Chapter 21.64 — HEIGHT MEASUREMENT AND EXCEPTIONS

This chapter establishes the method for measuring the height of structures in compliance with the height limits set forth in this title, and specifies exceptions to height limits.

(Ord. 612 Exhibit A (part), 2008).

(a) Structure height shall be measured as the vertical distance between the lowest ground elevation or finished grade and the highest point of the subject building or structure. The highest point shall be the coping of a flat roof, deck line of a mansard roof, or peak of the highest gable of a pitch or hip roof, exclusive of vents, air conditioners, chimneys, and the like.

(b) For sloped lots or buildings with varied floor elevations, the height shall be measured as the vertical distance from the average level of the ground under the building to the top-most point of the roof. The average level of the ground is determined by adding the elevations of the lowest and highest points of the part of the lot covered by a building, and dividing by two.

(Ord. 612 Exhibit A (part), 2008).

The following exceptions to height limits are allowed, provided compliance is achieved with all other applicable permit requirements and development standards of this title.

(1) Uninhabited architectural design features such as towers, spires, steeples, domes, and cupolas may exceed the specified height limit by a maximum of ten percent, subject to approval by the appropriate approving authority.

(2) Antennas, flagpoles, ventilators, chimneys, water tanks and utility structures, or other mechanical appurtenances may exceed the specified height limit by a maximum of twenty percent.

(3) Electrical transmission lines and towers are exempt from the provisions of this chapter.

(4) Additional height exceptions for wireless communications facilities are set forth in Chapter 21.46.

(Ord. 612 Exhibit A (part), 2008).