Measurements shall be taken from the nearest point of the wall of a building to the lot line in question, subject to the following qualifications.
(A) (1) Cornices, canopies or eaves may extend into the required front yard a distance not exceeding 4 feet, 6 inches.
(2) All new built homes, modular homes and homes moved into the city require a 1-foot overhang on all sides of building.
(B) Fire escapes may extend into the required front yard a distance not exceeding 4 feet, 6 inches.
(C) A landing place or uncovered porch may extend into the required front yard a distance not exceeding 6 feet. An open railing no higher than 3 feet may be placed around the place.
(D) The above enumerated architectural features may also extend into any side or rear yard to the same extent, except that no porch, terrace or outside stairway shall project into the required side yard distance except on existing lots that are 50 feet or less in width; in that instance, allowable architectural features may project into the required side yard a distance of 2 feet.
(E) (1) A wall, fence or hedge shall not exceed 3 feet in height in the required front yard. A 4-foot fence may be allowed if the fence is chain link or if the zoning board deems there are no visibility problems to traffic.
(2) There can be no plants of any kind on a chain link fence to obstruct view, or 7 feet in height in the required side and rear yards.
(3) Any wall or fence exceeding 3 feet in height, shall maintain a 3-foot setback from a lot line unless:
(a) Mutual agreement can be demonstrated with abutting property owners;
(b) Maintenance easement agreement can be drafted and agreed to by both affected parties; and
(c) Mutual ownership and responsibility agreements can be drafted and demonstrated to the City Council.
(F) In the districts where filling stations are allowed, pumps and pump islands may be located within a required yard provided they are not less than 15 feet from any street right-of-way lines.
(G) The required front yard of a corner lot shall not contain any wall, fence or other structure, tree, shrub or other growth, which may cause danger to traffic on a street or public road by obscuring the view.
(H) In determining the depth of rear yard for any building where the rear yard opens into the alley, 1/2 the width of the alley, but not exceeding 10 feet, may be considered as a portion of the rear yard.
(Ord passed 4- -1995; Am. Ord. passed 8- -2001; Am. Ord. 1409.04, passed 12-7-2004)