Residential Height

The height of buildings, not including a penthouse, in R, RF, and RA zones shall be measured in accordance with the rules provided in this section. If more than one of these subsections applies to a building, the rule permitting the greater height shall apply.

The building height measuring point (BHMP) shall be established at the existing grade at the mid-point of the building façade of the principal building that is closest to a street lot line.

The height of a building with a flat roof shall be measured from the BHMP to the highest point of the roof excluding parapets and balustrades not exceeding 4 ft. in height.

The height of a building with a roof that is not a flat roof shall be measured as follows:

  • From the BHMP to the average level between the highest eave, not including the eave of a dormer and the highest point of the roof; and
  • Where there are no eaves, the average level shall be measured between the top of the highest wall plate and the highest point of the roof.

The height of a building permitted to be 90 ft. shall be measured from the BHMP to the highest point of the roof excluding parapets and balustrades not exceeding 4 ft. in height.

Where a building is removed from all lot lines by a distance equal to its proposed height above grade, the height of building shall be measured from the BHMP to the highest point of the roof or parapet.

If a building fronts on more than one street, any front may be used to determine street frontage; but the basis for measuring the height of the building shall be established by the street selected as the front of the building.

A conforming structure in existence on June 14, 2013, that would have been rendered nonconforming as a result of the adoption of amendments to this section made in Z.C. Order No. 12-11, shall be deemed conforming; provided that the height of the structure may neither be increased or extended.

For more information on the following topics, please see the corresponding referenced sections: