6.4.5. PERIMETER YARDS

   A.   Application

   A perimeter yard is required in accordance with the applicable zone as provided in Tables 6.3-1 through 6.3-7. The minimum required width of the perimeter yard for each development is based on the zoning classification of the adjacent  parcel (s) along each individual lot line .

   B.   Measurement

      1.   The width of the perimeter yard is the distance measured horizontally from a specified point to the face of each exterior building wall at the wall’s highest point. The specified point is the property line when it is an interior property line . Along a street  property line , the specified point is described in Section 6.4.5.C, Street  Perimeter Yard. (See Figure 6.4.5-B & -C.)

      2.   A vertical structural member(s) (i.e., post, column, dormer wall) supporting a roof extension from the principal structure is considered a wall for applying perimeter yard requirements.

      3.   The perimeter yard may have different widths at various points along the same property line , because the perimeter yard width is measured to the face of each vertical exterior surface of the building .

      4.   On cul-de-sac and eyebrow front lots , the minimum street yard depth may be measured from a straight line drawn between the front lot corners, rather than measured directly from the curved front property line , except as provided in Section 6.4.5.C.2.b, Carports and Garages in Single-Family and Duplex Development. In no case, however, shall the minimum street yard be reduced in excess of 50% by this alternative measurement. (See Figure 6.4.5-A.)

      5.   Where an unbroken section of a wall or a building is not parallel with the lot line , the required perimeter yard may be applied to the average width; however, such perimeter yard shall not be narrower at any point than half the required width, nor narrower at any point than three feet. (See Figure 6.4.5-A.)

Figure 6.4.5-A: Perimeter Yard Measurement

See Sec. 6.4.5.C

Figure 6.4.5-B: Example of Perimeter Yard (Wall Height = 20')

See Sec. 6.4.5.C

Figure 6.4.5-C: Example of Perimeter Yard (Wall Height = 32')

   C.   Street  Perimeter Yard

   The street  perimeter yard width is determined as provided below or unless special zoning requirements dictate a greater distance or different point of measurement.

      1.   Residential Development

         a.   For single-family and duplex development , the minimum required front street  perimeter yard is 20 feet measured from the street  property line .

         b.   Where a lot abuts more than one street, the owner chooses which street  lot line is the front lot line . From other than the front lot line , the street  perimeter yard is ten feet, as measured from the street  property line . For carports and garages which face the street , the minimum required street  perimeter yard is 20 feet regardless of the street .

         c.   For carports and garages in single-family and duplex development , the structural setback may be modified in accordance with Section 3.11.1, Design Development Option as follows:

            (1)   For garages , a minimum of 18 feet (the length of a standard parking space) must be provided in front of the garage door so that a full 18-foot parking space is available for parking on site.

            (2)   For carports , if the distance between the back of street curb and the carport is eight feet or less, a minimum of one-foot must be provided.

         d.   For residential development occurring as part of a unified subdivision, reduced setbacks are permitted as designated on the approved tentative plat . The minimum required front street  perimeter yard is five feet. Carports and garages are permitted as follows:

            (1)   If accessed from the side perimeter yard or perpendicular to the street , the minimum distance from street  property line is five feet, or

            (2)   If accessed from the front or parallel to the street , the minimum distance from street  property line is 18 feet, or

            (3)   If accessed from the front or parallel to a street with an ADT of 140 or less, the distance from the back of curb to the garage or carport may be eight feet or less. The garage or carport must be setback a minimum of one foot from the property line .

      2.   Nonresidential Development

         a.   For nonresidential and multifamily development  abutting an Arterial or Collector Street the minimum required street  perimeter yard is ten feet, as measured from the existing or future property line as determined by the adopted Major Streets and Routes Plan , whichever is greater.

         b.   For nonresidential and multifamily development  abutting a Local Street : the minimum required street  perimeter yard is 20 feet, as measured from the street  property line .

   D.   Exceptions

   Encroachment into the required perimeter yard is allowed as follows.

      1.   Interior Property Lines

      Along interior property lines , the following may extend two feet into the perimeter yard , provided the side or rear yard is not reduced to less than three feet:

         a.   Chimney;

         b.   Roof overhang; or,

         c.   Bay window.

      2.   Street  Property Lines

      Along street  property lines , the following may extend into the required width as provided below.

         a.   Within established areas , the following may extend two feet into the required street yard :

            (1)   Chimney;

            (2)   Roof overhang;

            (3)   Stairs;

            (4)   Bay window; or,

            (5)   Open structures .

         b.   On any corner lot , no fence, structure, object, or planting shall be erected or maintained to interfere with the sight visibility triangle provisions set forth in the Technical Manual.

      3.   Structures within Front Yards

         a.   Shade structures or carports may project up to ten feet into required perimeter yards . Such architectural features include, but are not limited to, overhangs, moveable insulating walls and roofs, detached solar collectors, reflectors, and piping.

         b.   A wall or fence not over six feet high may be erected within the limits of a perimeter yard .

      4.   Adjacency to Certain Nonresidential Uses in Residential Zones

      For projects in a nonresidential zone  adjacent to a residential zone , the perimeter yard may be modified to equal the nonresidential use adjacent to nonresidential zone  perimeter yard standard for the project ’s zone based upon a finding by the Zoning Administrator that one of the following applies:

         a.   The adjacent residential zone is a:

            (1)   Governmental use;

            (2)   Right-of-way ; or,

            (3)   Easement dedicated for floodplain, drainage, or utility easement.

         b.   For annexed properties only, the adjacent residential zone is used for commercial, industrial, storage, utility, or warehousing purposes at the time of annexation.

(Am. Ord. 11070, 5/14/2013; Am. Ord. 11171, 5/20/2014; Am. Ord. 11996, 3/21/2023)