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For example, the tax lot GBA numbers only count space above ground level. For condominiums,
OTR does not track the size of common areas, so common areas are similarly not included.
However, these spaces contribute to the energy use of the building, and so need to be included
when benchmarking. For the purpose of benchmarking, EPA and DOEE defined gross floor area
as the total floor area, expressed in square feet, measured from the principal exterior surfaces of
the building(s) and not including parking area(s). It includes spaces not included in net floor area,
such as mechanical rooms, elevator shafts, basements, and interior walls.
Many tax lots have more than one building on the lot. Unfortunately, OTR does not track the size
of individual buildings in such cases. Pursuant to DOEE’s regulations, if your property has energy
or water meters, or building systems (such as a central gas furnace), shared across multiple
buildings without sub-metering, then the energy use cannot be attributed to any individual
building. In such cases, the building must be benchmarked as a single property in Portfolio
Manager, and the floor area threshold for compliance with the benchmarking requirements is the
total floor area of all buildings sharing systems.
If you think the OTR listed floor area is in error by a sufficient amount to affect when or if you
have to comply with the benchmarking regulations, please contact DOEE at
[email protected] and explain your situation. Signed, supporting documentation will be required. A re-appraisal of your property by OTR may be requested.
Disclaimer:
Inclusion on, or absence from, this list does not represent ultimate legal determination of whether
a building is covered by the regulation. If you believe your building is over 50,000 gross square
feet, you are still required to report by April 1, 2019 even if you do not see your building on this
list.
This list has been cleaned and organized by the Department of Energy & Environment. The Office
of Tax and Revenue provides the following disclaimer:
“This public data and information are provided by the District of Columbia, and the data and
information are accepted and used by the recipient with the understanding that the data and
information were developed and collected for real property assessment purposes only. No liability
is assumed with the use of the data or information or with their accuracy, sufficiency or suitability
for any use whatsoever outside the originally intended purpose exclusively for and by the District’s
Office of Tax and Revenue.”