ᐅ Knee wall height – term used in the building permit / planning permission?

Created on: 18 Dec 2019 09:36
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Specki
S
Specki
18 Dec 2019 09:36
Hello,

I am currently trying to understand the development plan, and there is a phrase I don’t quite get:

“The height of knee walls, measured from the top edge of the ceiling to the intersection of the exterior wall surface with the top edge of the ridge beam, must not exceed 0.5m (1.6 ft).”

Could someone explain this to me (maybe with a drawing)?

If it’s relevant, here is some additional information:
- Mixed-use area
- Number of full floors: 1 (mandatory)
- Floor area ratio (FAR): 0.25
- Site occupancy index: 0.3

Thanks in advance

Best regards
Specki
L
Lumpi_LE
18 Dec 2019 09:41
It's actually quite simple if you look up a cross-section of a house on Google.
In other words: "Knee walls are not allowed."

Schematic roof drawing with knee wall height and red roof frame
S
Specki
18 Dec 2019 09:44
Ok, I think I’ve got it now.
I’m slowly going crazy with this zoning plan. It really limits the house.

But I’ll start a separate thread about that once I’ve worked through everything.
Thanks in advance.
S
Solveigh
18 Dec 2019 10:07
Ask @Escroda about that.

What does "top of ceiling" mean? Is it the top of the rough ceiling or the top of the finished floor? That can make a difference of up to 16cm (6 inches)!

What does "top of purlin" mean? Shouldn't it be "top of rafter"? In the sketch by @Lumpi_LE, the rafter is the dimensioned element. The purlin is located below the rafter. Vertically, there is a difference of at least 25-30cm (10-12 inches).

Warning: The roof must not become a full storey. However, with the low knee wall, this is almost impossible anyway.
S
Specki
18 Dec 2019 10:20
Thanks for your input!

Yes, a maximum of two-thirds of the floor area can have a ceiling height of over 2.2 m (7.2 ft); otherwise, it would count as a full story.

The zoning plan is quite restrictive here. Dormers are not allowed, only skylights... I find that really frustrating and will talk to the city on Friday to make sure I’ve understood everything correctly. Especially since on the opposite side of the street there are buildings with three full stories... Of course, they belong to a large company... so they’re allowed to do that... but the “little guy” probably isn’t. *sigh*
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Lumpi_LE
18 Dec 2019 10:55
Solveigh schrieb:

In the sketch by @Lumpi_LE, the rafter is dimensioned. The purlin is located beneath the rafter.
You’re right. I read it wrong and was already wondering what kind of strange arrangement that was...