Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. 226 Section 4 Techniques 12.2.1 Locating the Building Line The building line is generally the face or side of the building being constructed. It is an important line because all crafts involved in the construction of the building refer to it. The line is frequently referenced on drawings. In residential construction, the contractor usually establishes the building line for the foundation walls. In commercial construction, a surveying crew will most likely locate the building line as defined on the plot plan. In some towns and cities, the zoning commission has already determined the distance the building line or setback is to be from the property line, center of the street, or some other reference point. The building line makes the front of all buildings on the street conform to a straight line. In most situations, the actual building line can be at a greater distance than the minimum required setback, but not closer than the specified dis- tance listed in the code. Therefore, building lines must be established exactly to prevent a code violation or other complications. 12.2.2 Erecting Batter Boards Batter boards are boards and stakes that locate and preserve the building lines during excavation and con- struction. Right angle boards are formed by nailing two boards to three stakes to form the angle. See Figure 12-14. Straight batter boards are made with one board and two stakes. Material used for batter boards is usually 1 × 4 or 1 × 6 boards, and the stakes are 2 × 4s. Batter boards are located in each corner of the structure to position corners of the building. The front edge and one side are measured from prop- erty lines or other points on the property. The 3-4-5 method is used to ensure that the layout of the first corner is square. The 3-4-5 method of checking for squareness is explained in Chapter 6, Math for Masonry Careers. Stakes are driven into the ground outside the area where the excavation will be performed and later the foundation walls will be built. Stakes must be placed well beyond the excavation area, (minimum 6′ to 8′) to ensure that the boards are not disturbed during exca- vation. If the boards are disturbed, the squareness of the building will be affected. The excavation process can remove from 3′ to 4′ outside the building lines. The extra space is needed to position the footing, erect forms, and build the foundation walls. Trade Tip It is good practice to check with the local building official to determine setback locations and to ensure accuracy. In certain communities, the building official may need to approve the location of the building lines prior to excavation. Goodheart-Willcox Publisher Figure 12-13. A—Leads are the built-up sections of the wall at each corner. Leads establish proper height for each course and provide a place to attach a mason’s line. The blue chalk line will also be used to aid in determining the positon of the first course of brick. B—Mason is attaching a corner block to the outside of the corner lead to establish height for the first course of brick to be laid between the corner leads. A B