Overall Space Use Standards for Leased Offices
As a response to changes in the workplace and the added flexibility of remote working through Flexible Work Arrangements (FWAs), the State has shifted from the metric of rentable square feet (RSF) per worker to the metric of usable square feet (USF) per seat to service State agencies’ workforce and work style. In 2021, the Office of the State Architect’s Statewide Planning Program issued Design Guidelines for office space to address this new work mode.
Goal for State Agency Leased Office Space
197 USF* (227 RSF) per required seat with 15% building load factor
*This standard is based on 78% of the BOMA average square footage of private sector office spaces in Denver (291 RSF per office worker).
This has been found to be a usable, achievable target which affords each agency the freedom to design their space in a manner that best fits their specific programmatic needs. Actual individual space allocations will be determined on the basis of functional space requirements, the priorities of the organization, and the total space and budget available. Contact the Statewide Planning Program for assistance.
Enclosed Offices vs. Open Workstations
Open office workstations are strongly encouraged because they require less floor space and allow for improved HVAC systems. Enclosed offices should be provided on the basis of functional need - privacy being the most common example. This need for privacy can be accommodated by special furniture and equipment on a case-by-case basis.
Spaces with a large amount of enclosed offices utilize Category #3 or Category #4 leases that require the approval of a division director, an executive director, or an institution president. To encourage the use of open work stations, their approval must include a statement indicating the business justification for the individuals who are receiving private offices.
Maximum Office Size Guidelines
- 120 ft2 per individual office
- 48 ft2 per work station
- 36 ft2 per touch down space
Exceptions will require a letter of approval from the agency/institution division director/president. Additional information can be found on the Design Guidelines.
Lease Types
- Category #1
The amount of leased square feet is less than 227 RSF per seat, or less than 78% of the private sector average. Category #1 leases are deemed to be an efficient use of space.
- Category #2
The amount of leased square feet is between 227 RSF and 247 RSF per seat, or between 78% and 85% of the private sector average. Category #2 leases are deemed to be an acceptable use of space.
- Category #3
The amount of leased square feet is more than 247 RSF per seat, but less than the private sector average of 291 RSF per office worker. Category #3 leases require approval of the division director/president of the requesting agency/institution.
- Category #4
The amount of leased square feet is equal to or greater than the private sector average of 291 RSF per office worker. Category #4 leases require approval of the agency/institution executive director/president.