The regulations in this chapter shall be subject to the following interpretations and exceptions.

(Ord. No. 401, § 1900, 5-2-2005)

Essential services to the city shall be permitted as authorized and regulated by law and other ordinances of the city.

(Ord. No. 401, § 1901, 5-2-2005)

The provisions of this chapter shall not be so construed as to interfere with the temporary use of any property as a voting place in connection with a municipal or other public election.

(Ord. No. 401, § 1902, 5-2-2005)

The height limitations of this chapter shall not apply to farm buildings, chimneys, church spires, flag poles, public monuments or wireless transmission towers; provided, however, that the city council may specify a height limit for any such structure when such structure requires authorization as a special condition use.

(Ord. No. 401, § 1903, 5-2-2005)

Any lot existing and of record on the effective date of the ordinance from which this chapter is derived may be used for any principal use, other than conditional uses for which special lot area requirements are specified in this chapter, permitted in the district in which such lot is located whether or not such lot complies with the lot area and width requirements of this chapter. Such use may be made provided that all requirements other than lot area and width prescribed in this chapter are complied with, and provided that not more than one dwelling unit shall occupy any lot except in conformance with the provisions of this chapter for required lot area for each dwelling unit.

(Ord. No. 401, § 1904, 5-2-2005)

In calculating the area of a lot that adjoins an alley for the purpose of applying lot area requirements of this chapter, one-half the width of such alley abutting the lot shall be considered as part of such lot.

(Ord. No. 401, § 1905, 5-2-2005)

When yard regulations cannot reasonably be complied with, or where their application cannot be determined on lots of peculiar shape, topography or due to architectural or site arrangement, such regulations may be modified or determined by the board of appeals.

(Ord. No. 401, § 1906, 5-2-2005)

An open, unenclosed, and uncovered porch or paved terrace may project into a front yard for a distance not exceeding ten feet, but this shall not be interpreted to include or permit fixed canopies.

(Ord. No. 401, § 1907, 5-2-2005)

Architectural features, not including vertical projections, may extend or project into a required side yard not more than two inches for each one foot of width of such side yard; and may extend or project into a required front yard or rear yard not more than three feet.

(Ord. No. 401, § 1908, 5-2-2005)

For the purpose of this chapter, access drives may be placed in the required front or side yards so as to provide access to rear yards or accessory or attached structures. These drives shall not be considered structural violations in front and side yards. Further, any walk, terrace or other pavement servicing a like function, and not in excess of nine inches above the grade upon which placed, shall for the purpose of this chapter, not be considered to be a structure and shall be permitted in any required yard.

(Ord. No. 401, § 1909, 5-2-2005)

Those residential lots or parcels having water frontage and abutting a public thoroughfare shall maintain the yard on the water side as an open unobscured yard, excepting that a covered and/or uncovered boat well shall be permitted after review and approval of plans by the zoning board of appeals. Accessory structures shall be permitted in the setback between the abutting road right-of-way and the main building provided that the front yard setback required in article XVII of this chapter is met.

(Ord. No. 401, § 1910, 5-2-2005)