No lot, 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 title. No required open space provided about any building or structure shall be included as part of any open space required for another structure.
A. The following shall not be considered as encroachments on yard setback requirements:
1. Accessory structures as governed by this title are permitted in rear yards.
2. Awnings, balconies, chimneys, flues, leaders, pilasters, lintels, ornamental features, sills, cornices, buttresses, eaves, gutters and the like may project not more than two and one-half feet (21/2') over or half the distance of the required side yard, whichever is less.
3. Walks or steps for negotiating ground slopes, retaining walls, uncovered porches, decks, stoops, hedges and natural growth, paved terraces, paved areas or similar features, provided they do not extend above the height of the ground floor level of the principal structure or not more than a distance of three feet (3') into any required yard except a rear yard.
4. Structures used ornamentally, for gardening, or for private recreation purposes, and structures for essential services, all accessory to and customarily incidental to the principal use, are permitted in yards and courts, and solar energy systems not included in the floor area of the building are permitted in side yards; provided, that a side yard strip three feet (3') in width adjoining the side line of the lot shall be unobstructed by any structure or feature, except a fence or retaining wall.
5. In rear yards, recreational and laundry drying equipment, arbors, and trellises, detached outdoor living rooms, and air conditioning or heating equipment, provided they are at a distance of five feet (5') from the rear lot line.
6. Open work fire balconies and fire escapes may extend not more than three feet (3') into a required yard.
7. Add-on entryways to residential dwellings constructed prior to January 1, 1992, may encroach into the required front yard setback not more than five feet (5') and shall not exceed fifty (50) square feet in total size.
B. Where adjacent structures have front yard setbacks different from those required, the minimum front yard setback shall be no less than the average setback of the two (2) adjacent principal structures. If only one adjacent lot is occupied by a structure, the minimum front yard shall be the average of the adjacent principal structure and the district minimum setback, but in no case shall a setback greater than the minimum established for the respective zoning district be required. (Prior Code § 20-17-5)