| Primary value | 2.20 m |
| Applies to | Habitable mezzanines · Storage mezzanines · Office mezzanines |
| Exceptions | Mezzanine min area (if habitable) → 9.5 m² |
| Max mezzanine coverage of plinth → 1/3 | |
| Measured as | Clear height between the FFL of the mezzanine and the ceiling above, AND clear height under the mezzanine soffit at the floor below. |
| Source | NBC 2016 — Part 4, Clause 5.4.1 ✓ Verified |
Mezzanines are often used to add usable floor area in double-height retail, offices, and large homes. The 2.20 m minimum is the absolute floor below which the space stops being usable for adults — anything lower is a loft, not a mezzanine.
Designers usually provide 2.40 m for furniture clearance and lighting plenums. Tall users find anything under 2.30 m oppressive.