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

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

I would agree with your husband. Build a bungalow with a partially above-ground basement. Extend the basement about 1 meter (3 feet) out to allow for large windows with plenty of natural light. I think that would be much better than a 50 cm (20 inch) knee wall.

Building a bungalow right away because of the knee wall or even having a dark “basement living area”? Honestly, I think that would be even worse.

In our case, the development plan specifies a 50cm (20 inches) knee wall, but the building authority accepted 70cm (28 inches). We then added built-in wardrobes in front of it, so the room effectively starts at 1.5m (5 feet).

A basement living area doesn’t have to be dark.
I would always prefer it over annoying sloping ceilings and skylights.
With a second entrance to the basement from the outside, you can also give the kids more freedom later on.

Opinions on this can vary greatly...
It probably depends a lot on what you are familiar with or used to.
For me, sloped ceilings have never been a problem. In the bedroom, there are the built-in wardrobes mentioned earlier, in the bathroom the bathtub (with a skylight = bright and no need for privacy screens), and the kids’ beds fit well under the slope too.

Thanks for your responses!
My parents built with a knee wall of 75cm (30 inches), and I always found it awkward, as did my parents.
I feel that if you’re already spending that much money and hopefully only build once in your life, it should be (almost) exactly how you want it...
On the other hand, there are simply very few plots available, and the location would be really good.
By the way, we would probably have to build with a basement anyway since the lot is slightly on a slope. The neighboring houses around all have basements with high walls.
Best regards