(a)

Height.

(1)

Buildings.

a.

Building height is measured from a horizontal reference plane at the elevation of the average existing grade across the front building line, measured at major building corners, to the highest point among the following:

1.

The midpoint of a sloped (gable, hip or gambrel) roof;

2.

The top of the parapet of a flat roof system; or

3.

The deck line of a mansard roof.

b.

The following building elements and appurtenances are excepted from the building height measurement, but only to the minimum degree necessary to achieve compliance with applicable building codes (or if not regulated by building codes, to provide for appropriate function):

1.

Chimneys,

2.

Vents (e.g., attic fans, cupola vents, radon mitigation, plumbing vents, etc.), and

3.

Light collection domes for daylighting systems.

c.

In addition to the elements and appurtenances described in subsection (a)(1)b., above, with regard to multifamily and nonresidential buildings, the following are also excepted from the building height measurement:

1.

Non-habitable towers, spires, belfries, and domes;

2.

Screened mechanical equipment;

3.

"Green roof" vegetation;

4.

Roof access, elevator, and stair towers; and

5.

Clock towers.

(2)

Fences, walls, and retaining walls.

a.

The height of fences, walls, or retaining walls is measured as the vertical distance from a point of measurement at the average finished grade for each interval on the outside of the enclosed area (or the side closest to the property line if the fence or wall does not enclose anything) to the highest point at the top of the fence or wall for that interval, excluding posts and pilasters.

b.

In general, fence or wall height is measured in forty (40) foot horizontal intervals, or the distance between posts or pilasters, whichever is shorter.

(3)

Monopoles and towers. The height of a monopole or tower is measured from the lowest point of the anchored base of the tower, at its grade, to the highest point of the structure. For antenna towers, height shall be measured inclusive of any antennas placed on the tower. For wind turbines, height shall be measured to the top of the rotor at its highest point during rotation.

(4)

Roofed structures other than buildings. The height of roofed structures other than buildings (e.g., gazebos) is measured as the distance from the grade plane at the base of the structure to the top of the highest point on the structure, including attachments thereto.

(b)

Building coverage. Building coverage is measured as the area of a lot or parcel that is occupied by principal and accessory buildings at ground level. For the purpose of this UDC, building coverage is measured as the footprint of the principal and any accessory buildings at grade, including any carport (whether enclosed or not). Eaves, overhangs, and decks that project less than two feet from the building walls are not included in the measurement of building coverage. Overhangs, covered porches, cantilevers, and decks that project more than two feet from building walls are included in the measurement of building coverage.

(c)

Floor area. Floor area is measured as the horizontal floor area included within the outside walls of a building or portion thereof, including habitable tenant houses and attic space, but not including vent shafts, courts, or uninhabitable areas below ground level or in attics.

(d)

Lot area. Lot area is the total planar area within a lot that is enclosed by its lot lines.

(e)

Lot depth. Lot depth is the average horizontal distance between front and rear lot lines.

(f)

Lot width. Lot width is the horizontal distance between the side lot lines of a lot, measured at right angles to the line establishing the lot depth at the established building setback line.

(g)

Setbacks. Setbacks are measured horizontally at right angles to the affected lot line to the nearest point of the building or structure for which the setback is being measured.

(Ord. No. 33-2017, § 1, 12-6-17)

(a)

Building coverage ratio. Building coverage ratio is calculated as building coverage divided by lot area.

(b)

Density. Density is calculated as the number of dwelling units per acre of land of a lot or subject property, as applicable to the circumstances of the calculation.

(c)

Open space ratio. Open space ratio is calculated as the total area of open space on a subject property divided by the total area of the subject property.

(d)

Luminance. One (1) Nit is equal to one (1) candela per square meter.

(e)

Value. Value of land and or improvements shall be based on the records of the Alamosa County Assessor, or a current valuation provided by a licensed real estate appraiser.

(Ord. No. 33-2017, § 1, 12-6-17; Ord. No. 27-2024, § 7, 11-6-24)