How to Measure Setback/No Build Line on a Hill

[WooHorn]

Maybe stupid q, but I need to know the correct/legal way to measure a residential (zoning, not deed restricted) set back or no-build line if the house is on a hill. The line is 20' from the street, but the house is probably 8' higher than the street.

I think that I remember enough math to know that the diagonal measurement from the house to the curb would make for a "shorter" set back from the actual curb than a horizontal line to the curb-line would be.

Which one counts?

 

[14tokihorn]

Other way around isn't it?

The diagonal would be longer, the horiz. shorter...... all I remember is a^2 + b^2 = c^2... the diagonal in this case would be the hypotenuse (sp).

 

[BigWill]

you use a helper with an 8 foot long 2x4 with a measuring tape tacked to it. you go up the hill with the other end of the tape. when you get to 20 feet, set a stake.

walla.

 

[TXSNOS]

ask a surveyor