ceiling on the bottom and taller ceilings on the second and third floors.
First Floor Height Above Ground
Normally there is 4" step at the front door. If there is a porch, an 8' porch can slope about 1". If there are steps a landing or a porch is required. A good height for a step is 7" and this is called a "Riser". You may want your home above the ground in wet areas or for curb appeal. Some HOA's require an elevated porch. Railings are required if the fall is 30" or greater.
Impact fees are based on conditioned area. Please see Impact Fees.