The permitted heights of structures shall be measured from ground
level grade as herein defined. On a corner lot, the ground level grade
shall be the mean of the base grades along both frontages at the structure
face. On a through lot, the ground level grade of each structure frontage
(front and rear) shall limit the height of the structure to the stated
permitted height as measured at the midpoint of the side of the structure.
Upon application, in accordance with the provisions of this
chapter, the Zoning Hearing Board shall determine the reasonableness
and propriety of an application for a height exception and may authorize
the issuance of an occupancy permit in conformity with the provisions
prescribed in this section and all other applicable regulations of
this chapter unless otherwise excepted hereunder. The Board shall
permit exceptions to the height regulations in each zoning district
where the following conditions are met:
A. Building height in excess of the height above average ground level
allowed in any zoning district may be permitted, provided all front,
side and rear yard depths are increased beyond the minimum required,
one foot for each additional foot of height.
B. The following structures are exempt from height regulations, provided
it is demonstrated to the Board that they require such height exemptions
as are necessary and essential for proper function and they do not
constitute a hazard to an established airport or adjacent development:
television and radio towers and spires, belfries, monuments, tanks,
water and fire towers and scenery lofts, cooling towers, ornamental
towers and spires, chimneys, elevator bulkheads, smokestacks, conveyors
and steeples.
C. A structure conforming as to use, but not complying with the height
or area regulations, may be enlarged, provided an enlarged portion
thereof complies with all the regulations of this chapter.
D. The following structures or portions thereof may extend above the
height limit of the zoning district in which the same is located,
provided every structure or portion of such structure, above the height
limit, is at least the same distance from adjacent or opposite properties
as that structure or portion of structure is high:
(1)
Multiple-family dwellings.
(2)
Church towers and spires.
(3)
Penthouse or roof structures for the housing of tanks.
(4)
Chimneys, smokestacks, steeples and towers. (See §
300-156).