To find the height of the balcony above the ground, we need to evaluate the height equation at \( t = 0 \) seconds. This is because at \( t = 0 \), the ball has just been kicked and is still at the height of the balcony.
The height equation given is:
\[ h(t) = -16t^2 + 24t + 40 \]
Substituting \( t = 0 \):
\[ h(0) = -16(0)^2 + 24(0) + 40 \] \[ h(0) = 0 + 0 + 40 \] \[ h(0) = 40 \]
Therefore, the balcony is 40 feet above the ground.