§ 157.082 LOT AREA, WIDTH AND SETBACK REQUIREMENTS.

   (A)   Required lot area, lot width and setbacks by district.

District	Minimum
	Lot Area (sq. ft.)		Lot Width (ft.)	Yard and Building Setbacks (ft.)
	Single- Family Res.	Non-Res.		Front1	Side		Rear
				All Streets	Res.	Non-Res.	Res.	Non-Res.
Residential
RE	66,000	NA	200	35	20	NA	30	NA
R-15	15,000	30,000	80	35	10	25	20	40
R-10	10,000	20,000	75	25	10	25	20	40
R-6	6,000	20,000	50	25	5	25	20	40
R-6S	6,000	20,000	50	25	5	25	20	40
Non-Residential
OI	10,000	10,000	75	25	10	10	20	20
CBD	none	none	none	none	(l)(a)2	(l)(a)2	(1)(b)2	(l)(b)2
GBD	15,000	15,000	100	35	10	(2)(a)2	20	(2)(b)2
LBD	10,000	10,000	75	35	5	10	20	20
IND	NA	60,000	200'	35	NA	(3)(a)2	NA	(3)(b)2
CMU	15,000	15,000	100'	35	15	(3)(a)2	15	(3)(b)2
EQ	871,200	871,200	800'	35	20	(4)(a-e)2	30	(4)(a-e)2

 

   1 Measured from front property line

   2 See cited subsection(s) in § 157.082(C)

   (B)   Required lot area for duplexes, multi-family, townhouses, patio homes and zero lot line developments.

      (1)   Duplexes and small multi-family. Within all zoning districts where such uses are allowed, the minimum lot size for a duplex is 6,000 square feet per dwelling unit, and for a multi-family development with three or more dwelling units is 4,000 square feet per dwelling unit.

      (2)   Patio homes and zero lot line housing. The minimum lot area for patio home and zero lot line developments is 3,000 per dwelling unit. Maximum density shall not exceed eight dwelling units per acre.

   (C)   Exceptions to required setbacks.

      (1)   Exceptions to setback requirements in the Central Business District (CBD). The following exceptions apply to setback requirements in the CBD:

         (a)   Side setbacks. No side setback (yard) is required for residential or nonresidential uses in the CBD, except on lots that are adjacent to an existing residential use, where a minimum setback of 15 feet shall be provided along the line separating the properties. However, if a side setback (yard) is provided it shall be not less than three feet wide.

         (b)   Rear setbacks. A minimum rear setback (yard) of ten feet is required for both residential and non-residential uses in the CBD, except that no setback shall be required where there is an alley to the rear.

      (2)   Exceptions to setback requirements in the General Business District (GBD). The following exceptions apply to setback requirements in the GBD:

         (a)   Side setbacks for non-residential uses. The minimum side setback (yard) for non-residential uses in the GBD is 15 feet, and is required on one side only. However, on lots adjacent to a residential zoning district, the minimum side setback shall be 100 feet. Though not required, if a side setback is provided on the other side of the property, it shall not be less than three feet wide.

         (b)   Rear setbacks for non-residential uses. The minimum rear setback (yard) for non-residential uses in the GBD is 20 feet, except on lots adjacent to a residential zoning district, where the minimum rear setback shall be 100 feet.

      (3)   Exceptions to setback requirements in the Industrial (IND) and Commercial Mixed Use (CMU) Districts. The following exceptions apply to setback requirements in the IND and CMU Districts:

         (a)   Side setbacks for non-residential uses. The minimum side setback (yard) for non-residential uses in the IND and CMU Districts is ten feet, except on lots adjacent to a residential zoning district, where the minimum side setback shall be 100 feet.

         (b)   Rear setbacks for non-residential uses. The minimum rear setback (yard) for non-residential uses in the IND and CMU Districts is 20 feet, except on lots adjacent to a residential zoning district, where the minimum setback shall be 100 feet.

      (4)   Exceptions to setback requirements in the Equestrian (EQ) District. The following exceptions apply to setback requirements in the EQ District:

         (a)   All stables, hay barns, any structure used to house or shelter horses, and all other accessory buildings and fences for paddocks (smaller than one acre) shall be not less than 100 feet from any property line.

         (b)   Loud speakers shall be not less than 300 feet from any property line of an existing residential property or residentially zoned property.

         (c)   Manure stockpiles, restroom areas, portable restrooms, and concession stands shall be not less than 300 feet from any property line.

         (d)   Fences for pastures one acre or more in size may be built on the property line, except for areas adjacent to existing residential or commercial uses where such pasture fences may be no closer than ten feet from the property line.

         (e)   Walking trails and other horse training operations within the pasture areas shall be located no closer than 20 feet from the nearest property line of an existing residential property or residentially zoned property.

   (D)    Setback measurement on cul-de-sacs. The front setback for lots on cul-de-sacs shall be measured parallel to the arc of the street right-of-way and inward toward the center of the lot, as illustrated in the following diagram.

(Ord. 15-002, passed 2-24-15; Am. Ord. 2021-012, passed 6-22-21)

§ 157.083 YARD AND SETBACK MODIFICATIONS.

   (A)   General.

      (1)   Where a lot abuts upon an alley, one-half of the alley width may be considered as a portion of the required yard or setback.

      (2)   Where a lot is adjacent to a railroad right-of-way, contiguous side and/or rear yard setbacks may be reduced by 50%; provided said reduction is in accordance with applicable railroad standards.

   (B)   Front yards.

      (1)   The front yard setback requirements for dwellings shall not apply on any lot where the average setback of any existing buildings located wholly or in part within 100 feet on each side of such lot within the same block and zoning district, and fronting on the same side of the street, is less than the minimum required setback. In such cases, the setback on such lot may be less than the required setback, but not less than the average of the setbacks of all existing buildings within 100 feet on each side of such lot within the same block and zoning district, and fronting on the same side of the street.

      (2)   Where a lot fronts on two non-intersecting streets, or two intersecting streets forming an angle of 60 degrees or less, front yards shall be provided on both streets.

   (C)   Side Yards. When the intersection of two streets forms a corner lot, then the following criteria for side setbacks shall apply:

      (1)   For detached single-family residential uses, the side setback on the side street may be reduced by 25%. Provided that if the lot is located on a cul-de-sac, sharp curve, has three street frontages, or a configuration such that the side of the proposed house cannot align with adjacent houses, then the Zoning Administrator may reduce the required setback amount by 25%.

      (2)   For all uses other than detached single-family residential, the side setback on the side street shall be not less than the required front setback.

(Ord. 15-002, passed 2-24-15; Am. Ord. 2019-011, passed 5-14-19)

§ 157.084 HEIGHT, IMPERVIOUS SURFACE AND DENSITY REQUIREMENTS.

   (A)   Required height, impervious surface, and residential density.

District	Maximum
	Height (ft.)	Impervious Surface Ratio1	Residential Density2
Residential
RE	35	0.30	0.75
R-15	35	0.50	2.5
R-10	35	0.60	5.0
R-6	35	0.70	10.0
R-6S	35	0.60	6.0
OI	35	0.75	5.0
CBD	40	1.00	NA
GBD	60	0.90	15.0
LBD	35	0.75	5.0
IND	0	0.75	NA
CMU	60	0.90	15.0
EQ	35	0.10	2.5

 

   1 Measured as a percentage of total lot area

   2 Measured in dwelling units per gross acre

   (B)   Measurement of building height. Building height shall be measured per the requirements of § 157.192 -Measurements and the following procedures.

      (1)   Measuring building height from grade. The height of buildings is the vertical distance above grade. Grade shall be established as:

         (a)   The elevation of the highest adjoining sidewalk or ground surface within a five foot horizontal distance of the exterior wall of the building when such sidewalk or ground surface is not more than ten feet above, or

         (b)   The elevation that is ten feet higher than the lowest grade when the sidewalk or ground surface.

      (2)   Measuring building height for different roof types.

         (a)   Flat roof: measure to the top of the parapet, or if there is no parapet, to the highest point of the roof.

         (b)   Mansard roof: measure to the deck line.

         (c)   Pitched, hipped, or gambrel roof where roof pitch is 12 in 12 or less: measure to the average height of the highest gable.

         (d)   Other roofs where the rood pitch is 12 in 12 or less: measure to the highest point.

         (e)   Stepped or terraced building: measure to the highest point of any segment of the building.

   (C)   Exception to height requirements in residential districts. In all residential districts, the maximum height of the primary residence may exceed 35 feet provided that the part of the residence which is higher than 35 feet is set back an additional two feet for each foot of height over 35 feet.

   (D)   Exceptions to height limitations. The height limitations of this chapter shall not apply to church spires, belfries, cupolas, domes not intended for human occupancy, monuments, water towers, utility poles, chimneys, conveyors, flag poles, masts, or roof mounted mechanical equipment or communication towers and antennas.

(Ord. 15-002, passed 2-24-15; Am. Ord. 2016-016, passed 10-11-16; Am. Ord. 2021-012, passed 6-22-21)

DESIGN STANDARDS

§ 157.093 PURPOSE AND APPLICABILITY.

   (A)   In order to insure that new development, renovations, and reconstructions are designed, sized, and sited to complement the area in which they are located and the character of the city in general; and to minimize traffic hazards and situations which endanger public safety; and to protect existing development and property values through the promotion of high standards of design and compatibility; and to provide for a high quality of life for our citizens by promoting a variety of housing styles, transportation choices, and well planned parks and open spaces; the following standards shall apply to all development in all zoning districts unless otherwise noted.

   (B)   The following design standards shall apply to a specific type of land use or an overlay district insomuch as the standard would apply to the applicable underlying district, unless properties in an overlay are otherwise exempted within the text of this Zoning Ordinance. Please review the overlay district requirements as set out in § 157.030 for guidance on interpreting applicability of these standards to an individual property or district. The category "All Commercial" shall apply to all commercial development, including businesses, offices, and industrial uses unless otherwise noted.

(Ord. 15-002, passed 2-24-15)

§ 157.094 DESIGN STANDARDS FOR SINGLE-FAMILY DETACHED RESIDENTIAL STRUCTURES.

   (A)   Applicability. The following standards shall apply to all new single-family detached dwellings in the city, except for the following:

      (1)   Single-family detached dwellings that are more than 100 feet from the street and cannot be seen from the street.

      (2)   All new single-family detached dwellings in existing neighborhoods approved prior to June 30, 2024 must show general compatibility with homes in the neighborhood by using the same or similar design elements, features and construction style. Enough of the following elements must be compatible with homes in the existing neighborhood so that the new dwelling does not stand out as being out of place within the context of its surroundings.

         (a)   Foundations.

         (b)   Roof slopes.

         (c)   Front and side façade materials.

         (d)   Window and doors.

         (e)   Front porches (whether they exist or not).

         (f)   Garage/carport (whether they exist or not, and location and design).

         (g)   Location and visibility of parking area and access drive.

         (h)   Size of structure (overall mass compared to other residences in the area as well as amount of the lot taken up by the residence).

         (i)   Height of structure (no more than one story taller than adjacent structures).

         (j)   Width and length of residence.

         (k)   Setbacks and building placement on parcel.

      (3)   Properties regulated by the Historic Landmarks Commission will follow the Camden Design Guidelines instead of these standards.

   (B)   The following shall apply to all building plans within new subdivisions submitted on or after June 30, 2024.

      (1)   Allowed materials. The following exterior materials are allowed on any building façade. Each façade must use the same primary material.

         (a)   Brick or brick veneer (veneer must be made of brick).

         (b)   Stone or stone veneer (veneer must be made of stone).

         (c)   Stucco or synthetic stucco except within two feet of the grade level or within two feet of any exterior door jamb.

         (d)   Wood.

         (e)   Cementitious siding (i.e. Hardiplank).

         (f)   Vinyl siding, provided that panels are at least 0.42 millimeters thick, and are at least 12 feet long except in areas that are shorter than that (such as end of a row).

      (2)   Prohibited materials. The following materials are prohibited on all façades:

         (a)   Metal siding.

         (b)   Exposed smooth-finished concrete block.

      (3)   Architectural design. New residential construction within the City of Camden shall reflect the historic vernacular of the existing neighborhoods. Contemporary interpretations of traditional and classical architectural styles are encouraged with respect to scale, style and use of materials.

      (4)   Façade variation required. For all developments involving more than four contiguous lots, any given house must be distinctly different from those of the two lots on either side and the house most directly across the street. "DISTINCTLY DIFFERENT" means that a single-family detached dwelling's elevation differs from the other evaluated house elevations in at least three of the following ways:

         (a)   The use of different surface materials.

         (b)   Variations in rooflines, pitches or the use of dormers.

         (c)   Variation in the location and/or proportions of front porches.

         (d)   Variation in the location and/or proportion of garages or carports and garage doors.

      (5)   Homes with brick on all sides are required to meet only two of the criteria in divisions (4)(a) - (d) above.

      (6)   At least 50% of the new dwellings on all blocks must include a front porch with a minimum depth of five feet and a minimum width of eight feet.

      (7)   Windows. Any window installed must be designed so the width does not exceed the height.

      (8)   Front façades.

         (a)   All single-family detached dwellings must have an offset every 25 feet.

         (b)   A front porch with a minimum depth of five feet and a minimum width of eight feet may be used as an alternative.

         (c)   No more than two different types of materials shall be used on the façade, excluding foundation material.

      (9)   Side façades. The following standards apply except when the house qualifies as an infill dwelling according to § 157.094 (A)(2), or when the side has a side-loaded garage.

         (a)   Where the side of a dwelling faces another dwelling, the façade must include at least one window of standard size (i.e. 48 inches by 20 inches) or larger every 20 feet of façade length per story with applied trim that is at least 3.5 inches.

         (b)   Where a side of a dwelling will be visible due to facing a road (as with a corner lot), common space, or a neighborhood amenity space, the façade must include at least one window of standard size (i.e. 48 inches by 20 inches) or larger every 20 feet of façade length per story with applied trim that is at least 3.5 inches, and one of the following:

            1.   Wrap-around porch that is at least 48 square feet on the side façade; and/or

            2.   Substantial façade line changes, such as through varying number of stories, dormers, architectural additions, bay windows, roof styles and chimneys.

            Examples of the intent of this standard are shown below:

         (c)    Other methods of achieving architectural variability that meets the intent of this section where unique circumstances exist may be approved by the Planning and Development Director.

      (10)    Garages and carports.

         (a)    Garages and carports may be attached or detached. Detached garages or carports shall also comply with requirements in § 157.060.

         (b)    Design standards for front-loaded garages and carports.

            1.   Exterior materials, design features and roof form of garages must be consistent with the building they serve. Metal is an allowed material for detached carports, provided that they are screened from view of adjacent roads.

            2.   Front-loaded attached garages and carport features must be set back at least one-third the depth of the side façade behind the front plane of the primary portion of the structure.

            3.   House designs with the front entryway recessed between the attached garage and a conditioned room are not allowed, even if the conditioned room is located two feet in front of the plane of the garage. This shall not prevent a breezeway connecting a dwelling and detached garage.

         (c)     Front-loaded attached garages must not exceed 16 feet in width per garage door unless the garage is set back at least half the distance of the length of the dwelling from the front façade of the structure, or in limited cases, to make an accommodation for wheelchair van access or similar special needs. In no case shall the width of a garage exceed 50% of the width of the front façade.

         (d)   Front-loaded attached garages must have at least two of the following architectural features on the side: trellis, columns, portico treatment, windows, dormers, overhangs, eaves, or roof line changes, and be consistent with the architecture of the dwelling.

         (e)   A maximum of two garage doors may front the street and be visible from the street for each dwelling, and a minimum separation of at least one foot must be provided between the doors.

      (11)   Design standards for side-loaded garages and carports.

         (a)   The exterior materials, design features and roof form of garages must be consistent with the building they serve. Metal is an allowed material for detached carports if they are screened from view of adjacent roads.

         (b)   Attached side-loaded garages must have architectural features and windows that complement the features of the living portion of the dwelling on the front façade. The width of the conditioned spaces that face the street must be no more than one-third the width of the front façade.

         (c)   A maximum of two garage doors may face the street and be visible from the street for each dwelling, and a minimum separation of at least one foot must be provided between the doors.

         (d)   The design of the garage doors must complement the design of the dwelling. The garage doors must contain at least two of the following architectural features: decorative patterning (other than standard rectangular boxes), windows, a rounded shape, or faux wood appearance, and be consistent with the architecture of the dwelling.

      (12)   Building foundations. Homes must use one of the following:

         (a)   A crawl space with a minimum height of 18 inches that is clad with brick, brick veneer, stone, stone veneer, stucco, or other masonry materials on the front and side façades.

         (b)   A slab foundation, provided that the foundation supporting the floor framing is an average of at least 18 inches above grade on the front and side façades and is clad with brick, brick veneer, stone, stone veneer, stucco, or other masonry materials on the front and side façades.

         (c)   Alternatively, a basement foundation may be used on the sides and/or rear façades.

         (d)   Slab on grade foundations provided that an average of 18 inches from the ground level is clad with brick, brick veneer, stone, stone veneer, stucco, or other masonry materials on the front and side façades. This shall not apply to houses with brick, stone or stucco siding.

         (e)   Foundations shall not be clad in finished or unfinished concrete block.

      (13)   Eaves. Eaves must extend beyond the plane of façade by at least six inches. Similar treatments such as coping on top of a brick façade or a stucco parapet wall are also allowed.

      (14)   Entries. All entries must be sheltered with an overhang, portico, or porch.

      (15)   Roof penetrations. All roof vents, pipes, antennas, satellite dishes, solar installations, and other rood penetrations and equipment (except chimneys) must be configured to the degree practicable to have a minimal visual impact as seen from the street.

      (16)   Roof materials. 3-tab shingles are not allowed. Architectural shingles and metal roofs are allowed. Metal roofs shall have a matte, non-reflective surface.

(Ord. 15-002, passed 2-24-15; Am. Ord. 2024-014, passed 6-25-24)