On graded sites, the top of any exterior foundation shall extend above the elevation of which feature at discharge?

On graded sites, the top of any exterior foundation shall extend above the elevation of which feature at discharge?

• A. the water table
• B. the street gutter at point of discharge
• C. anything under a minimum of 6 inches below grade
• D. anything under a minimum of 8 inches below grade

Answer: (B)

The important idea here is controlling where drainage from the exterior foundation ends up so water can’t backflow toward the building. On graded sites, the foundation’s top must sit above the level of where the discharge leaves, specifically the street gutter at the discharge point. That way, gravity directs water into the gutter and away from the foundation, reducing the chance of water infiltrating or pooling at the base. The water table isn’t a fixed discharge surface, and there’s no general rule tying the foundation height to a blanket 6 or 8 inches below grade; those options don’t address the actual discharge pathway.

The important idea here is controlling where drainage from the exterior foundation ends up so water can’t backflow toward the building. On graded sites, the foundation’s top must sit above the level of where the discharge leaves, specifically the street gutter at the discharge point. That way, gravity directs water into the gutter and away from the foundation, reducing the chance of water infiltrating or pooling at the base. The water table isn’t a fixed discharge surface, and there’s no general rule tying the foundation height to a blanket 6 or 8 inches below grade; those options don’t address the actual discharge pathway.