Chapter 17.36 — BUILDING HEIGHT MEASUREMENT AND PROJECTIONS

The purpose of this chapter is to establish the regulation for building height and rules for measuring building height. Additionally, the chapter includes exceptions to the height requirements of the underlying zoning district based on use type and features. (Ord. 2010-02 § 1 (part), 2010)

The regulations provided in this chapter establish the methodology that shall be used for measuring the height of all structures regulated by the Zoning Code. The maximum allowed height for all structures varies by type of structure and zoning district, and is identified in multiple locations in the Zoning Code, including Article II (Zoning Districts, Allowed Uses, and Development Standards), Chapter 17.30 (Accessory Structures), and Chapter 17.42 (Fences, Walls and Screening). The height requirements for buildings or structures shall be interpreted so that the limitation as to the number of stories and the limitation of the height in feet shall apply when both requirements are listed. (Ord. 2010-02 § 1 (part), 2010)

The height of a structure shall be measured as the vertical distance from the natural grade of the site to an imaginary plane located the allowed number of feet above and parallel to the grade. See Figure 17.36.030-1(Measurement of Height). FIGURE 17.36.030-1

MEASUREMENT OF HEIGHT

(Ord. 2010-02 § 1 (part), 2010)

Exceptions to the height regulations provided elsewhere in the Zoning Code are identified below.

A. General Building Height Exceptions Allowed Through Design Review. As part of administrative design review (Section 17.12.080) or comprehensive design review (Section 17.12.150), the designated approving authority may allow multi-family dwellings, schools, religious facilities, public buildings, and other similar buildings or structures to be erected to a height not to exceed seventy-five (75) feet, provided that the required yards are increased one (1) foot for each one (1) foot of height increase of said building over the maximum height limit allowed by the zoning district that applies to said building.

B. Solar Facilities. Solar facilities are allowed to exceed the height limits of the applicable zoning district, unless the Building Official, in the approval of the building permit, has determined that the placement therein will have a specific adverse impact upon the public health or safety, as defined by state law.

C. Residential Zoning Districts. Chimneys, cupolas, towers, and other similar architectural projections not exceeding a dimension of six

(6) feet at their base may exceed the height limits of the applicable zoning district by a maximum of five (5) feet.

D. Non-Residential and Mixed Use Zoning Districts.

1. Minor projections. Minor projections for the purpose of shelter for mechanical equipment, elevator and mechanical equipment enclosures, radio or television antennas, and similar structures and necessary mechanical appurtenances may be erected on a building to exceed the height limits of the applicable zoning district, or of that use, by a maximum of fifteen (15) feet, provided the projections are screened by a parapet or pitched roof or other method acceptable to the Community Development Director.

2. Architectural features. Clock towers, cupolas, towers, and similar structures may exceed the height limit as listed below. Signs shall not be included within the additional height allowed.

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

b. Up to twelve (12) feet, it located midblock. These features shall not exceed a width of twenty-five (25) feet or one-third (1/3) of the length of the building façade, whichever is less.

3. Mixed-use and industrial zoning districts. As part of administrative design review (Section 17.12.080) or comprehensive design review (Section 17.12.150), the designated approving authority may permit the maximum height for buildings in the mixed-use and

industrial zoning districts to be increased provided that all portions of the building exceeding the otherwise applicable height maximum are set back from the ultimate right-of-way line of all abutting streets and freeways a distance at least equal to the height of that portion of the building. For any residential portion of a hotel or a residential portion of a mixed-use development, all required yards and courts shall be increased one (1) square foot for each foot that such building exceeds the otherwise applicable maximum height of the zoning district. In any case, the floor area to lot area ratio shall not exceed that allowed in the applicable zoning district or 2.5:1 when no maximum is specified. (Ord. 2010-02 § 1 (part), 2010)