Re: La Manzanilla Skyscraper

Posted by Ron Smith on March 7, 2015, 9:46 am, in reply to "Re: La Manzanilla Skyscraper"
187.148.173.121

I'm an architect on an island in WA State where views of the water are very important. I've been a technical advisor for several Home Owner Associations, and have been an expert witness and have written opinions dealing with height issues. Unfortunately this is a NOB perspective and may have (probably has) no relevance here? Many regulations are often contradictory, and the basis for determining height is in the details. Here are a few of methods of determining heights that I've seen, including one that had very specific requirements and ended with a statement that says you can't block someone's view? LOT ELEVATION DETERMINATION Highest point of the lot. Average of the lot elevation across the front property line. Average of the lot elevation at the front setback line. Average of the lot elevation across the front of the residence. Average of the lot elevation for the entire footprint of the residence ROOF ELEVATION DETERMINATION Highest point of roof Average of roof height It appears that some limit to maximum height exists, which hopefully clarifies the issue. Enforcement might be another issue? What I like to encourage is a meeting of the affected parties during design and before construction. Daniels's suggestion of buying the lot in front you to preserve your view is the most secure option. This is too much like work, good luck, and stay friends.

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