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.
C. Limitations on Use of Setbacks. Required setback areas shall only be used as follows:
1. Structures. Required setback area shall not be occupied by structures other than:
a. Structures that are exempt from setback requirements by § 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 and street side setback. The front and street side setback shall be measured at right angles from the nearest point on the front or street side property line or street line (if applicable) 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 or street line (if applicable) 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. Interior side setback. The interior side setback shall be measured at right angles from the nearest point on the interior side property line to the nearest wall of the structure, establishing a setback line parallel to the interior 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. Projections such as eaves, cornices, awnings, louvers, porches, stairs, and chimneys may encroach into required setbacks, as well as required open space, in compliance with Table 3-1 (Allowed Projections into Setbacks) below, subject to all applicable requirements of the Building and Fire Code. Where any provision of this Chapter conflicts with applicable building codes, the more restrictive provision shall apply. The "Limitations/Additional Regulations" column states any dimensional, area, or other limitations that apply to such projections. Any deviation from the standards in Table 3-1 shall require a variance or administrative modification per Chapter 17.550 (Variances and Administrative Modifications).
Projection | Maximum Projection into Setback | Limitations/ Additional Regulations | ||
Front/Street Side Setback | Interior Side Setback | Rear Setback | ||
All projections | Unless otherwise specified, no projection may extend closer than three feet to an interior lot line. | |||
Architectural Features (eaves, cornices, overhangs, bay windows, chimneys) | 3 feet | 3 feet | 3 feet | In no circumstances shall they project closer than 3 feet to any property line. Aggregate width of oriel or bay windows shall not exceed 50% of the length of the wall in which they are located and the width of any individual oriel or bay window shall not exceed 10 feet. Any one oriel or bay window shall not project more than 3 feet beyond the exterior finish of the exterior wall of a structure. Upper-floor architectural projections shall have a minimum vertical clearance of 8 feet above grade. |
Weather protection and screening devices (awnings, canopies, louvers, vertical sunshades) | 5 feet | No closer than 3 feet to the rear and side property lines. | Weather protection shall have a minimum vertical clearance of 8 feet above grade. Along the front/street side, may project beyond property line with an encroachment permit. | |
Open, unenclosed fire escapes | None | 3 feet or 25% of required setback, whichever is greater | 3 feet or 25% of required setback, whichever is greater | May be covered but not enclosed. |
Uncovered and unenclosed stairs, landings, decks, and similar features 3 feet in height | 8 feet | 5 feet | 8 feet | In no circumstances shall these encroach closer than 3 feet to an interior property line, and no closer than 1 foot to a front/street side property line. |
Uncovered and unenclosed stairs, landings, decks, and similar features > 3 feet in height | 5 feet | 3 feet | 6 feet | In no circumstances shall these features encroach closer than 3 feet to the property line. |
Upper-level balconies and decks | 5 feet | 5 feet | 10 feet | Balconies shall not be closer than 8 feet to the rear property line and 5 feet to the interior side property line. Balconies shall not project beyond the front or street side property line. |
Covered or uncovered stoops, patios, and porches | 5 feet | 5 feet | 8 feet | In no circumstances shall these features encroach closer than 3 feet to the property line. May be covered but not fully enclosed. |
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 | |
Landscaping and landscape features | No limit | No limit | No limit | |
Freestanding front yard trellis - Residential Zones No more than 2 per property, and no more than 8 feet in height, 6 feet in width, 3 feet in depth, open on all 4 sides | No limit | Not Applicable | Not Applicable | 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. |
Equipment - Air conditioners, ground mounted water heaters, fixed barbecues, sinks, fixed counters, and similar equipment | None | To within 3 feet of rear and side property lines. | Townhouses may locate equipment in the front/street side setback up to maximum encroachment of 3 feet. | |
Equipment - electric, gas meters and wall mounted water heaters | 24 inches | 24 inches | 24 inches | |
Pools, spas, hot tubs, and other water elements intended for human occupancy | None | To within 3 feet of rear and side property lines. | ||
Equipment - Pool and spa | None | None | No Limit | |
Ponds, waterfalls, and other water features not intended for human occupancy, 24 inches in height | No Limit | |||
Fences, railings, walls, and landscape planters | No Limit | See § 17.300.030 (Fences, Hedges, and Walls). | ||
(Ord. No. 2005-007 § 1 (part); Ord. No. 2017-014 § 2; Ord. No. 2022-008; Ord. No. 2024-006)