Intent. The height of buildings in Downtown Bernardsville is varied, which adds to the richness of its character. Additionally, the height of individual stories varies. For example, shopfronts close to sidewalk often feature taller ground level ceilings than the stories above. The first floor of residential-type buildings is typically raised above the level of the adjoining sidewalk. The intent is to be sensitive to the existing building and ceiling heights of the area, but to allow for additional height where appropriate due to location and/or unique features of the site.

Building height shall be measured in stories and feet. The measurement of building height in feet shall be made using average predevelopment grade. The average predevelopment grade shall be established at the minimum front yard setback line, measured at the endpoints of equal length segments composing that line with no segment longer than 20 feet. Building height from the average predevelopment grade will be measured to the bottom of the eave on a sloped roof or the highest point of the roof surface of a flat roof not including a parapet. The maximum exposed foundation along any portion of a building shall be no greater than two feet.

Any finished floor surface entirely above the established predevelopment grade shall be counted as a story, except that a basement shall be considered to be a story above grade where the finished surface of the floor above the basement is:

Where a lot slopes down from the primary street a minimum of 10 feet vertically, one additional story is allowed beyond the maximum number of stories as applicable by subdistrict. Such additional story shall be used only for underground or covered parking, storage or mechanical equipment.

Non-occupiable roof elements such as spires, cupolas, chimneys, cell antennas, and similar structures may exceed the maximum height requirements by no greater than 20%.

Stairways to the roofs, rooftop shade structures, and rooftop mechanical equipment including solar panels may not exceed the maximum height requirement by more than 10 feet and shall be set back from building facades a minimum of 10 feet. Rooftop structures shall be limited to 25% of the roof area. All roof structures, facilities and improvements shall have aesthetic quality consistent with the design standards applicable to the structure as a whole and shall be appropriately screened.

Minimum story height requirements shall be measured from the top of the finished floor to the floor above.

Minimum ground floor elevation requirements shall be measured from the top of the adjacent sidewalk.

Fencing as required by building codes for terraced roofs is permitted but may not exceed the minimum height required by the building code.