What is the maximum percentage of floor area that the aggregate area of enclosed mezzanine spaces can occupy?

The maximum percentage of floor area that the aggregate area of enclosed mezzanine spaces can occupy is indeed 10%. This guideline is established to ensure that mezzanines do not dominate the floor space, thus maintaining a balance between the usable area of the building and the structural requirements. The intent behind this limitation is to promote safety and proper circulation within the building, preventing congestion that could arise if mezzanines were allowed to occupy a larger percentage of the floor area. By restricting the mezzanine area to 10%, the design helps maintain accessibility and ensures compliance with fire safety and egress requirements, which are crucial in commercial buildings. This regulation embodies the principle of maintaining manageable and functional space usage while still allowing for the flexibility of additional usable area in the building design.