Chapter 17.48
BUILDING HEIGHT MEASUREMENTS AND EXCEPTIONS

Sections:

17.48.010    Purpose

17.48.020    Building Height

17.48.030    Height Measurement

17.48.040    Exceptions To Height Limit

17.48.010 Purpose:

This chapter describes the required methodsfor measuring the height of structures in compliance with the height limits and exceptions to the height limits established by this title. (Ord. 473 §3, 2007)

17.48.020 Building Heights:

A.    Except as otherwise provided in section 17.48.040, "Exceptions To Height Limit’, of this chapter, the height of structures shall not exceed the height limit for the applicable zoning district established by division III, "Zoning Districts, Allowable Uses And Development Standards", of this title.

B.    Additional height provisions for fences and walls are listed in chapter 17.52, "Fences And Walls", of this title. (Ord. 473 §3, 2007)

17.48.030 Height Measurement:

A.    Height Measurement On Level Sites: The allowable height shall be measured as the vertical distance from the finished grade to the midpoint of a sloping roof, or the parapet height, or the deck height of a flat roof without parapet.

B.    Height Measurement On Sloped Sites: For sloped lots or buildings with varied floor elevations, the height of a building is measured as the vertical distance from the average level of the ground under the building to the allowed number of feet above and parallel to the finish grade. The average level of ground is determined by adding the elevations of the highest and lowest foundation points of the building and dividing by two (2). (Ord. 473 §3, 2007)

17.48.040 Exceptions To Height Limit:

Exceptions to height limits are listed below:

A.    Residential Districts: Chimneys, television antennas, and solar collectors not exceeding a dimension of six feet (6') at their base may exceed the height limits of the applicable zoning district by a maximum of five feet (5').

B.    Nonresidential Districts: Minor projections, including elevator and mechanical equipment enclosures, may exceed the height limit by fifteen feet (15'); provided, they are screened by a parapet or pitched roof. Additionally, architectural features including clock towers, cupolas, and similar structures may exceed the height limit as listed below. See also chapter 17.94, "Wireless Communications Facilities", of this title.

1.    Up to twenty feet (20'), if located at a street intersection;

2.    Up to twelve feet (12'), if located midblock. These features shall not exceed a width of twenty five feet (25') or one-third (1/3) of the length of the building facade whichever is less. Signs shall not be included within the additional height allowed. (Ord. 473 §3, 2007)