A. Projections: An open terrace, but not including a roofed over porch or terrace, may occupy a front yard, provided the unoccupied portion of the front yard has a depth of not less than fifteen feet (15'). A one-story bay window may project into a front yard not more than three feet (3'). Overhanging eaves, including gutters, may project over the minimum required yards not more than twenty four inches (24").
Steps leading up to a deck, porch, or terrace may project into the required yards as follows: Front yard: To a point not closer than ten feet (10') from the property line. Side or rear yard: To a point not closer than two feet (2') from the property line; however, on a corner lot no projections, including steps, are allowed in the setback of the street side yard.
Steps and required handrails that are necessary to access the finished grade of the lot are allowed in the required setback provided there is a minimum two foot (2') landing attached to the public sidewalk.
The minimum yards or other open spaces, including lot areas per family required by this title for each and every building existing or for any building hereafter erected, shall not be encroached upon or considered as yard or open space requirements for any other building.
B. Handicap Ramps: Notwithstanding any other provision of this code, the city council may, by motion, grant permission to any property owner or occupant of real property making an application for the installation of the handicap ramp that would accommodate wheelchair access to any dwelling. Any proposed plan shall provide the council sufficient information concerning the proposed ramp construction to determine that Americans with disabilities act requirements and international building code requirements will be met upon construction. Furthermore, upon the receipt of any application the city's public works superintendent and the police department will be contacted for a recommendation concerning whether any sight distance restriction or other traffic visibility problem would exist with the construction. At the time the council considers the application, the input from the public works superintendent and the police department shall be taken into account and plans appropriately modified if a traffic visibility problem exists.
Thereafter, if all building requirements have been met and all traffic visibility problems solved, the council may grant the permit by appropriate motion. Any permitted ramp shall thereafter be considered a permanent addition to such structure for which it is designed and all permitted ramps shall thereafter be maintained in good condition with reasonably safe nonslip surfaces. (Ord. 842, 8-4-2008)