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18.30.110 Height
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A. Measurement

1. The “height” of a building or structure is the vertical distance from:

a. The average ground level abutting a building or structure to either the:

(1) Highest point of a building or highest point of any permanent part of a structure other than a building;

(2) Highest point of the coping of a flat roof;

(3) Highest point of a mansard roof; or

(4) Average height level between the eaves and ridge line of a gable, hip, or gambrel roof.

2. Height, where not regulated in feet, is regulated by stories. A story is equal to twelve (12) feet measured vertically for purposes of measuring structures.

B. Height Exceptions

The following projections are exempt from zoning district height limits to the extent established below:

Accessory Towers

Chimneys (residential only), belfries, spires, church steeples, monuments and other ornamental towers and features are exempt from the district’s height restrictions. However, water towers, smoke stacks and other accessory towers shall comply with the district's height restrictions.

Communication Towers

Radio, television or microwave towers, not including freestanding towers, exceeding sixty (60) feet in height which are located on or within a structure and entirely screened from view.

Parapet Walls and False Mansards

Parapet walls and false mansards shall not extend more than six (6) feet above the roof or the applicable height restrictions within that district, whichever is more restrictive.

Public or Semi-Public Buildings

In any district, public or semi-public buildings that are not permitted by right, such as hospitals, churches and schools, either public or private, may be erected to a height of up to seventy-five (75) feet. These structures shall be set back from all property lines a distance equal to at least their height.

Airports and Landing Areas

NOTE: Regulations regarding airports are in a separate process with Johnson County, Olathe, Overland Park and Gardner. Upon agreements with those jurisdictions, separate public hearings regarding airport regulation are required. (Ord. 17-52 §§ 9, 41, 2017; Ord. 09-36 § 6, 2009; Ord. 02-54 § 2, 2002)