Building Height Measurement Standards in Concord
In the city of Concord, building height is measured as the vertical distance from the finished grade at the base of a structure to an imaginary plane located at the allowed height above and parallel to the finished grade at any point. Artificial raising of the finished grade to gain additional building height is strictly prohibited, and specific exceptions allow certain architectural features to exceed established height limits.
General Measurement Methodology
For structures in the city of Concord, building height is determined by measuring the vertical distance from the finished grade at the structure's base to an imaginary plane parallel to the finished grade [Section 18.150.070].
When the exact finished grade cannot be determined, the height is computed based on the elevation of the crown of the adjacent public street or the grade at the site's principal entrance, whichever is lower [Section 18.180.090]. For fences and retaining walls, height measurement follows the standards established in Section 18.150.040, which specifies measuring the vertical distance between the finished grade at the base of the structure to the top edge of the fence or wall [Section 18.150.040].
Exceptions to Height Limits
Certain architectural features and utility structures are permitted to exceed the height limits established for their respective zoning districts in the Concord Development Code:
| Feature | Exception Allowance |
|---|---|
| Chimneys | May exceed height limit by 3 feet |
| Cupolas, gables, domes, elevator penthouses, monuments, spires, or towers (less than 10% of roof area) | May exceed height limit by 10 feet (with minor exception) |
| Rooftop open space features and open trellises (less than 10% of roof area) | May exceed height limit by 12 feet (with minor exception) |
| Skylights or vents | May exceed height limit by 3 feet |
| Catwalks, fire escapes, and open railings | May exceed height limit by 8 feet |
| Rooftop solar panels | May exceed height limit by 8 feet |
| Flagpoles | May exceed height limit by 10 feet |
| Public utility poles, towers, and similar structures | Not subject to district height limitations |
Additional Considerations
- Wireless Facilities: Wireless communication facilities and microwave equipment, including antennas and towers, may be authorized to exceed the height limit if they comply with the specific requirements set forth in the Concord Development Code regarding new, substantially changed, or eligible facilities requests [Section 18.150.070].
- Planning Permits: Height limits may also be established or modified by a specific planning permit or a project's specific plan [Section 18.150.070].
- Grade Alteration: Finished grade for measurement purposes shall be established consistent with other parcels in the vicinity and cannot be artificially raised [Section 18.150.070].
Sections Cited
- Section 18.150.040: Fences and walls
- Section 18.150.070: Height limits and exceptions
- Section 18.180.090: General requirements for all permanent signs