Is ground level garage area included in the overall ground level square footage?

Question

I live in Cupertino, northern California. The city's building code for single family home restricts 2nd level square footage to not more than 45% of the ground level. Question: is garage space on the ground level included in the ground level square footage?

Additional info: I hope to build the 2nd level over the garage as well. Thanks.

Answer 1

I included it for my house insurance because if the place burns down, when I rebuild it, I want to replace the garage.  I'm in SF, CA and my living space is over the garage, single family.  

Answer 2

Anywhere that I've lived, it's only living space, i.e. the area served by heat and / or air conditioning.  

Seems silly to limit the second story to only 45% of first story.  

Answer 3

~~No in California they do not count garages attached or not as part of the square footage.~~

Answer 4

yes -to be sure, contact the inspector's office.

Answer 5

no, in most sane places, the garage is not considered living space.

Answer 6

in my neck of the woods, here in the midwest -you can only use living space in your count. good luck with your project!