Sec. 21-25. Principal building coverage area.
   A.   Definitions.
      (1)   Principal Building Coverage Area. The Lot Area covered by the Principal Building measured vertically downward from the Principal Building’s exterior walls to the ground (also known as the building footprint area), but excludes areas covered only by:
         (a)   accessory structures not readily useable as living space;
         (b)   exterior porches and decks; and,
         (c)   exterior stairs.
      (2)   Principal Building. A building or buildings in which the principal use of the lot is conducted. The term also specifically applies to multiple dwellings located on the same lot, including an historic structure used as an accessory dwelling unit. (5-15-07)
   B.   Permitted principal building coverage area.
      (1)   Lot Area equal, to or greater than fifteen thousand (15,000) square feet:
         (a)   Principal Building Coverage Area shall be no greater than fifteen percent (15%) of the Lot Area.
         (b)   Example (18,000 sf Lot Area): 18,000 sf lot x 15% = 2700 sf Principal Building Coverage Area permitted (15% of Lot Area).
      (2)   Lot Area less than fifteen thousand (15,000) square feet:
         (a)   Principal Building Coverage Area shall be no greater than fifteen percent (15%) times Lot Area plus fifteen thousand (15,000) square feet minus the Lot Area times five percent (5%).
         (b)   Example (12,000 sf Lot Area): (15% x 12,000 sf) + [(15,000 sf - 12,000 sf) x 5%] = 1950 sf Principal Building Coverage Area permitted (16.3% of Lot Area).
      (3)   Examples. ½ acre Lot 21,780 sf = 3267 sf Coverage (15%).
         (a)   1/3 acre Lot 14,505 sf - 2176 sf Coverage (15%).
         (b)   1-4 acre Lot 10,890 sf - 1634 sf Coverage (20%).
         (c)   Lot 5,000 sf = 1250 sf Coverage (25%).
   C.   Design Review Board.
      (1)   The Design Review Board may increase by no more than twenty percent (20%) the maximum permitted Principal Building Coverage Area if this or other modifications achieve greater Neighborhood Compatibility as described in ARTICLE XII, except as provided in Section 21-20C.(2)(j) regarding historic properties with a second structure on the same lot. (5-15-07)
      (2)   In cases of interpretation of Enclosed Principal Building Coverage Area, the Design Review Board shall determine what portion of the Enclosed Principal Building Coverage Area shall be included or excluded in the calculations.