Every required yard shall be open to the sky and unobstructed except when in conformance with this zoning ordinance and shall not be reduced or diminished in area so as to be smaller than prescribed by this Zoning Ordinance.
(a) Yard Measurements.
(1) The minimum front yard depth shall be measured on the perpendicular from the street right-of-way line to the building setback line. See Figure 1131-A.
Figure 1131-A: Measurement of front yard setback
(2) Front Yard Exception. In any residential district, a front yard setback shall not be required to exceed the average front yard setbacks of the existing front yards within the same block and within 100 feet of the principal building. Modification of the front yard in accordance with this section will not create a nonconforming lot unless the lot or structure does not meet other applicable provisions of this Zoning Code. See Figure 1131-B.
Figure 1131-B: Illustration of the averaging of front yard setbacks. In a district with a minimum front yard setback requirement of 50 feet, smaller setbacks may be allowed if the average front yard setbacks are less than 50 feet.
(3) The minimum side yard width and rear yard depth shall be measured on the perpendicular from the lot lines to the nearest point of the principal building. See Figure 1131-C.
Figure 1131-C: Typical yard locations for an interior lot
(4) Corner lots shall comply with the minimum front yard depths on both streets. See Figure 1131-D.
Figure 1131-D: Typical yard locations for a corner lot
(5) Double fronting lots shall comply with the minimum front yard depths on both streets. See Figure 1131-E.
Figure 1131-E: Yard locations on double frontage lots
(6) Cul-de-Sac or Curved-Street 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 (lot line). See Figure 1131-F.
B. On a cul-de-sac roadway, knuckle, or eyebrow, the required street frontage shall be required and measured at the street right-of-way on the curve of the cul-de-sac, knuckle, or eyebrow.
Figure 1131-F: Setback line of a lot with frontage on a curved street or cul-de-sac
(7) Other Lot Configurations. Where there is an instance of a lot configuration not addressed in the previous sections (e.g., interior, corner, cul-de-sac, etc.), or where there is an atypical building orientation on any lot, the Zoning Administrator shall have the authority to make a determination regarding where front, rear, and side yard setbacks are required.
(b) Yard Exceptions. Terraces, uncovered porches, platforms, and ornamental features, including railings, which do not extend more than two (2) feet above the level of the ground adjoining the first story, may project into a required side yard, provided these projections be at least two (2) feet from the adjacent lot line. The ordinary projections of chimneys or flues are permitted into the required side and front yards.
(c) Architectural Projections. Open structures such as porches, canopies, balconies, platforms, carports, covered patios, and similar architectural projections shall be considered part of the building to which attached and shall not project into the required front, side, or rear yard.
(d) Handicap Ramps. ADA compliant handicap ramps, excluding handrails, not extending above the floor level of the ground story may be located in any yard.
(g) Use of Front Yard. Front yards in all districts shall be landscaped.
(h) Yard for Single Building. No required yard or other open space around one building shall be considered as a yard or open space for any other building. No required yard or other required open space on an adjoining lot shall be considered as providing the yard or open space on the lot whereon a building is to be erected or established.
(i) Multiple Lots in Common Ownership.
(1) Setbacks. For purposes of applying any required setback or maximum lot coverage standard in this Zoning Ordinance, setbacks may be measured, and lot coverage may be calculated from the outer lot lines of any combination of lots in common ownership or use, and setbacks are not required from interior lot lines.
(2) Combined on Same Tax Card. Two (2) or more lots of record, platted lots, or parcels that are contiguous and held in common ownership may be treated together as a single lot for purposes of this Zoning Code, provided such lots are located in the same zoning district and provided they are combined on the same County Auditor tax card. The Zoning Administrator may require such lots be combined on the same tax card as a requirement of a zoning application. Such combined lots may not be divided without approval in accordance with the Village Subdivision Regulations.
(Ord. 30-22. Passed 12-12-22.)