(A) Minimum lot size. No lot, required yard, or other open space shall be reduced in area or dimension so as to make such lot, yard, or open space less than the minimum required by this chapter, 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 open space provided about any building or structure shall be included as part of any open space required for another structure.
(B) Exceptions. The following shall not be considered as encroachments on yard setback requirements:
(1) Cantilevers up to ten feet in width, chimneys, flues, leaders, sills, pilasters, lintels, ornamental features, cornices, eaves, gutters, and the like, provided they do not project more than two feet into a yard.
(2) Terraces, steps, decks, uncovered porches, stoops or similar structures limited to not more than a height of three feet above grade may extend to within five feet of side yard and ten feet of rear yard lot lines, but not more than five feet into a required front yard or side yard adjacent to a public right-of-way.
(3) Recreational and laundry drying equipment, arbors and trellises, gazebos, and air- conditioning or heating equipment shall be allowed only in a rear or side yard, provided they are at a distance of five feet from any lot line.
(4) In residential districts, a one story entrance for a detached single-family or two-family dwelling may extend into the front yard setback not more than five feet, and shall not exceed 50 square feet in size.
(5) No encroachment shall be permitted in existing or required drainage and utility easements.
(C) Front yard setback exceptions. In the case of lots platted prior to the effective date of this chapter, the principal building setback requirements for front and side yards adjacent to a public right-of-way, as established by the respective zoning districts, may be reduced to a distance equaling the average setback of principal buildings on adjacent lots. In no case shall this distance be less than half of the required setback.
(D) Triangular lots. In the case of triangular lots, where the rear lot line is a single vertex, the rear yard setback points of reference shall be determined by measuring the length of the setback distance from the vertex along the side lot lines. The rear setback line shall be determined by traversing the lot and connecting these points of reference.
(Ord. 583, passed 8-26-2019)