§ 2-2. Measurements.

This Division explains how measurements are made in the Zoning Ordinance.

A.

Fractions. When calculations result in fractions the results will be rounded as follows:

1.

Minimum Requirements. When a regulation is expressed in terms of a minimum requirement, any fractional result shall be rounded up to the next consecutive whole number. For example, if a minimum requirement of one (1) parking space for every two hundred (200) square feet is applied to a eight thousand fifty-square foot building, the resulting fraction of 40.25 is rounded up to forty-one (41) required spaces. If a minimum requirement of one (1) tree for every thirty (30) feet is applied to a fifty-foot strip, the resulting fraction of 1.67 is rounded up to two (2) required trees.

2.

Maximum Limits. When a regulation is expressed in terms of maximum limits, any fractional result shall be rounded down to the next lower whole number. For example, if a maximum limit of one (1) dwelling unit for every three thousand (3,000) square feet is applied to an eight thousand-square foot lot, the resulting fraction of 2.67 is rounded down to two (2) allowed dwelling units.

B.

Measuring Distances.

1.

Distances are Measured Horizontally. When determining distances for setbacks and structure dimensions, all distances are measured along a horizontal plane from the appropriate property line, edge of building, structure, storage area, parking area, or other object. These distances are not measured by following the topography of the land.

2.

Measurements are Shortest Distances. When measuring a required distance, such as the minimum distance between a structure and a lot line, the measurement is made at the shortest distance between the two (2) objects.

3.

Measurements Involving a Structure. Measurements involving a structure are made to the closest wall of the structure. Items such as enclosed porches and entrances, are included in the measurement.

4.

Measuring Distances on Maps. Zoning district boundaries that are shown crossing lots are usually based on a topographic feature or a set measurement from a lot line or topographic feature, such as middle of a stream, twenty-five (25) feet from top of bank, or thirty (30) feet from property line. When zone district boundaries are shown crossing lots with no clear indication of the basis for the line, exact distances are to be determined by scaling the distances from the Official Zoning Maps, using the center of the district line.

C.

Measuring Height.

1.

Measuring Height of Structures (Non-buildings). The height of non-building structures, such as flag poles, commercial wireless telecommunication towers and fences, is the vertical distance from the finished ground level immediately under the structure to the top of a structure, excluding any exempt portions. When chimneys and other objects are allowed to exceed the base height of the zone district by a set amount, that set amount is measured to the top of these objects. Special measurement provisions are also provided below.

2.

Measuring the Height of Retaining Walls and Fences. Retaining walls and fences are measured from the higher finished ground level side of the retaining wall or fence.

3.

Measuring Height of Decks. Deck height is determined by measuring from the finished ground level to the top of the floor of the deck if there is no rail or if the rail walls are more than fifty percent (50%) open, and from the ground to the top of the rails for all other situations.

(Ord. of 5-7-2013(2))

(Ord. of 5-7-2013(2))