what is it, presently?
Thanks
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That will depend on the authority having jurisdiction.
IIRC, here it's 7'-6" for the portion of the room that counts as habitable space. You can have a sloped ceiling that goes as low as you want, but the low part doesn't count. There's also a minimum square footage, but that number I really don't remember.
-- J.S.
I'm not sure of what the IRC requires, but for years the UBC was very specific. It was something like 50% of the room had to be over 78" if any part of it was less than 74", or something like that.
But I have to say, in over 30 years of remodelling, I've never heard of an inspection failing because of this issue. Can't count the times I've converted attics or basements into living space where the ceiling was clearly below 78".
I am working on a house in Michigan City, In. The inspector here checked the ceiling height upstairs and told me 7' was minimum. I had 7'2".
*Each dwelling much have at least one habitable room that has a minimum of 120 sq.ft.
*Other habitable rooms must have 70 sq.ft. minimum except the kitchen can have 50 sq.ft. min.
*Habitable rooms must have a minimum of 7' dimension in any direction.
*Area is determined by space with 7' or greater headroom, except slope ceilings above 5' can be counted.
Chapter 3 Building Planning from 2000 IRC (International Residential Code)
I appreciate the help. Thanks