What regulates how tall a building can be constructed relative to the average grade?

The regulation that dictates how tall a building can be constructed in relation to the average grade is height limits. Height limits are specific regulations that establish the maximum allowable height for structures in a given area, often set by local government authorities as part of zoning ordinances. These limitations are important for maintaining the character of a neighborhood, ensuring safety, and preventing overcrowding.

Height limits are typically determined based on various factors including land use projections, access to sunlight, and aesthetic considerations, as well as possible impacts on surrounding properties. This regulation works in conjunction with zoning districts, which determine land use patterns, but height limits specifically address the vertical dimensions of buildings.

Setbacks, while related to how far structures must be from property lines, do not dictate height; they govern the placement of buildings on a lot. Minimum lot size limits pertain to the size of the property itself rather than the dimensions of the structures built upon it. Thus, height limits are the precise regulations that control building heights in relation to the average grade.