16.18.080 Height Measurement and Height Limit Exceptions.
All structures shall meet the following standards relating to height, except for fences and walls, which shall comply with Chapter 16.22 (Fences, Hedges, and Walls).
   A.   Maximum Height. The height of structures shall not exceed the standard established by the applicable zoning district in Article II (Zoning Districts and Allowable Land Uses). Maximum height shall be measured as the vertical distance from finish grade to an imaginary plane located the allowed number of feet above and parallel to the finish grade.
FIGURE 3-1
HEIGHT MEASUREMENT
 
   B.   Structures on Sloping Parcels. Where the average slope of a parcel is greater than one foot rise or fall in 7 feet of distance from the street elevation at the property line, structure height shall be measured in compliance with Chapter 16.24 (Hillside Development).
   C.   Exceptions to Height Limits. Exceptions to the height limits identified in this development code shall apply in the following manner:
      1.   Roof-mounted Features. Roof-mounted features including chimneys, cupolas, clock towers, elevator equipment rooms, equipment enclosures, and similar architectural features shall be allowed, up to a maximum of fifteen (15) feet above the allowed structure height. The total square footage of all structures above the heights allowed in the zoning districts shall not occupy more than twenty-five (25) percent of the total roof area of the structure. Greater height or area coverage may be allowed subject to the approval of a minor conditional use permit in compliance with Chapter 16.52.
      2.   Parapet Walls. Fire or parapet walls may extend up to four feet above the allowable height limit of the structure.
      3.   Public Assembly, Hotels, Class "A" Office and Public Structures. Places of public assembly including churches, schools, assembly halls, Class "A" office buildings greater than three (3) stories, hotels and other similar structures may exceed the established height limit by one (1) foot for every two (2) feet that the minimum required front, rear and side yard setbacks are increased. The increase in the front, rear and side yard setbacks is determined by averaging the total of the increased building setbacks at the closest point on all sides. The maximum additional height allowed is thirty (30) feet above the height limit established for the applicable zoning district. This exception shall not apply when the site is adjacent to single-family zoned property. This exception may be used in conjunction with the height exception for rooftop equipment.
   4.   Telecommunications Facilities. Telecommunication facilities, including antennae, poles, towers, and necessary mechanical appurtenances, may be authorized to exceed the height limit established for the applicable zoning district, subject to the approval of a conditional use permit in compliance with Chapter 16.52.
(Ord. 412 § 3, 2008; Ord. 337 § 7, 2005; Ord. 182 § 2 (part), 1997)