Measuring Perimeter Wall Height
I have a question on measuring perimeter wall height. Our R3-2 district allows for a 21 foot perimeter wall. I am curious though…if you measure out perimeter wall from the grade to the top plate it is about 23 feet. However, our foundation is built up rather high. If you measure from the top of…
I have a question on measuring perimeter wall height. Our R3-2 district allows for a 21 foot perimeter wall. I am curious though…if you measure out perimeter wall from the grade to the top plate it is about 23 feet. However, our foundation is built up rather high. If you measure from the top of the foundation or finished first floor, you then get 21 feet. Is this the correct way to measure the perimeter wall height? From the finished 1st floor?
That’s providing you actually have an architectural survey, or a survey of any kind. The legal grade elevation is essentially the average height of the ground at the front property line. I know, there are lots of exceptions to this and all, but it’s the closest you’re going to get without the survey.
My assumption would be that the house was not built according to the current code. It could have been built before 1961 when the code came into effect. Or it could have been built after, and just not built to code for any number of other reasons.
Jim Hill, RA, LEED AP
Urban Pioneering Architecture
You measure from the legal grade elevation which is usually listed on your architectural survey.