Exceptions to dimensional requirements.
§ 255-910. Exceptions to dimensional requirements. [Amended 3-25-2025 by Ord. No. 2025-12]
A. Exceptions to height regulations.
(1) The following structures or parts of structures may be erected above the specified height limitation in Article VI provided that such vertical element shall be set back from any lot line one additional foot for each foot by which it exceeds the prescribed height limit for the district: church spire, church tower or church belfry; flagpole; radio or television antenna; chimney; elevator; penthouse; silo; municipal water supply structures; windmills; or wind generators.
B. Authorized departures from yard regulations. The following describes special circumstances in which deviation from the stated yard restrictions in Article VI may be waived. This section also defines the yard setbacks for odd-shaped lots.
(1) Waiver of front yard restrictions. Where lots on both sides of a vacant lot have main buildings, which are located in the established front yard and have been so maintained since this chapter became effective, the front yard requirement for the vacant lot may be the average of the front yards of the adjacent lots.
(2) Architectural projections. Open or semi enclosed structures such as porches, canopies, balconies, platforms, garages, carports, covered patios, decks and similar architectural projections when attached to a principal building shall be considered parts of the building to which they are attached and shall not project into the required minimum front, side or rear yard. When such structures are not attached to the principal building, they shall be considered accessory buildings and shall be governed by the provisions of Code § 255-920A.
(3) Waiver of yard restrictions in general. Yards required in this chapter and the space above them shall be unobstructed by buildings except as permitted by this article.
(a) Ordinary projections of windowsills, cornices, and other structural features may extend not more than 12 inches into the space above required yards;
(b) Signs as permitted in Article XV may be located in front yards; and (c) Outdoor telephone booths in a commercial district may be located in front yards, provided that they do not obstruct visibility for proper traffic circulation.
(4) Three-sided lot. In the event that a lot contains only three sides, the width of the lot shall be considered to be the distance between side lot lines, measured at the required front yard depth. The rear yard shall be measured from a line 10 feet in length entirely within the lot parallel to the front lot line.
(5) Irregular lot. In the event the front yard of a lot abuts a curve, a cul-de-sac or a junction of two streets that form an interior angle approximating 90°, the width of the lot shall be considered to be the distance between the two side lot lines, measured at the required front yard depth.
(6) Reduction of street frontage. In any residential district, street frontage may be reduced to not less than 60 feet for those lots fronting entirely on turnarounds or culs-de-sac. In such instances, the required frontage shall be measured at the building line.
(7) Corner lot. On a corner lot, there shall be only one front yard as determined by the Zoning Enforcement Officer; the other potential front yard shall be considered a side yard.
(8) Front yards or through lots. At each end of a through lot the front yard setbacks for the district shall be adhered to.