"Commercial Floor Plans" are similar in appearance to "Residential Floor Plans" but usually include less data per sheet. Commercial buildings are usually larger in size; have more than two or three stories; can be constructed from a larger variety of materials; and using several different construction techniques. Therefore, separate "Floor Plans" are created for each aspect of a commercial building: exterior and interior walls with windows and doors plus dimensions may be shown on one page; plumbing fixtures on one page; light fixtures and switches on one page; outlets on one page; etc.

Additional differences include the thickness of exterior and interior walls, the dimensioning of exterior and interior walls, window and door symbols, room labeling, and schedule information.

• The thickness o f exterior walls depends on the materials used, the method of construction used to support and inclose the structure, and type of wall (exterior, interior or plumbing).
  See Commercial Architectural Materials.
• Exterior masonry and steel stud walls are dimensioned from the modular corner of the building to the edge of the window or door opening, not to the center as in residential design.
• Dimensioning of exterior walls should include the location and sizes of openings first; followed by lengths of short walls; and finally the overall length of the building.
• The first dimension should be a minimum of .5" (24" @ 1/4"=1'-0") from the exterior wall and additional dimensions another .5" (24" @ 1/4"=1'-0") from each other.
• Interior masonry and steel stud walls are dimensioned from the inside surface of an exterior wall to the surface of an interior wall, not to the outside of the exterior wall as in residential.
• Openings for doors and windows in interior masonry and steel stud walls are drawn and dimensioned to the exact frame size, not as a rough opening as in residential.
• Door and window symbols include frames which are characteristic of metal window and door units.

A "Modular Floor Plan" is created for multi-storied structures to simplify the creation of upper and/or lower levels. This plan includes only the exterior walls, a "Modular Grid" with the size labeled, and any features that are common to all floors such as stairways, elevators, and mechanical chases. Windows, doors, fixtures, appliances, cabinetry and dimensions are not shown. The thickness of exterior walls should be based on the materials used and by noted on the drawing. The "Modular Grid" should be shown as "Phantom Lines" and labeled from the lower left front corner of the building.

The "Modular Grid" represents a standard size for the location of windows, doors, interior walls, ceiling tiles, and structural members such as columns, beams, and trusses that could interfer with the placement of windows and doors and interior walls. The size of the "Module" can vary from one building to another but is usually an even number such as: 4'-0", 6'-0", 8'-0", 10'-0", 12'-0", 16'-0", 20'-0", etc. The overall length and width of the building, number of stories, method of construction, types of interior spaces, and kinds of materials influence the size of the "Module". Preliminary floor plan sketches should be modified to fit within the selected module to simplify structural calculations and to reduce construction costs by using standard sizes of materials.

COMMERCIAL DESIGN STANDARDS

• All commercial buildings should be designed to accommodate handicapped customers, clients and employees. Refer to American Disabilities Act for detailed standards.
• All exterior doors should be a minimum of 36" wide (42" recommended).
• All exterior doors must open outward for emergency egress.
• All interior doors should be a minimum of 32" wide (36" recommended).
• All interior doors from conference, meeting or presentation rooms must open outward.
• Restroom doors should be a minimum of 32" wide (36" recommended).
• Service doors should be a minimum of 36" wide (42" recommended) to facilitate the moving of large equipment or furnishing. Double 36" doors with a removable center stile are commonly used.
• Storage room doors should be a minimum of 36" wide (42" recommended) to facilitate the moving of large cartons of office supplies or consumer products.
• Hallways should be a minimim of 36" wide (42" recommended) for single passage.
• Hallways should be a minimum of 48" wide (60" recommended) for double passage.
• Stairways should be a minimum of 48" wide (60" recommended) for single passage.
• Stairways should be a minimum of 60" wide (72" recommended) for double passage.
• Standard Toilet Compartments should be a minimim of 60" x 59" for wheel chair access.
• Standard Toilet Compartments should be a minimim of 36" x 59" for non-disabled access.
• Standard Access Ramps should be a minimim of 36" wide (42" recommended) with a maximum slope or pitch of 1" to 12".