§ 153.068 REQUIRED YARDS AND OPEN SPACES.

   (A)   Minimum standards. No yard or other open space shall be reduced in area or dimension so as to make the yard or other open space less than the minimum required by this chapter unless approved by variance. If the existing yard or other open space is less than the minimum required, it shall be considered nonconforming and shall meet the requirement of §§ 153.050 et seq.

   (B)   No double allocation of yards and other open space. No required yard or other open space allocated to 1 lot or parcel shall be used to satisfy minimum yard or open space requirements for another lot or parcel.

   (C)   Encroachments into required yards. The following shall be permitted encroachments into required yards and building setbacks:

      (1)   Flues, chimneys, fireplaces, mechanical equipment, eaves, awnings, belt courses, sills, pilasters, lintels, ornamental features, gutters, and cornices may extend up to 3 feet into any required setback;

      (2)   Cantilevered bay windows and bay doors may extend a maximum of 2 feet into any required setback. The maximum length of such bay window or door is 10 feet. Additionally, a maximum 3 foot by 3 foot landing may serve as access to a bay door; however, the landing may not be enclosed or roofed;

      (3)   Steps, sidewalks, terraces, and unenclosed stoops may extend 3 feet into any required setback;

      (4)   Retaining walls, window wells, trees, shrubs, and other plantings may be placed in any yard except in drainage ways and street rights-of-way;

      (5)   Unenclosed porches and decks may project 10 feet into a required rear yard setback;

      (6)   Fences are permitted in any yard meeting the requirements of §§ 153.147 et seq.; and

      (7)   Exposed wheelchair ramps with a maximum width of 4 feet may be placed in any required yard.

   (D)   Encroachment in yards on corner lots/traffic visibility triangle. Nothing shall be placed or allowed to grow in such a manner as to materially impede vision between a height of 3 and 10 feet above the centerline grades of the intersecting streets to a distance such that a clear line of vision is possible of the intersecting street from a distance of 30 feet from all local streets. All distances from county and state highways shall be approved by its permitting authority.

(Ord. 537, passed 11-8-2004; Am. Ord. 596, passed 2-8-2010)