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Millcreek Together Code Update I Chapter 18.72 Building Height v1 1 18.72 Building Height 18.72.010 Purpose. A. The purpose of this Chapter is to determine how building height is measured and how it is applied. 18.72.020 Applicability. A. This Chapter is applicable to all zones throughout Millcreek. 18.72.030 Measurement of Building Height A. The height of a building is measured as the vertical distance above the lowest original grade at any point on the perimeter of the building to the highest point. B. The highest point includes the coping of a flat roof, or to the deck line of a mansard roof, or to the highest point of pitched or hipped roofs, or gambrel roofs. C. Buildings may be stepped to accommodate the slope of the terrain provided that each step shall be at least twelve feet in horizontal dimension. The height of each stepped building segment shall be measured as required in subsection A. Figure 18.85.031 Measurement of Height ---PAGE BREAK--- Millcreek Together Code Update I Chapter 18.72 Building Height v1 2 D. The original grade is the elevation of the ground surface in its natural state before any human-caused alterations including but not limited to grading, excavation or filling, excluding improvements required by zoning or subdivision ordinances. When the elevation of the original ground surface is not readily apparent, the Planning Director shall determine the elevation of original grade using one of the following methods: 1. The original grade established related to the most recent building permit activity on the property. 2. Referencing original grade where the developed area appears to meet the undeveloped portions of the land. The estimated grade shall tie into the elevation and slopes of adjoining properties without creating a need for new retaining wall, abrupt differences in the visual slope and elevation of the land or redirecting the flow of runoff water. 18.72.040 Non-Residential Use Projections A. For Non-residential uses, roof structures for the housing of elevators, stairways, tanks, ventilating fans or similar equipment required to operate and maintain the building, and fire or parapet walls, skylights, towers, steeples, flagpoles, chimneys, smokestacks, water tanks, wireless or television masts, theater lofts, silos or similar structures, may be erected above the height limits prescribed in this title, but no space above the height limit shall be allowed for the purpose of providing additional floor space. B. Public or semipublic utility buildings, when authorized in a zone, may be erected to a height not exceeding forty (40) feet if the building is set back from each otherwise established building line at least one foot for each additional foot of building height above the normal height limit required for the zone in which the building is erected.