§ 17.06.500. Height.

A.

Purpose. Height limitations are established to ensure that buildings and structures shall not exceed heights generally compatible with the purposes of the zoning district and other land uses therein, and shall not unnecessarily impact the privacy, views, or desirability of adjoining sites.

B.

Height of Buildings. As applied to a building, the maximum permissible height shall be measured from an elevation derived from the average of the highest and lowest grade adjacent to the building, but not greater than five (5) feet above the lowest grade. The height of a stepped or terraced building is the maximum height of any segment of the structure.

C.

Linear Features. The height of linear features, such as fences, walls, screen plantings, or similar features shall be the average height measured from the grade to the highest portion of such feature at all points along the feature. For purposes of applying maximum or minimum requirements, a linear feature which has an average height for its entire length in conformity with such requirement and does not exceed the requirement by more than fifteen (15) percent at any point shall be deemed to comply.

D.

Exceptions. The following structures and features may exceed the maximum height for the zoning district in which they are located, subject to limits specified herein:

The following structures may exceed the height limit of any zone by not more than ten (10) feet:

1.

Parapet walls, chimneys, vents, and mechanical or safety features such as fire towers, stairway or elevator penthouses, and heating and cooling equipment;

2.

Ornamental or architectural features, such as towers, cupolas, domes and spires, when not designed for occupancy.

(Ord. 313, § 3(part), 1998; Ord. 264, § 2(part), 1995; Ord. 214, § 2(part), 1992)