A. Measuring building height. Height of buildings is generally measured as provided in the Oregon Structural Specialty Code (the Uniform Building Code as amended by the State). The height of buildings is the vertical distance above the base point described in paragraphs 1 or 2 below. The base point used is the method that yields the greater height of the building. For a flat roof, the measurement is made to the top of the parapet, or if there is no parapet, to the highest point of the roof. The measurement is made to the deck line of the mansard roof, or to the average height of the highest gable of the pitched or hipped roof that has a roof pitch of 12 in 12 or less. For pitched or hipped roofs with a pitch steeper that 12 in 12, the measurement is to the highest point. For other roof shapes such as domed, vaulted, or pyramidal shapes, the measurement is to the highest point. See Figure 730-5. The height of a stepped or terraced building is the maximum height of any segment of the building.

(2) Base Point 2. Base point 2 is the elevation that is 10 feet higher than the lowest grade when the sidewalk or ground surface described in paragraph 1. above, is more than 10 feet above the lowest grade. See Figure 730-7.

B. Measuring height of other structures. The height of other structures such as flag poles and fences is the vertical distance from the ground level immediately under the structure to the top of a structure, excluding exempted portions. When chimneys and other objects are allowed to exceed the base height of the zone by a set amount, that set amount is measured to the top of these objects. Special measurement provisions are also provided below.

(1) Measuring height of retaining walls and fences. Retaining walls and fences on top of retaining walls are measured from the ground level on the higher side of the retaining wall. See Figure 730-8.