9-102.060 - DETERMINING GRADE

(a)

Determining Grade. Grade is the location of the ground surface. For purposes of this Chapter, the grade of a building used to determine building height shall be determined by one or more of the following:

(1)

Average Grade. A horizontal line approximating the ground elevation through each building on a site used for calculating the exterior volume of a building. Average grade is calculated separately for each building.

(2)

Existing Grade. The existing elevation of the ground at any point on a lot. Existing grade also may be referred to as natural grade.

(3)

Finished Grade. The lowest point of elevation of the finished surface of the ground, paving, or sidewalk within the area between the building and the lot line, or when the lot line is more than five feet from the building, between the building and a line five feet from the building.

(4)

Grade Plane. A reference plane representing the average of finished ground level adjoining the building at exterior walls. Where the finished ground level slopes away from the exterior walls, the reference plane shall be established by the lowest points within the area between the building and the lot line or, where the lot line is more than five feet from the building, between the building and a point five feet from the building.

FIGURE 9-102.060: GRADE PLANE