i need help fast!

[paluca1982]

Hello everyone, I am building a 529 (26X18) sft guesthouse and laundry on a property(5.5X11). The school district where this property is located charges $2.14 per sqft of living area for any addition over 499. Now as you can see, i am over by 30sqft. It seem ridiculous to be to pay almost $1200 for exceeding the 499 by 30 sqft. Now, here is where i need help. I want to know the legal code definition used most commonly in california for "living area". I was told by a friend that "living area" does not inlcude the exterior walls. If that is the case and i can prove it, i would be able to shed off over 30 Sqft out of the total which would save me the $1200 fee. Any thoughts on where i can find the definition or code. The city that I am working in is West Covina, CA. I know, it would be easier just to modify the plans, but that would mean to have the architect make the changes and also resubmit the plans (two more weeks). This would cost way more in the longrun than paying the 1200. So again, any ideas?

[Madimel]

You can get any information that you need from this website:
http://www.ladbs.org/
West Covina falls under the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Living Area as calculated by the building department is gross square feet (measured from outside the walls) and not net. You will not need to count any mechanical space though, however, you will not be able to make up the surplus of 30 sf in a mechanical space since they will not be nearly that big. I would not suggest trying to pull anything over the plan reviewers and inspectors in LA county. Those guys are strict!!!

[nanrehvasconez]

26x18=468 sq feet, West Covina has its own plan checker. They use Uniforn Building Code, Living area is any space suitable for human habitation, "Condition area", meanning heated and air conditioned