10-8-7 Height Limitation; Exceptions

1. Measurement from Finished Grade: Where doubt exists as to height of fences, hedges, buildings, structures, etc., provided for in this Title, height limitations shall be measured from the average finished grade of the front yard for buildings, or from the average finished grade of the yard in which fences, hedges or other such structures are located. 2. Exceptions: All buildings and structures must conform to the height limit of the zoning district in which they are located. No space above the height limit shall be allowed for the purpose of providing additional floor space. However, the following exceptions to height limits are permitted in any zoning district: a. Building Equipment and Structures: i. Penthouse or roof structures for the housing of elevators, stairways, tanks, ventilating fans, or similar equipment required to operate and maintain the building. ii. Properly screened mechanical appurtenances usually carried above the roof level of a building. b. Architectural and Decorative Features: i. Church spires, belfries, cupolas, domes not used for human occupancy, and cornices without windows. ii. Skylights, steeples, flagpoles, chimneys, smokestacks, fire or parapet walls. c. Utility and Communication Structures: 10-8-8: i. Antennas, radio towers, wireless and television masts, provided they are issued a conditional use permit by the City Council. ii. Towers, water tanks, and silos, subject to City Council approval through a conditional use permit. d. Public and Quasi-Public Buildings: i. Medical, emergency service, religious, public, and quasi-public utility buildings. Clear Vision Area; Corner Lots In all zones which require a front yard, no obstruction to view more than three feet (3’) in height shall be placed on any corner within a triangular area formed by the property lines connecting them at points twenty-five (25’) from the intersection of property lines. Chain-link or similar fences that do not block vision may not exceed four feet (4’) in height. Street trees are permitted which are pruned at least seven feet (7’) above the established grades of the curb so as not to obstruct clear view by motor vehicle drivers. Those properties which adjoin a driveway of the adjacent property must preserve a ten-foot sight triangle to allow visibility to pedestrians for those backing out of the adjoining driveway.