I think the point here is that "cote" refers to a measurement written on the plan, as opposed to the same measurement deduced from the scale. Say, for example, that the scale is 1:48 (1/4" to a foot, which is quite common), and when you measure a line on the plan with your ruler, it measures exactly 1.25 inches, equivalent to exactly 5 feet, but the written measurement says 5 feet 2 inches, the written measurement takes precedence over the one that the scale gives you.

That's what "cote" means in architecture and industrial design:

"1. ARCHIT., DESSIN INDUSTR. Indication de dimension inscrite sur un plan, un croquis, une coupe, permettant d'exécuter un ouvrage à partir de ce plan."
http://www.cnrtl.fr/definition/cote

And this is a standard rule:

"Scales
Drawings are typically drawn to scale. This means that the estimator can take measurements directly from the drawings to obtain the dimensions of walls, footings, etc. However, written dimensions shown on the drawings take precedence over scaled dimensions."
http://cmfac.groups.et.byu.net/miller/cfm105/notes/drawStruc...

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Note added at 5 hrs (2016-12-12 07:13:50 GMT)
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I should have said in architecture and technical drawing.