How are maximum building heights determined?

[Ace in the Hole]

Just curious, for sloping blocks, how are maximum height levels determined?
I'm guessing that it's any point from the natural slope of the land vertically.
But what about blocks which have been highly excavated on quite steep sites?
Would the benchmark levels be a straight slope from the front boundary to the back boundary, regardless of any existing natural land?

 

[gaiusb]

Generally speaking, building height is measured vertically above natural ground level, which means the level of the ground before excavation. It depends on the state and council but that's the gist of it.

So on a sloping block that has been excavated, the height is still measured from natural ground level. It's not a straight line from the front to the back at all as it completely depends on the site.

You may need a surveyor to determine the natural ground level if you are worried about it, or you could ask your council if they have any contour plans available.