§ 17.300.020 SETBACK REGULATIONS AND EXCEPTIONS.
   This Section establishes standards to ensure the provision of open areas for access to and around structures, access to natural light and ventilation, landscaping, recreation, separation of incompatible land uses, and space for privacy, traffic safety, and visibility.
   A.   Setback Requirements.
      1.   All structures shall conform to the setback requirements identified for each zoning district by Article 2 (Zoning Districts, Allowable Land Uses and Zone-Specific Standards), and with any special setbacks established for specific uses by this Title.
      2.   All setbacks shall be open and unobstructed from the ground upward, except for trees and other plant materials, and except as provided in this Section.
   B.   Exemptions from Setback Requirements. The minimum setback requirements of this Title shall apply to all uses/structures, except for the following:
      1.   Fences or walls constructed within the height limitations of this Title;
      2.   Decks, with or without hand rails, steps, terraces, and other site design elements that are placed directly upon the finish grade, and are up to 24 inches above the surrounding finish grade.
   C.   Limitations on Use of Setbacks. Required setback areas shall only be used as follows:
      1.   Structures. Required setback area shall not be occupied structures other than:
         a.   Structures that are exempt from setback requirements by Subsection 17.300.020.B. (Exemptions from Setback Requirements) above;
         b.   Residential accessory structures located within setback areas in compliance with § 17.400.100 (Residential Uses - Accessory Residential Structures).
   2.   Parking. Residential parking may be allowed within a required setback only in compliance with § 17.320.035 (Parking Design and Layout Guidelines) and § 17.320.040 (Driveway and Site Access Standards).
      3.   Storage. Front or street side setbacks shall not be used for the storage of inoperable vehicles, scrap, junk, or similar materials.
   D.   Measurement of Setbacks. Setbacks shall be measured as follows, see Figure 3-1 (Location and Measurements of Setbacks) below :
 
      1.   Front setback. The front setback shall be measured at right angles from the nearest point on the front property line to the nearest wall of the structure, except as follows:
         a.   Corner parcels. The setback measurement of corner parcels shall be taken from the nearest point on the structure to the nearest point of the property line adjoining the street that is opposite the rear yard.
         b.   Flag lots. The setback measurement of flag lots shall be taken from the nearest point on the wall of the structure facing the street to the point where the access strip ("flag pole") meets the bulk of the parcel, establishing a building line parallel to the lot line nearest to the public street or right-of-way. See Figure 3-2 (Flag Lot) below .
 
      2.   Side and street side setback. The side and street side setbacks shall be measured at right angles from the nearest point on the side property line to the nearest wall of the structure, establishing a setback line parallel to the side property line that extends between the front and rear yards.
      3.   Rear setback. The rear setback shall be measured at right angles from the nearest point on the rear property line to the nearest wall of the structure, establishing a setback line parallel to the rear property line that extends between the side yards.
   E.   Allowed Projections into Setbacks. Architectural features may extend into the front, side, and rear setbacks, as well as required open space, in compliance with Table 3-1 (Allowed Projections into Setbacks) below :
Table 3-1
Allowed Projections into Setbacks
Projecting Feature
Maximum Projection into Setback (1)
Front
Side
Rear
Table 3-1
Allowed Projections into Setbacks
Projecting Feature
Maximum Projection into Setback (1)
Front
Side
Rear
Awnings, canopies - Residential Zone
18 inches
18 inches
18 inches
Awnings, canopies - Non-Residential Zone
3 feet or 25% of required setback, whichever is greater.
3 feet or 25% of required setback, whichever is greater.
3 feet or 25% of required setback, whichever is greater.
Stairways open and unenclosed by other than railings - Residential Zone
18 inches
18 inches
18 inches
Stairways open and unenclosed by other than railings - Non-Residential Zone
3 feet or 25% of required setback, whichever is greater.
3 feet or 25% of required setback, whichever is greater.
3 feet or 25% of required setback, whichever is greater.
Balconies, bay windows - Residential Zone (No wider than 9' or 25% the width of the subject wall segment on which the balcony or bay window is attached, whichever is greater).
18 inches
18 inches
18 inches
Balconies, bay windows - Non- Residential Zone
3 feet or 25% of required setback, whichever is greater.
3 feet or 25% of required setback, whichever is greater.
3 feet or 25% of required setback, whichever is greater.
Chimney
18 inches
18 inches
18 inches
Cornices
18 inches
18 inches
18 inches
Eaves, roof overhangs, at least 8 feet above grade. (for primary structures; not accessory structures)
24 inches
24 inches
24 inches
Eaves and roof overhangs, at least 8 feet above grade (for accessory residential structures, 12 feet or less in height)
12 inches
12 inches
12 inches
Equipment - Air conditioners, ground mounted water heaters, fixed barbecues, sinks, fixed counters, and similar equipment
24 inches
None
24 inches
Equipment - electric, gas meters and wall mounted water heaters
24 inches
18 inches
24 inches
Equipment - Pool and spa
None
None
No Limit
Porch, deck, or landing - covered but otherwise unenclosed (not higher than the first story line), with a width no greater than 9 feet or 25% of the subject wall segment on which the porch, deck, or landing is attached, whichever is greater.
5 feet (including eaves or other projection)
None
5 feet (including eaves or other projection)
Porch, deck, landing or ramp - uncovered, more than 2 feet above grade.
5 feet
None
None
Porch, deck, landing or ramp, uncovered 2 feet or less above grade
No limit
No limit
No limit
 
Projecting Feature
Maximum Projection into Setback (1)
Front
Side
Rear
Projecting Feature
Maximum Projection into Setback (1)
Front
Side
Rear
Porte cochere or carport, with no less than 7 feet of vertical clearance above a driveway.
None
To within 6 inches of an interior side property line only.
5 feet
Utility risers, rain gutters, downspouts, and the like
12 inches
12 inches
12 inches
Wing wall not exceeding 12 feet in height
None
To within 6 inches of an interior side property line only.
None
Wing wall higher than 12 feet in height
None
None
None
Landscape support structures - green screens, lattices, and similar structures
12 inches
12 inches
12 inches
Freestanding front yard trellis - Residential Zones
No more than two (2) per property, and no more than 8 feet in height, 6 feet in width, 3 feet in depth, open on all four sides
No limitation (3)
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
 
Notes:
(1)   See Chapter 17.550 (Variances and Administrative Modifications).
(2)   Unless otherwise noted in the above table. For a structure with a setback of 2 feet or less, no projections into the setback is permitted. If the setback is greater than 2 feet, no projection shall encroach into the 2-foot setback.
(3)   These structures shall maintain a clearance of 5 feet from the intersection of a driveway or alley with a public street right-of-way and 15 feet from the intersection of two public street rights-of-way.
   F.   Setback Requirements for Specific Structures. Hot tubs, swimming pools, spas and other water elements intended for human occupancy may be allowed within a required rear or side setback, provided that it is located no closer than 3 feet to any property line. Ponds and other water elements not intended for human occupancy, and that do not exceed a height of 24 inches, may be placed within any required setback.
(Ord. No. 2005-007 § 1 (part); Ord. No. 2017-014 § 2; Ord. No. 2022-008)