(A) Location of required yards. Yard requirements are set forth under each zoning district for all buildings, structures and uses of land. All required yard areas shall be located on the same lot as the building, structure or use of land for which the yard is required. The right-of-way of any public roadway, public alley or public access way which exists by dedication, recorded easement or prescription and which is located in the lot shall not be included as part of the required yard.
(B) Permitted obstructions in required yards.
(1) Belt courses, chimneys, flues, sills, pilasters, cornices, eaves, gutters and other similar features may project into a required yard a maximum of 18 inches. Steps or sidewalks that provide access to a building or structure or access to a lot from a street or alley may be located in any required yard.
(2) Unroofed patios, decks and porches may extend five feet into the required front yard or side yard and ten feet into the required rear yard. Patios, decks and porches which do have a permanent roof must comply with all yard and setback requirements of the zoning district in which it is located.
(3) Air conditioning equipment or other heating and ventilation equipment may extend five feet into the required rear yard.
(C) Required yards for existing buildings. No yards, now or hereafter provided, for a building, structure or use existing on the effective date of this chapter, or any amendment thereto, shall subsequently be reduced below, or further reduced if already less than, the minimum requirements of the zoning district in which it is located.
(Ord. 656, passed 7-2-2001)