ᐅ Building with a knee wall height of 50 cm (approximately 20 inches)?

Created on: 21 Apr 2024 13:47
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MelW2024
Hello.

We are currently negotiating for our "dream plot." Great location, but unfortunately quite expensive.
Now we have taken a close look at the zoning plan and found out that a knee wall of 50cm (20 inches) is required.
I find that quite frustrating and am almost of the opinion that we should continue looking elsewhere. (which is unfortunately not so easy in this area)
My husband dismisses it as "it's not that bad" and "if necessary, we’ll build a bungalow with a basement."
The zoning plan dates back to 1970. We have submitted an inquiry to the city regarding changes, but they are not very forthcoming with information.

Now my questions:
Does anyone have experience with changes to zoning plans (building permits/planning permission)?
Has anyone built with such a low knee wall and can share their experience?

Thanks and best regards, Mel
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kbt09
24 Apr 2024 18:05
So, I also think a 50cm (20 inches) knee wall for a gable roof with a 25-30° pitch is not ideal and would fully agree with the ideas of @ypg and @hanghaus2023.
And, if I interpret the site plan correctly, the basement could then have living spaces with garden access, while the "so-called" ground floor would have street access.
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ypg
24 Apr 2024 18:13
kbt09 schrieb:

So, a 50cm (20 inches) knee wall on a gable roof with a 25-30° pitch doesn’t seem ideal either.

Page of a building regulation document with height specifications for buildings and roof types.


What about section 7.6.1? I read something about an 80cm (31.5 inches) knee wall for steep (gable) roofs.
Unfortunately, it’s a bit unclear since I can’t fully focus.
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MelW2024
24 Apr 2024 18:36
ypg schrieb:

[ATTACH alt="bauen-mit-einem-kniestock-von-50cm-660865-1.png"]85428[/ATTACH]

What about section 7.6.1? I read something about an 80cm (31.5 inches) knee wall for steep (gable) roofs. It’s a bit unclear, so I can’t focus properly.

The development plan includes different options. Unfortunately, 50cm (20 inches) knee walls are required for our plot.
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ypg
24 Apr 2024 18:43
MelW2024 schrieb:

There are different options in the development plan. Unfortunately, 50cm (20 inches) is required for our plot.

We can’t know that for sure. Is that correct? Especially on sloped plots, there are often additional specifications. I also like to point out possible interpretation errors… which happen here in about 80% of the cases.
Anyway, there are options. You need to consider them carefully; otherwise, you’ll just go around in circles.
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MelW2024
24 Apr 2024 18:51
ypg schrieb:

We can't know that for sure. Is that actually correct? Especially on sloped plots, there are often lower levels involved. I also like to point out the possibility of interpretation errors… this happens here almost 80% of the time.
Anyway: there are options. You need to consider them carefully; otherwise, you'll just go in circles.

Yes, unfortunately... That’s why my husband added the other diagram in the bottom right of the images. The rules apply exactly as shown to the street mentioned, but different regulations apply to another street, which is not “above” but rather in a depression.
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hanghaus2023
24 Apr 2024 19:08
Without the reference height, it is difficult to provide assistance. Obtain the plan. Take a photo when you go to view it at the building authority.