59-C-4.342. Building height.

   (a)   Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Code allowing greater height for any reason except under subsections (b) and (c), no building shall exceed the height of 30 feet as measured from the average elevation of finished grade surface along the base of the front, rear, and sides of the building to the highest point of roof surface of a flat roof; to the deck line of a mansard roof; and to the mean height level between eaves and ridges of a gable, hip, or gambrel roof; provided, however, that the height in the front, rear, or any side shall not exceed 45 feet.  On lots having severe topography, the Board of Appeals shall have authority to grant variances from the maximum 45-foot height limitation on the front, rear, or any side up to a maximum 60 feet on such side; provided, however, that the average height shall in no case exceed the 30-foot average height limitation contained herein.

   (b)   Where land is zoned in the C-1 classification on October 30, 1978, and an application for a building permit is received by the Department on or before March 1, 1979, the height of a building may not exceed 35 feet measured as set forth in this section.

   (c)   The maximum building height for a retail center that exceeds 100,000 square feet of gross floor area at completion is:

      (1)   45 feet where the subject property:

         (A)   abuts R-200 zoned property or property in a lower density residential zone;

         (B)   is greater than 5 acres or is contiguous with 5 or more acres of land zoned C-1;

         (C)   is in a master planned designated historic district; or

         (D)   abuts property in a townhouse zone or abuts a property more densely zoned;

      (2)   35 feet where the subject property abuts or confronts property zoned R-90, R-60, or R-40.

      Under this subsection, building height must be measured from the average elevation of the finished ground surface along the front of the building.