As used in this article, the following terms
shall have the meanings indicated:
BASEMENT
A story partly underground but having at least 1/2 its height,
measured from finished floor to finished ceiling, above the curb level
at the center of the street front.
CELLAR
A story having more than 1/2 its height, measured from finished
floor to finished ceiling, below the curb level at the center of the
street front.
GROUND FLOOR AREA
The area within the exterior of the walls of the building
at grade level, excluding attached garages, unenclosed porches or
breezeways but including incorporated garages with livable floor area
above them.
LIVABLE FLOOR AREA
The aggregate area of all floors included within the outer
walls of a building, excluding basements, cellars, rooms for heating
equipment, garages, unenclosed porches, unfinished attics and storerooms
and other unheated areas and including only such floor area under
a sloping ceiling for which the headroom is not less than five feet,
and then only if at least 60% of such floor has a ceiling height of
not less than seven feet six inches and if any such floor that is
situated above another story has access to the floor below by a permanent
built-in stairway. However, 1/2 of the floor area of completely finished
and heated rooms in a basement may be included in the aggregate area.
The provisions of this article shall be held
to be the minimum requirements adopted for the promotion of the general
welfare. It is not intended by this article to repeal, annul or in
any way interfere with any existing provisions of any other law or
ordinance previously adopted or which shall be adopted; provided,
however, that where this article imposes greater restrictions upon
the use of buildings or land than are imposed or required by such
existing provisions, the provisions of this article shall control.