The purpose of this chapter is to provide the process for determining
building height and setbacks and identifying exceptions to height
limits and setback requirements, including those for the corner lot
vision triangle.
(Ord. 2014-01 § 1)
The following rules apply to the calculation and determination
of height of structures in the City. The intent of these regulations
is to provide for compatibility in the measurement of building height
under a variety of circumstances (e.g., sloped site).
A. Height
Measurement. The height of a structure shall be measured as the vertical
distance from the finish grade to the highest point of the roof of
the structure. The measure excludes architectural features and appurtenances
such as, but not limited to, chimneys, antennas, elevators, and similar
mechanical equipment.
FIGURE 19.70.020-1 HEIGHT MEASUREMENT
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B. Height Limits. Height limits are established throughout this title. Primarily, height limits are listed in Section
19.56.040 (Development Standards), where they are listed by zoning district. Additional height limits are established for accessory structures (Chapter
19.78), fences and walls (Chapter
19.82), and signs (Chapter
19.92). Height limits are measured as the vertical distance from the finish grade of the site to an imaginary plane located the allowed number of feet above and parallel to the finish grade.
FIGURE 19.70.020-2 HEIGHT LIMIT MEASUREMENT
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C. Height
Exceptions. The following features are excluded from height limits,
provided they do not exceed 15 feet in height above the structure
(see Figure 19.70.020-3 Height Exceptions):
3. Spires,
bell towers, or similar architectural features.
4. Additional height over 15 feet may be considered through the Adjustment process (Chapter
19.22).
FIGURE 19.70.020-3 HEIGHT EXCEPTIONS
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(Ord. 2014-01 § 1)
Vision triangles apply only to corner lots. The boundaries of
a vision triangle are formed by drawing lines from the point of intersection
of a lot's street corner property lines to points 30 feet along the
two property lines and then connecting the two points with a straight
line.
A. Residential
Districts. No wall, fence, gate, or hedge higher than three feet shall
be erected or maintained on a corner lot in any residential district
within the area called the corner lot vision triangle.
B. Other
Districts. In any district, other than a residential district, no
wall, gate, fence, hedge, or other obstruction to view shall be erected
or maintained above three feet above grade on any corner lot within
the vision triangle area unless it is an open view design that has
a minimum of 50% transparency to allow views through the fence.
C. Planting
and Landscape Materials. Planting and landscape materials (except
for street trees) shall not exceed three feet in height within the
vision triangle area. In nonresidential districts a taller fence may
be permitted if it is an open view design with a minimum of 50% transparency
to allow views through the landscaping material (transparency measurement
also includes fencing materials).
FIGURE 19.70.040-1 CORNER LOT VISION TRIANGLE
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(Ord. 2014-01 § 1)