Words and phrases not defined in this Article shall have their common meaning unless otherwise stated.

Basement: An area partly underground but having at least one half (½) of its clear ceiling height above the average finished grade level at the foundation. A basement shall be considered as a story if used for dwelling or business purposes. That portion of a building that is partly or completely below grade (see story above grade). For the administration of flood hazard area regulations, "basement" means any area of building having its floor subgrade on all sides.

Story: That portion of a building included between a floor and the floor or roof next above. Basements shall be considered with the criteria of story above grade plane definition. A half-story is a partial story under a sloping roof, the wall plates of which on two (2) exterior walls are not more than two (2) feet above the floor of such partial story.

Story Above Grade Plane. Any story having its finished floor surface entirely above grade plane, except that a basement shall be considered as a story above grade plane where the finished surface of the floor above the basement meets any one of the following:

1. Is more than 6 feet above grade plane;
   
   
2. Is more than 6 feet above the finished ground level for more than 50% of the total building perimeter; or
   
   
3. Is more than12 feet above the finished ground level at any point.

Grade plane: A reference plane representing the average of the finished ground level adjoining the building at all exterior walls. Where the finished ground level slopes away from the exterior walls, the reference plane shall be established by the lowest points within the area between the building and the lot line or, where the lot line is more than 6 feet from the building between the structure and a point 6 feet from the building.

6.05 Maximum Number of Stories and Height of Structures

No structures shall be constructed in excess of the number of stories and the maximum height as specified in the Table of Dimensional Regulations (Section 6.07). The height restrictions shall not apply to necessary appurtenant structures not designed for human occupancy including but not limited to spires, steeples, cupolas, domes, chimneys, smokestacks, flagpoles, or antennae.