(a) Setbacks and Yards.
(1) Measurements. Setbacks refer to the unobstructed, unoccupied open area between the furthermost projection of a structure and the property line of the lot on which the structure is located. Setbacks shall not contain any structure except when in conformance with this Code (See Section 1104.06(a)(3)).
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Figure 1104.06-1: Illustration of Setbacks
(2) Front Yard Modifications.
A. In areas of the City where there is an established development pattern, as determined by the Building Commissioner, the required minimum front yard setback shall be the average of the existing front yard setbacks of all principal structures on the same side of the street and within 300 feet of the subject lot.
B. If the calculated average described in subsection (a) is less than the district requirement, the required minimum front yard setback for the subject lot is the average as calculated.
C. This does not apply to panhandle lots (otherwise known as flag lots) which must meet the frontage dimension requirements for the zoning district in which they are located.
D. Modification of the front yard setback in accordance with this section will not create a nonconforming lot unless the lot or structure does not meet other applicable provisions of this Code.
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Figure 1104.06-2: Illustration of Front Yard Modification
(3) Yard Projections. The following are permitted obstructions within the required yards provided they are so located that natural light and ventilation are not materially obstructed from the main building or any adjoining property.
A. Open Air Front Porch. In the residential zoning districts, there shall be no building or portion of a building above grade extending into the required front yard, except an open air porch (which includes porches that may be covered, but not ones that are enclosed). No portion of such open air porch may be built more than ten (10) feet beyond the front wall of such building.
B. Architectural Features. Architectural features extending not more than one (1) foot into a required yard.
C. Awnings and Canopies. Awnings and canopies extending not more than three (3) feet into a required yard.
D. Heating or Cooling Equipment. Heating or cooling equipment shall not extend more than two (2) feet into a required yard. In the residential zoning districts, ground mounted heating and cooling equipment that is located in the side yard shall be screened from view from the public right-of-way.
E. Chimneys. Chimneys projecting no more than three (3) feet into a required yard.
F. Eaves, Gutters, Downspouts. Eaves, gutters, and downspouts shall not project more than three (3) feet into a required yard.
(b) Height Exceptions. Architectural projections including spires associated with religious facilities, clock tower, cellular wireless facility, chimney flue, water tank, elevated bulkhead, stage tower, scenery lofts, flagpoles, aerials and antennas, and approved street lighting may exceed the maximum height of the zoning district in which they are located.
(c) Lot Requirements.
(1) Interior Lot.
A. The required minimum front yard setback shall be measured from the front property line.
B. The lot line located directly behind the rear of the structure, as determined by the Building Commissioner, shall be the rear lot line and the rear yard setback shall be applied.
C. In cases where the rear lot line is not parallel with the front property line or the side lot lines are not perpendicular to the front property line, average dimensions may be used to determine setback requirements.
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Figure 1104.06-3: Illustration of Interior Lot
(2) Corner Lot.
A. Lots having a frontage on more than one (1) street shall have the required front yard setback along each frontage, unless specifically regulated otherwise.
B. On any corner lot no fence or planting shall be erected or maintained within the twenty (20) feet of the corner right-of-way that interferes with traffic visibility across a corner.
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Figure 1104.06-4: Illustration of Corner Lot
(3) Through Lot.
A. Where a lot is considered a through lot, the required minimum front yard setback shall be provided from both frontages.
B. The remaining lot lines shall be considered side lot lines and the side yard setback shall be applied to those lot lines.
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Figure 1104.06-5: Illustration of Through Lot
(4) Cul-De-Sac or Curved Lot.
A. For a cul-de-sac lot or a lot abutting a curved street, the front yard setback shall follow the curve of the front property line.
B. Lots on a cul-de-sac shall be required to have a minimum lot width of forty (40) feet measured at the right-of-way line.
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Figure 1104.06-6: Illustration of Cul-de-sac Lot or Curved Lot
(Ord. 2022-34. Passed 1-9-23.)