(A) Minimum lot size, yards, and setbacks. Where the average depth of front yards of buildings adjacent to the lot in question is less or greater than the required minimum front yard depth, the required front yard setback shall not be less than the average depth of such existing front yards; however, the depth of a front yard shall not be less than 25 feet or be required to exceed 50 feet.
(B) Corner lot. If a corner lot has a rear lot line that is common with the side lot line of a lot to the rear, no building shall occupy that portion of the rear yard of the corner lot that abuts on such street for a depth equal to or greater than the front yard for such lot to the rear.
(C) Dormer. A single-family house which legally existed or for which a valid building permit had been granted on or before January 1, 1983 may be expanded by an addition or dormer provided the addition does not extend beyond the existing side yard setback line and provided the combined width of the side yard for said building and adjacent building thereto is not less than 10 feet.
(D) One principal building. There shall be no more than 1 principal building structure on 1 lot except as provided through the submittal and approval of a planned unit development.
(E) Yard. No yard or other open space shall be reduced in area so as to make such yard or other open space less than the minimum required by this subchapter; and if the existing yard or other open space as existing is less than the minimum required, it shall not be further reduced. No required yard or open space of any structure shall be included as a part of any yard or open space required for another structure.
(F) Encroachment exceptions. The following shall not be encroachments on yard setback requirements.
(1) Bays not exceeding a depth of 2 feet or containing an area of more than 20 square feet. Awnings, door hoods, chimneys, flues, belt courses, leaders, sills, pilasters, lintels, ornamental features, cornices, eaves, gutters and the like, provided they do not extend more than 3 feet into a yard and provided such encroachment is no closer than 4 feet from all lot lines.
(2) Yard lights and the nameplate signs, floodlights or other sources of light illuminating authorized illuminated signs or illuminating parking areas, loading areas, or yards for safety and security purposes, provided the direct source of light is not visible from the public right-of-way or adjacent residential property.
(3) In front yards only, awnings and door hoods extending 5 feet into the required front yard setback area.
(4) In front yards only, vestibules extending 5 feet into the required front yard setback area if the vestibule (a) is designed, constructed and attached to the principal structure in accordance with the requirements of the Building Code; (b) is constructed of material compatible with the principal structure; and (c) has an area as measured to the outside of the outside walls which does not exceed 30 square feet.
(5) In front yards only, heating, ventilating and air conditioning equipment, provided that no portion of such equipment shall extend more than 6 feet from the principal structure, no portion shall be more than 36 inches in height, and such equipment shall be screened from view from a public right-of-way by evergreen plantings. Canopies no more than 12 feet wide, which shall not extend more than ½ the distance into the required front or side yard, if there is a demonstrated need and no other practical alternate solution, provided that the encroachment is approved by the Fire Chief and Zoning Administrator.
(6) Terraces, steps, uncovered porches, stoops or similar structures which do not extend 2 ½ feet from the height of the ground floor level of the principal building can extend 3 feet into the setback area provided such encroachment is no closer than 5 feet from any lot line.
(7) Flag poles, bird baths, and other ornamental features detached from the principal building.
(8) Recreational and laundry drying equipment, arbors and trellises provided they are a minimum 10 feet from a lot line.
(9) In side or rear yards only, heating, ventilating and air conditioning equipment in interior side yards, side yards abutting a street and rear yards, provided that such equipment shall extend no more than 6 feet from the principal structure and the equipment shall be screened from view with evergreen plantings.
(10) In rear yards only, balconies, breezeways, detached outdoor picnic shelters and recreational equipment, except as regulated hereinafter.
(G) Setbacks (SEE TABLE A, RESIDENTIAL LOT REQUIREMENTS TABLE).
( Ord. 2013-05, passed 5-20-2013; Am. Ord. 2016-01, p assed 2-1-2016; Am. Ord. 2020-01, passed 2-3-2020)