(1) CMC 18.30.030 and 18.30.040 contain general density and dimension standards for the various zones and limitations specific to a particular zone(s). Additional rules, exceptions, and methodologies are set forth in CMC 18.30.060 through 18.30.240.

(2) The density and dimension tables are arranged in a matrix format on two separate tables and are delineated into two general land use categories:

(3) Development standards are listed down the left side of both tables, and the zones are listed at the top. The matrix cells contain the minimum dimensional requirements of the zone. The parenthetical numbers in the matrix identify specific requirements applicable either to a specific use or zone. A blank box indicates that there are no specific requirements. If more than one standard appears in a cell, each standard will be subject to any applicable parenthetical footnote following the standard. (Ord. 10-10 § 3 (Exh. C); Ord. 42-02 § 2 (21A.12.020))

(1) A proposal may be phased, if compliance with the minimum density requirement results in noncompliance with Chapter 18.75 CMC, if the overall density of the proposal is consistent with this section.

(2) Minimum density requirements may be waived by the City of Covington if the applicant demonstrates one or more of the following:

(3) A proposal to locate a single residential unit on a lot shall be exempt from the minimum density requirement provided the applicant either pre-plans the site by demonstrating that the proposed single residence would be located in a manner compatible with future division of the site in a manner that would meet the minimum density requirements, or locates the dwelling within 15 feet of one or more of the site’s interior lot lines. (Ord. 42-02 § 2 (21A.12.060))

(1) The allowed number of dwelling units or lots (base density) shall be computed by multiplying the site area specified in CMC 18.30.080 by the applicable residential base density number;

(2) The maximum density (unit or lot) limits shall be computed by adding the bonus or transfer units authorized by Chapter 18.90 or 18.95 CMC to the base units computed under subsection (1) of this section;

(3) The allowed floor area, which excludes structured or underground parking areas and areas housing mechanical equipment, shall be computed by applying the floor-to-lot area ratio to the project site area specified in CMC 18.30.080;

(4) If calculations result in a fraction, the fraction shall be rounded to the nearest whole number as follows:

(1) All site areas may be used in the calculation of base and maximum allowed residential density or project floor area except as outlined under the provisions of subsection (2) of this section.

(2) Submerged lands shall not be credited toward base and maximum density or floor area calculations. (Ord. 42-02 § 2 (21A.12.080))

(1) Multiplying the base density (dwelling units/acre) as set forth in CMC 18.30.030(A) by the net buildable area of the project site; and then

(2) Multiplying the resulting product by the minimum density percentage set forth in CMC 18.30.030(A) or as adjusted pursuant to the provisions of CMC 18.30.100. (Ord. 42-02 § 2 (21A.12.085))

(1) In the R zones no construction shall be permitted on a lot that contains an area of less than 2,500 square feet or that does not comply with the applicable minimum lot width, except for townhouse developments zero-lot-line subdivisions, or lots created prior to adoption of this code. (Ord. 42-02 § 2 (21A.12.100))

(1) Interior Setback. The interior setback is measured from the interior lot line to a line parallel to and measured perpendicularly from the interior lot lines at the depth prescribed for each zone.

(2) Street Setback. The street setback is measured from the street right-of-way to a line parallel to and measured perpendicularly from the street right-of-way or the edge of the surface improvement at the depth prescribed for each zone. (Ord. 42-02 § 2 (21A.12.110))

(1) The minimum interior setback for any building used to house, confine or feed swine shall be 90 feet.

(2) The minimum interior setback for any building used to house, confine or feed any other livestock shall be 25 feet.

(3) The minimum interior setback for any manure storage area shall be 35 feet. (Ord. 42-02 § 2 (21A.12.122))

(1) When the common property line of two lots is covered by a building(s), the setbacks required by this chapter shall not apply along the common property line; and

(2) When a lot is located between lots having nonconforming street setbacks, the required street setback for such lot may be the average of the two nonconforming setbacks or 60 percent of the required street setback, whichever results in the greater street setback. (Ord. 42-02 § 2 (21A.12.130))

(1) In subdivisions and short subdivisions, areas used as regional utility corridors shall be contained in separate tracts.

(2) In other types of land development permits, easements shall be used to delineate regional utility corridors.

(3) All structures shall maintain a minimum distance of five feet from property or easement lines delineating the boundary of regional utility corridors, except for utility structures necessary to the operation of the utility corridor or when structures are allowed by mutual agreement in the utility corridor.

(4) Any structure designed for human occupancy, except for utility structures not normally occupied that are necessary for the operation of the pipeline or a minor communication facility, shall maintain a minimum distance of 100 feet from a hazardous liquid or gas transmission pipeline located within a regional utility corridor. The setback distance may be modified if the applicant demonstrates the following:

(1) Structures may be built to a property line abutting an alley, except as provided in subsection (2) of this section.

(2) Vehicle access points from garages, carports or fenced parking areas shall be set back from the alley property line to provide a straight line length of at least 26 feet, as measured from the center line of the garage, carport or fenced parking area, from the access point to the opposite edge of the alley. No portion of the garage or the door in motion may cross the property line. (Ord. 42-02 § 2 (21A.12.150))

(1) In addition to providing the standard street setback, a lot adjoining a half-street or designated arterial shall provide an additional width of street setback sufficient to accommodate construction of the planned half-street or arterial; and

(2) Where the standard setback for a property is modified within an adopted subarea or neighborhood plan area zoning, the applicable setback shall be that specified therein. (Ord. 42-02 § 2 (21A.12.160))

(1) Fireplace structures, bay or garden windows, enclosed stair landings, closets, or similar structures may project into any setback, provided such projections are:

(2) Detached residential accessory structures, including tool and storage sheds, gazebos, trellises, play equipment and similar structures, with a floor area not exceeding 200 square feet each may be located in required interior setback areas pursuant to the following conditions:

(3) Building siding materials and trim boards; provided, that the siding materials and trim boards do not extend further than six inches into said setback;

(4) Uncovered porches and decks are allowed within interior setbacks pursuant to the following conditions:

(5) Eaves may not project more than:

(6) Fences with a height of six feet or less may project into or be located in any setback;

(7) Rockeries, retaining walls and curbs may project into or be located in any setback, provided these structures are in accord with the International Building Code and International Residential Code, and:

(8) Fences located on top of rockeries, retaining walls or berms are subject to the requirements of CMC 18.35.210;

(9) Telephone, power, light and flag poles may project to property lines;

(10) The following may project into or be located within a setback and shall maintain a minimum five-foot setback from any interior property line:

(11) Mailboxes and newspaper boxes may project into or be located within street setbacks;

(12) Fire hydrants and associated appendages;

(13) Metro bus shelters may be located within street setbacks;

(14) Unless otherwise allowed in Chapter 18.55 CMC, freestanding and monument signs four feet or less in height, with a maximum sign area of 20 square feet, may project into or be located within street setbacks; and

(15) Stormwater conveyance and control facilities, both above and below ground, provided such projections are:

(1) Building Operational Structures. Roof structures housing or screening elevators, stairways, tanks, ventilating fans or similar equipment required for building operation and maintenance; and

(2) Architectural and Utility Features. Fire or parapet walls, skylights, flagpoles, chimneys, smokestacks, church steeples, crosses, spires, utility line towers and poles, and similar structures.

(3) Middle Housing Exceptions. Middle housing types may include rooftop decks and access points that exceed the base height by five feet, subject to the following:

(4) Multifamily Housing Exceptions. To meet the required residential space amenities designed under CMC 18.31.425, multifamily structures may exceed the maximum base height by 15 feet for rooftop structures such as elevators, arbors, shelters, and other amenities.

(5) Sustainability Features. Sustainable infrastructure, such as solar panels, green roofs, and rainwater collection systems, may exceed the base height by up to five feet, provided:

(1) If a lot or site contains both residential and nonresidential zoning, the zone boundary between the zones shall be considered a lot line for determining permitted building height and required setbacks on the site.

(2) If a lot or site contains residential zones of varying density:

(3) Uses on each portion of the lot shall only be those permitted in each zone in accordance with Chapter 18.25 CMC. (Ord. 42-02 § 2 (21A.12.200))

(1) A sight distance triangle area as determined by subsection (2) of this section shall contain no fence, berm, vegetation, on-site vehicle parking area, signs or other physical obstruction between 42 inches and eight feet above the existing street grade;

Note: The area of a sight distance triangle between 42 inches and eight feet above the existing street grade shall remain open.

(2) The sight distance triangle at:

(3) The Director may require modification or removal of structures or landscaping located in required street setbacks, if:

(1) Impervious surface coverage shall not exceed:

(2) Buildings and structures, except fences and wire or mesh backstops, shall not be closer than 30 feet to any property line, except as provided in subsection (3) of this section.

(3) Single detached dwelling allowed as accessory to a church or school shall conform to the setback requirements of the zone.

(4) Parking areas are permitted within the required setback area from property lines, provided such parking areas are located outside of the required landscape area.

(5) Sites shall abut or be accessible from at least one public street functioning at a level consistent with the City of Covington road design standards. New high school sites shall abut or be accessible from a public street functioning as an arterial per the City of Covington road standards.

(6) The base height shall conform to the zone in which the use is located.

(7) Building illumination and lighted signs shall be designed so that no direct rays of light are projected into neighboring residences or onto any street right-of-way. (Ord. 10-10 § 3 (Exh. C); Ord. 42-02 § 2 (21A.12.220))

(1) Each individual establishment shall not exceed 3,000 square feet of gross floor area;

(2) Establishments shall not be located less than one mile from another commercial establishment, unless located with other establishments meeting the criteria in subsection (1) of this section;

(3) Establishment sites shall abut an intersection of two public streets, each of which is designated as a neighborhood collector or arterial and which has improved pedestrian facilities for at least one-quarter mile from the site;

(4) The maximum on-site parking ratios for establishments and sites shall be two per 1,000 square feet and required parking shall not be located between the building(s) and the street;

(5) Buildings shall comply with the building facade modulation and roofline variation requirements in CMC 18.35.100 and at least one facade of the building shall be located within five feet of the sidewalk;

(6) If the personal service or retail use is located in a building with multifamily uses, then the commercial use shall be on the ground floor and shall not exceed 25 percent of the total floor area of the building;

(7) Sign and landscaping standards for the use apply. (Ord. 10-10 § 3 (Exh. C); Ord. 42-02 § 2 (21A.12.230))