No lot, yard or other open space shall be reduced in area or dimension so as to make such lot, yard or open space less than the minimum required by this ordinance, and if the existing yard or other open space as existing is less than the minimum required, it shall not be further reduced. No required open space provided about any building or structure shall be included as part of any open space required for another structure.
A. The following shall not be considered as encroachments on yard setback requirements:
1. Accessory structures, as governed by this ordinance, are permitted in rear yards.
2. Awnings, balconies, chimneys, flues, leaders, sills, pilasters, lintels, ornamental features, cornices, buttresses, eaves, gutters, and the like, provided they do not project more than two feet (2') into the yard.
3. Walks or steps for negotiating ground slopes, retaining walls, terraces, accessibility ramps, steps, uncovered porches and decks, stoops, hedges and natural growth, or similar features, provided they do not extend above the height of the first floor entry of the principal structure or five feet (5') into the front yard or to a distance less than five feet (5') from any side lot line. Except that retaining walls for the purpose of recreational vehicle or trailer storage pads per subsection 1000.15A2b of this ordinance can be located two feet (2') from the property line with the following conditions:
a. The retaining wall does not interfere with stormwater drainage or create a drainage problem for adjacent property.
b. The city engineer must provide administrative approval of the site plan, parking pad construction plans, filling, and drainage.
c. If a retaining wall encroaches into a drainage or utility easement, the city may remove the encroachment to utilize its easement and it will not be replaced by the city.
4. In rear yards: recreational and laundry drying equipment, arbors, and trellises, detached outdoor living rooms, and air conditioning or heating equipment, provided they are at a distance of five feet (5') from the rear lot line.
5. Structures used ornamentally, for gardening, or for private recreation purposes, and structures for essential services, all accessory to and customarily incidental to the principal use, are permitted in yards and courts, and solar energy systems not included in the floor area of the building are permitted in side yards; provided, that a side yard strip three feet (3') in width adjoining the side line of the lot shall be unobstructed by any structure or feature, except a fence or retaining wall.
6. Open work fire balconies and fire escapes may extend not more than three feet (3') into a required yard or court.
7. Chimneys and flues may extend not more than two feet (2') into a required yard or court.
8. On detached single-family or duplex dwelling homes constructed prior to January 1, 1989, add on entryways may extend into the front yard setback not exceeding five feet (5') and fifty (50) square feet.
9. Bay windows, bow windows and fireplaces may extend not more than two feet (2') into a required yard; provided, that a minimum eight foot (8') side yard setback is maintained, and that such encroachment does not exceed more than fifteen (15) square feet in area.
B. Where adjacent structures have front yard setbacks different from those required, the minimum front yard setback shall be no less than the average setback of the two (2) adjacent principal structures. If only one adjacent lot is occupied by a structure, the minimum front yard shall be the average of the required setbacks and the setback of such adjacent structure. In no case shall the setback requirement exceed the minimum established for the respective zoning district. (Ord. 1988-12, 12-19-1988; amd. Ord. 1977-17, 11-17-1997; Ord. 2004-01, 1-5-2004; Ord. 2009-018, 11-2-2009; Ord. 2015-02, 5-18-2015)