Davenport City Zoning Code
CHAPTER 17
02 GENERAL DEFINITIONS AND MEASUREMENT METHODOLOGIES
17.02.010 Rules of interpretation.
[Amended 9-11-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-363]
The terms in the text of this ordinance are interpreted in accordance with the following rules of construction:
A.
The singular number includes the plural, and the plural, the singular.
B.
The present tense includes the past and future tenses, and the future tense includes the present.
C.
The terms "must," "shall," and "will" are mandatory.
D.
The term "should" is mandatory unless extenuating circumstances warrant administrative flexibility.
E.
The term "may" is permissive.
F.
The terms "must not," "will not," and "shall not" are prohibiting.
G.
Any gender includes all genders.
H.
Whenever a defined word or term appears in the text of this ordinance, its meaning must be construed as set forth in the definition. Words not defined must be interpreted in accordance with the definitions considered to be normal dictionary usage.
17.02.020 General abbreviations.
The following abbreviations may be used within this ordinance:
A.
BTL is an abbreviation for "build-to line."
B.
BTZ is an abbreviation for "build-to zone."
C.
GFA is an abbreviation for "gross floor area."
D.
ft is an abbreviation for "feet."
E.
N/A is an abbreviation for "not applicable."
F.
sf is an abbreviation for "square feet."
G.
SF is an abbreviation for "single-family."
H.
2F is an abbreviation for "two-family."
I.
TH is an abbreviation for "townhouse."
J.
MF is an abbreviation for "multi-family."
17.02.030 Definition of general terms.
[Amendments noted where applicable.]
The following are definitions of general terms used throughout this ordinance with the exception of use definitions, which are defined in Chapter 17.08.
To share a common wall or lot line without being separated by a street or alley.
A ramp or similar structure that provides wheelchair or similar access to a structure.
A detached accessory structure incidental to a principal residential use for keeping personal items. For the purposes of this definition, an accessory storage building is distinguished from garages in that the largest doors and/or openings are six feet or less in width and the structure is not intended for either vehicle storage or commercial use.
[Added 6-10-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-233]
A detached structure located on the same lot as the principal building that is incidental to the use of the principal building.
A use of land or a structure, or portion thereof, customarily incidental and subordinate to the principal use of the land or structure.
Construction that increases the size of a structure in terms of building footprint, height, or floor area.
Close to or near something.
[Added 9-11-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-363]
A public right-of-way that normally affords a secondary means of access to abutting property.
An amateur (HAM) radio station licensed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), including equipment such as, but not limited to, a tower or building-mounted structure supporting a radiating antenna platform and other equipment.
In regard to principal uses, a structure or use that provides support and is typically integral to a principal structure or use.
A structure designed for the farming of aquatic organisms such as fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and aquatic plants under controlled conditions
A part or projection that contributes to the aesthetics of a structure, exclusive of signs, that is not necessary for the structural integrity of the structure or to make the structure habitable.
Signs, devices, or ornamentations designed for the purpose of attracting attention or promotion, except as otherwise expressly permitted in this ordinance. Attention getting devices include banners, sails/feather signs, temporary on-premise pole signs, and the like. Federal, state, or local flags, or flags of fraternal, religious, and civic organizations, banners, and temporary holiday decorations are not considered attention getting devices.
A roof like structure typically made of cloth, metal, or other material attached to a frame that extends from and is supported by a building. Awnings are typically erected over a window, doorway, or building front and they may be raised or retracted to a position adjacent to the building.
A roofed or unroofed platform that projects from the exterior wall of a structure above the ground floor, which is exposed to the open air, has direct access to the interior of the building, and is not supported by posts or columns extending to the ground.
A temporary sign printed upon flexible material mounted with or without rigid frames on a building or the ground.
A window that projects outward from the structure, which does not rest on the building foundation or on the ground.
An earthen mound designed to provide visual interest on a site, fully or partially screen undesirable views, reduce noise, or fulfill other similar purposes.
Defined in Section 17.02.040.
Defined in Section 17.02.040.
A roof designed to store water and discharge rainfall.
An outdoor accessory structure maintained by a property owner on private property where books and recorded performing arts and media are kept for public and/or exchanges with no fees or sales and are publicly accessible.
Land area with landscape plantings and other components used to separate one use from another and to shield or block noise, lights, or other nuisances.
Defined in Section 17.02.040.
Defined in Section 17.02.040.
Defined in Section 17.02.040.
The portion of a lot, excluding required setbacks, where a structure or building improvements may be erected.
Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.
Defined in Section 17.02.040.
The three-dimensional space within which a structure is permitted to be built on a lot and which is defined by regulations governing building setbacks, maximum height, and bulk, by other regulations, and/or by any combination thereof.
Defined in Section 17.02.040.
A line measured at the building wall of a structure between parallel lot lines. For the purposes of establishing a building line, the building wall does not include permitted encroachments of architectural features, such as bay windows, eaves, and steps and stoops.
BUILDING LINE   |
Defined in Section 17.02.040.
A canopy is a roof-like cover designed for protection from the weather or as a decorative embellishment affixed to a building or freestanding, with supports that extend to the ground.
An open-sided roofed vehicle shelter, usually formed by extension of the roof from the side of a building, but may be freestanding.
A sign designed where a portion of the sign area allows for a message to be changed manually. A changeable message board sign does not include electronic message signs or portable reader-board sign.
A vertical shaft of reinforced concrete, masonry or other approved material enclosing one or more flues, for the purpose of removing products of combustion from solid, liquid, or gaseous fuel.
Placement of equipment from more than one service or service provider on a single tower or site.
See abut.
Contour lines denote elevation or altitude and depth on maps.
A vehicular and/or pedestrian connection between abutting properties that connects the two sites and allows vehicles and/or pedestrians to travel between sites without the having to exit to the street.
A calendar day.
A roofless outdoor space built as an above ground platform projecting from the wall of a structure and connected by structural supports at grade or by the structure.
Any man-made change to land.
A pathway for motor vehicles from a street to a lot used only for service purposes or for access to the lot.
A structure, or portion thereof, designed or used exclusively for human habitation. Each dwelling type must contain a front facade of at least 24 feet of width at its largest dimension and be located on a permanent foundation. Every room within a dwelling unit must be accessible from every other room within the dwelling via a completely internal route within the envelope of the dwelling structure.
[Amended 6-10-2020 by Ord. No. 2020-233]
A structure or portion of a structure providing complete, independent living facilities for one or more persons, including permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation.
Land designed by lawful agreement between the owner(s) of the land and an entity(s) for a specified use only by such entity(s).
The projecting lower edges of a roof overhanging the wall of a structure.
A sign designed where a portion of the sign area uses changing light emitting diodes (LEDs), fiber optics, light bulbs or other illumination devices within the electronic display panel(s) to form a message or messages in text and/or image from where the sequence of messages and the rate of change is electronically programmed and can be modified by electronic processes. Time/temperature signs are not considered electronic message signs. Flashing signs, animated signs, and video display signs are not considered electronic message signs.
The extension or placement of any structure, or a component of such, into a required setback or right-of-way.
A member of the equus genus of mammals in the family Equidae, including horses and ponies. For the purposes of this ordinance, zebras, while a member of the equus genus, are not permitted.
To build, construct, attach, hang, place, suspend, or affix.
The illumination of an outside area or object by any man-made device that produces light by any means.
One or more flights of stairs, and the necessary landings and platforms connecting them, to form a continuous passage from the entryway of a floor or level to another in a structure located on the exterior of a principal building.
Illumination by an artificial source of light not internal to the sign face.
The vertical face of a building, including any insets and protrusions, which contribute the aesthetic and/or structure design of the building.
[Added 9-11-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-363]
A freestanding attention-getting device, vertical in orientation, typically constructed of cloth held taut by a single post.
FEATHER FLAG/SAIL  |
A structure used as a boundary, screen, separation, means of privacy, protection or confinement, and is constructed of wood, plastic, metal, wire mesh, masonry, or other similar material and is used as a barrier.
FENCEOPEN — A fence that has, over its entirety, more than 70% of the superficial surface consisting of regularly distributed openings.
FENCESOLID — A fence that has, over its entirety, no distributed openings. A shadowbox design fence is considered a solid fence. A chain link fence with slats is not considered a solid fence.
FENCE  |
Flags of any nation, state, municipality, or political subdivision, flags officially designated as a national, state, or local symbol, or flags of fraternal, religious, and civic organizations. Pennants and sails are not considered flags.
A powerful light, typically in a grouping of several lights, used to illuminate the exterior of a building or sign.
A unit of measure of illuminance equal to one lumen of light spread over an area of one square foot.
A structure, either attached or detached, designed and/or used for the parking and storage of vehicles as an accessory structure to a residence. For the purposes of this definition, garage does not include an accessory structure with an access point of six feet or less in width or commercial parking structure.
A freestanding outdoor structure designed for recreational use and not for habitation.
Light emitting from a luminaire with an intensity great enough to reduce a viewers' ability to see, cause discomfort, and, in extreme cases, cause momentary blindness.
Defined in Section 17.02.040.
A building roof partially or completely covered with vegetation and a growing medium, planted over a waterproofing membrane. It may also include additional layers such as a root barrier and drainage and irrigation systems.
A structure constructed chiefly of glass, glasslike or translucent material, cloth, or lath, which is devoted to the protection or cultivation of flowers or other tender plants.
Defined in Section 17.02.040.
A row of closely planted shrubs, bushes, or any kind of plant forming a boundary.
Any commercial activity carried out for economic gain by a resident, conducted as an accessory use in the resident's dwelling unit.
Defined in Section 17.02.040.
Facilities and services needed to sustain residential, commercial, industrial, institutional, and other activities, including, but not limited to, water lines, sewer lines, and rights-of-way.
Square feet of gross floor area, number of dwelling units, number of employees, or other factor used as a basis for requiring off-street parking or loading facilities.
Pole on which a luminaire is mounted.
Banners mounted on and with arms installed perpendicular to light poles.
A space within a loading facility exclusive of driveways, aisles, maneuvering areas, ramps, columns, landscape, and structures for the temporary parking of a commercial delivery vehicle while loading or unloading goods or materials.
Defined in Section 17.02.040.
Defined in Section 17.02.040.
Defined in Section 17.02.040.
Defined in Section 17.02.040.
Defined in Section 17.02.040.
Defined in Section 17.02.040.
Defined in Section 17.02.040.
Defined in Section 17.02.040.
Defined in Section 17.02.040.
Defined in Section 17.02.040.
Defined in Section 17.02.040.
Defined in Section 17.02.040.
Defined in Section 17.02.040.
A permanent roof-like structure constructed of permanent building materials that extends from the wall of a structure with no supports extending to the ground providing protection from the elements.
A sign constructed as part of drive-through facilities.
A group of two or more commercial establishments that is planned, owned, and/or managed as a single property. The two main configurations of multi-tenant commercial centers are large shopping centers/malls and strip centers.
[Ord. No. 2019-195 § 1]
A group of two or more commercial establishments that is planned, owned, and/or managed as a single property. The two main configurations of multi-tenant retail centers are large shopping centers/malls and strip centers.
A luminance unit equal to one candle per square meter measured perpendicular to the rays from the source.
The expression of noncommercial ideas and messages. A noncommercial message does not promote a business, product, service, commercial entertainment, or other commercial activity offered on or off the premises.
A temporary sign directing attention to a specific business, product, service, entertainment event, activity, or other commercial activity that is not sold, produced, manufactured, furnished, or conducted at the property upon which the sign is located. This includes any ground-mounted, building-mounted, or sign painted, pasted, or otherwise affixed to any tree, rock, fence, utility pole, hydrant, bridge, sidewalk, parkway, curb or street, bench, or trash receptacle that directs attention off-premises.
The storage space for an automobile on premises other than streets or rights-of-way.
That portion of land, either landscaped or left unimproved, which is used to meet active or passive recreation or spatial needs, and/or to protect water, air, or plant resources.
Part of a lot used for outdoor sales and/or display of goods accessory to the principal use.
An area of land set aside within a retail center for a separate principal building that shares a circulation system and may share common parking with the larger retail center development but is separated from the principal building or buildings, typically located along the property line.
A district established in the ordinance that is superimposed on one or more zoning districts or parts of zoning districts. The standards and requirements associated with an overlay district may be more or less restrictive than those in the underlying districts.
Any person, including the owner of the title or a mortgage whose interest is shown of record in the mortgage and conveyance records; a person shown as owner in the records of the tax assessor of the county in which the property is situated; or the agent of any such person and those in possession of a dwelling, dwelling unit, or premises.
The extension of a false front or wall above a roof-line.
A wall starting from the foundation and extending continuously through all stories to or above the roof that separates one building from another, but is in joint use by each building.
A hard surface designed and intended for recreational use by people and not used as a parking space.
An open structure, which may be either freestanding or attached to a structure, that forms a partially shaded pedestrian walkway, passageway, or sitting area, and is constructed of a semi-open roof and vertical posts that support cross-beams and a sturdy open lattice. It may also be used as an extension of a building entryway.
A range of sustainable materials and techniques for permeable paving with a base and sub-base that allow the movement of stormwater through the surface. Gravel and loose rock are not considered pervious paving.
An architectural feature that projects from the exterior wall of a structure, often with steps leading up to it, has direct access to the street level of the building, and is covered by a roof or eaves.
[Ord. No. 2019-195 § 1]
A porch enclosed by walls, screens, lattice or other material. A screened-in porch is an enclosed porch.
A porch that is open on all sides that do not abut a principal building wall.
A sign whose principal supporting structure is intended, by design and construction, to rest upon the ground for support and may be easily moved or relocated for reuse. Portable reader-board signs include, but are not limited to, signs mounted upon a trailer, wheeled carrier, or other non-motorized mobile structure, with wheels or with wheels removed. Portable reader-board signs do not include a-frame signs.
A permanent structure built over a driveway or entry drive that provides temporary shelter to persons exiting a vehicle, but not serving as the only covered or enclosed vehicle shelter on-site.
A non-accessory structure in which a principal use of the lot on which it is located is conducted.
The main use of land or structures as distinguished from an accessory use.
For the purposes of this ordinance, a property line is a lot line. (See lot line definition.)
Any vehicle or boat designed for temporary living quarters, recreation, or temporary human habitation and not used as a commercial vehicle including, but not limited to, the following: boat/watercraft, camper trailer, motorized trailer, off-road vehicle, racing car or cycle, travel trailer, and truck camper.
A strip of land dedicated for use as a public way. In addition to the roadway, it typically incorporates the curbs, parkways, sidewalks, and shoulders.
The top edge of a roof or building parapet, whichever is higher, excluding any cupolas, pylons, chimneys or minor projections.
A dish antenna designed for transmitting signals to a receiver or receiving station or for receiving television, radio, data, communication or other signals from other antennas, satellites or other services.
An attention-getting device where an artificial light of high intensity is shined upward in a focused beam and can turn in any direction to attract attention to a location. Also known as sky-beams or sky spotlights.
Defined in Section 17.02.040.
Defined in Section 17.02.040.
Defined in Section 17.02.040.
Defined in Section 17.02.040.
Defined in Section 17.02.040.
Defined in Section 17.02.040.
An accessory structure, often purchased pre-built or as a kit in pre-fabricated sections, that is not designed to be served by heat or plumbing and does not need to be placed on a permanent foundation. A shed is typically intended to store lawn, garden, or recreational equipment.
A lettered, numbered, symbolic, pictorial, or illuminated visual display designed to identify, announce, direct, or inform that is visible from a public right of way.
A temporary sign ordinarily in the shape of the letter "A" or some variation thereof, which is displayed on the ground, not permanently attached to the ground, and usually two-sided, generally connected at the top and separated at the bottom.
A-FRAME SIGN  |
A sign that uses moving or changing lights to depict action, movement, or the optical illusion of movement of part of the sign structure, sign, or pictorial segment, or including the movement of any illumination or the flashing or varying of light intensity to create a special effect or scene. Animated signs do not include electronic message signs.
An awning is a roof-like cover designed for protection from the weather or as a decorative embellishment, which projects from a wall or roof of a structure over a window, walkway, or door, with no supports that extend to the ground. An awning sign is a sign printed or displayed upon an awning.
AWNING SIGN  |
A sign or advertising device designed to be airborne or inflated and tethered to the ground or other structure. This includes any air-inflated signs and any signs that inflate and move via air inflation.
A canopy sign is a sign printed, mounted, or installed upon a canopy. A sign canopy may be one of two types:
CANOPYNON-STRUCTURAL — A roofed structure attached to a building, which is not integral to the structure, that is made of durable, weather-resistant material such as canvas, canvas-like material, nylon, or vinyl-coated fabric, placed to extend outward from the building and supported both by mountings on the structure wall and by supports that extend to the ground.
CANOPYSTRUCTURAL — A roofed structure constructed of permanent building materials, such as metal, brick, stone, wood or similar building materials, that is constructed as part of and attached to a building, and extends outward from the building and supported both by the structure and by supports that extend to the ground. Certain structural canopies may also be constructed freestanding accessory structures on the same lot with the principal use and/or structure.
CANOPY SIGN: NON-STRUCTURAL  |
CANOPY SIGN: STRUCTURAL — ATTACHED  |
CANOPY SIGN: STRUCTURAL — FREESTANDING  |
A sign with an intermittent or sequential flashing light source used primarily to attract attention. Flashing signs do not include electronic message signs.
A sign that is placed on or supported by the ground, independent of the principal structure on the lot, designed with a monument base that is an integral part of the sign structure. There are three types of freestanding signs regulated by this ordinance:
[Amended 9-11-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-363]
FREESTANDING SIGN — STANDARD — A freestanding sign that identifies an establishment that is not specifically categorized as a residential subdivision freestanding sign or a multi-tenant commercial center freestanding sign. |
FREESTANDING SIGN — RESIDENTIAL SUBDIVISION — A freestanding sign used to identify a residential subdivision. |
FREESTANDING SIGN — MULTI-TENANT COMMERCIAL CENTER — A freestanding sign used to identify a commercial development with two or more tenants. |
FREESTANDING SIGN  FREESTANDING SIGN  |
A painted wall sign that remains from an earlier time or advertises the use of a building that provides evidence of the history of the use of the building or activities of the community. A ghost sign is not an off-premises sign.
A sign that is a part of or attached to a marquee. Where designed as a changeable message, sign, the changeable message portion may be manually changed or electronically changed when permitted by this Code.
MARQUEE SIGN  |
A sign where the entire sign structure or a portion of which rotates, moves, elevates, or in any way alters position or geometry. A tri-vision sign where triangular prisms rotate inside a frame to show a new message and/or information are considered moving signs. Moving signs do not include clocks or barber poles.
A sign that is attached to a rigid structure that extends more than 18 inches beyond the surface of the structure to which it is attached. A marquee sign is not considered a projecting sign.
PROJECTING SIGN  |
A sign that is erected, constructed, or maintained on and/or extending above the roof structure or parapet of any building with the principal support attached to the roof structure.
ROOF SIGN  |
A sign that is attached directly to an exterior wall of a building or dependent upon a building for support and projects 18 inches or less from the wall of a structure with the exposed face of the sign in a plane substantially parallel to the face of the wall. Window signs are not considered wall signs.
WALL SIGN  |
A sign that is attached to, placed upon, or printed on the interior or exterior of a window or door of a building, or displayed on the interior within two feet of a window intended for viewing from the exterior of such a building. A window sign may be either permanent or temporary. Shadowbox design within display windows, where the window display is designed with a background enclosure against which signs are mounted that blocks view into the establishment, is considered a window sign and the entire area of the shadowbox is subject to the maximum sign area limitation.
WINDOW SIGN  |
A Special Purpose Zoning District is intended to accommodate new development and redevelopment consistent with City goals for scale, massing, type, and density. The following are considered Special Purpose Zoning Districts: R-3C Single-Family and Two-Family Central Residential District, R-4C Single-Family and Two-Family Central Residential District, C-C City Centre District, C-D Downtown District, C-E Elmore Corners District, C-V Village of East Davenport District, IC Institutional Campus District, and the zoning application known as Planned Unit Development (PUD).
[Added 12-11-2024 by Ord. No. 2024-522]
A space specifically designed and designated as a waiting area for vehicles patronizing a drive-through facility or service bay.
A rigid vertical or horizontal pipe to which fire hoses can be connected, which may be building, ground, or roof mounted.
An exterior floor having a maximum dimension of five feet wide by five feet long, typically constructed of wood, stone, concrete, and/or masonry, with a finished floor elevation higher than the adjacent ground level, often with steps leading up to it, and utilized primarily as an access platform to a structure. A stoop may be roofed and designed with railings but cannot be enclosed.
[Amended 9-11-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-363]
A public or private right-of-way that affords a primary means of vehicular, and may include cyclist and pedestrian, access to abutting property, A street does not include alleys or driveways.
Any change, other than incidental repairs, which would prolong the life of supporting members of a structure, such as the addition, removal, or alteration of bearing walls, columns, beams, girders or foundations.
A combination of materials to form a construction for use, occupancy, or ornamentation, whether installed on, above, or below, the surface of land or water.
Substantial repair/rehabilitation occurs with any exterior change, the cost of which exceeds 50% of the assessed or appraised building value. Routine exterior maintenance activities such as painting, tuckpointing, replacing trim in kind, railings in kind, or replacing other nonstructural architectural details in kind are not considered to constitute a substantial repair/rehabilitation unless the cost of exceeds 50% of the assessed or appraised building value.
[Amended 9-11-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-363]
The combination of two or more tracts of land wherein each owner has agreed that his tract of land will be developed under the same development approvals.
The purpose or activity for which the land or structure is designed, arranged, or intended, or for which it is occupied or maintained.
A sign, or portion of a sign, that displays an electronic video, whether prerecorded or streaming. This includes projection of an electronic video on a wall or other surface.
A roof designed to deliver high solar reflectance, reducing heat transfer to the building and the ability to radiate absorbed, or non-reflected solar energy.
Defined in Section 17.02.040.
Defined in Section 17.02.040.
Defined in Section 17.02.040.
Defined in Section 17.02.040.
Defined in Section 17.02.040.
Defined in Section 17.02.040.
A lot or combination of lots within a single block, which is designated by its owner or developer to be used, developed, or built upon as a unit. A zoning lot may coincide with a lot of record or may be comprised of one or more lots of record.
The map or maps that are a part of this ordinance and which delineate the boundaries of all mapped zoning districts within the physical boundary of the City.
17.02.040 Rules of measurement.
This section provides the rules of measurement for the dimensional standards and locational characteristics within the ordinance.
A.
Block and Blockface.
1.
A block is a tract of land bounded by streets, or a combination of streets and railroad rights-of-way or municipal boundary lines.
2.
Blockface is measured as that portion of a block or tract of land facing the same side of a single street and lying between the closest intersecting streets.
BLOCK AND BLOCKFACE  |
B.
Build-To Dimensions. Certain dimensional requirements with the district require structures to be constructed at a build-to dimension. A build-to requirement is a boundary or alignment, parallel to a lot line, where a structure must be placed. This ordinance includes three types of build-to dimensions:
1.
A build-to line (BTL) is a set building line on a lot, measured perpendicular from the applicable lot line, where a building line must be located. The building line must be located on the build-to line. Facade articulation, such as window or wall recesses and projections are not counted as the building line, which begins at the applicable building wall.
2.
A build-to zone (BTZ) is the area on a lot, measured perpendicular from the applicable lot line, where the building line must locate within the minimum and maximum range of setback provided. The building line must be located within the build-to zone. Facade articulation, such as window or wall recesses and projections are not counted as the building line, which begins at the applicable building wall.
3.
A build-to percentage specifies the percentage of the building line that must be located within a build-to line or build-to zone. (Build-to percentage is measured as a percentage of the total building facade, not lot width.)
BUILD-TO LINE  |
BUILD-TO ZONE  |
BUILD-TO PERCENTAGE  |
The following are examples of how build-to lines (BTL) and build-to zones (BTZ) are applied. When the front setback BTL is indicated as 5', the structure must be built at five feet from the front lot line. When the front setback BTZ is indicated as 0' to 10', the structure must be built within that range, shown in the example below as five feet; the property owner may choose any setback within that range. |
  |
C.
Building Coverage. That portion of the lot that is or may be covered by buildings and accessory structures.
D.
Building Height.
1.
Maximum building height is measured from grade (see Section 17.02.040F) at each side of the building as follows:
a.
The top of a flat roof, including structures designed with a decorative mansard roof concealing a flat roof.
b.
The deck line of a mansard or gambrel roof.
c.
The midpoint height between the eaves and the ridge in the case of a pitched roof.
d.
Any dormers on the roof that extend past the roofline cannot exceed the maximum building height permitted in the district, as measured from the adjacent average grade, or its equivalent, to the top of the dormer.
2.
For the purposes of building height measurement, roof types are defined as follows:
a.
Flat Roof: A roof that is not pitched and where the surface of the roof is generally parallel to the ground. A mono-pitched roof, also called a shed roof, is a single-sloping roof surface, and is also considered a flat roof.
b.
Mansard or Gambrel Roof: A two-sided roof with two slopes on each side. The upper slope is positioned at a shallow angle, while the lower slope is steep. A gambrel roof has vertical gable ends, while a mansard roof is hipped at the four corners of the building.
c.
Pitched Roof: A gable or hip roof having a slope or pitch of at least one foot rise for each four feet of horizontal distance in the direction of the slope or pitch of the roof. A hipped roof is sloped in two pairs of directions compared to the one pair of direction for a gable roof.
3.
The following structures or parts thereof are exempt from maximum height limitations, unless otherwise limited by any height restriction imposed by any airport authority, or other similar federal, state, or local authority.
a.
Public utility poles, towers, and wires. Public utilities do not include wireless telecommunications, solar panels, and wind turbines unless operated by a government agency.
b.
Water tanks and standpipes.
c.
Building appurtenances such as chimneys, parapet walls, skylights, steeples, flag poles, smokestacks, cooling towers, elevator bulkheads, fire towers, monuments, water towers, stacks, stage towers, or scenery lofts, tanks, ornamental towers and spires, rooftop accessory structures, recreational facilities, necessary mechanical appurtenances, or penthouses to house mechanical appurtenances.
BUILDING HEIGHT  |
E.
Caliper. Tree caliper is the diameter of a tree trunk, measured at 4 1/2 feet above the adjacent ground.
F.
Grade. The average of the finished ground level of each wall of a building measured vertically along the facade and averaged.
G.
Gross Floor Area (GFA). The gross floor area (GFA) of a structure is the sum of the gross horizontal areas of all floors of the structure as measured from the exterior faces of the exterior walls or from the center line of walls separating two buildings.
H.
Impervious Surface Coverage.
1.
Impervious surface coverage is a measure of intensity of land use that represents the portion of a site that is occupied by structures, pavement, and other impervious surfaces that do not allow for the absorption of water into the ground. Maximum impervious surface of a lot is calculated as the percentage of all impervious surface area against the total area of the lot.
2.
When pervious paving is used, it is calculated at a reduced percentage of impervious coverage, as follows:
a.
Pervious concrete and open grid paving systems are calculated as 50% impervious surface, provided that no barrier to infiltration is installed beneath the material. Open grid pavers must be installed on a sand base, without an impervious liner, to qualify.
b.
Other types of pervious surfaces, such as permeable pavers, porous asphalt, or gravel-crete, are credited based upon field performance data and coefficients of permeability provided by the manufacturer.
I.
Lot. A lot is the basic development unit for determination of lot area, depth, and other dimensional regulations; or a parcel of land whose boundaries have been established by some legal instrument such as a recorded deed or recorded map and which is recognized as a separate legal entity for purposes of transfer of title. The following describes the types of lot configurations:
1.
An interior lot is a lot other than a corner or through lot, bounded by two interior side lot lines.
2.
A corner lot is a lot situated at the junction of, and abutting on, two or more intersecting streets.
3.
A through lot is a lot which fronts upon two parallel streets, or which fronts upon two streets which do not intersect at the boundaries of the lot. A through lot is also called a double frontage lot.
4.
A reverse corner lot is a corner lot where the side lot line adjoining a street is substantially a continuation of the front lot line of the first lot to its rear.
5.
A flag lot is platted so that the main building site area (the "flag") is set back from the street on which it fronts and includes an access strip (the "pole") connecting the main building site with the street.
LOT  |
J.
Lot Area. The total area within the boundaries of a lot, excluding any street right-of-way, usually defined in square footage.
K.
Lot Depth. The distance from the front lot line to the rear lot line as measured from the midpoint of the front lot line to the midpoint of the rear lot line. In the case of triangular or similarly irregularly shaped lots, the rear lot line used to measure lot depth is a calculated line of 10 feet in length entirely within the lot, parallel to and at a maximum distance from the front lot line.
L.
Lot Line. A line of record bounding a lot, as indicated on an approved, filed, and recorded subdivision plat, which divides one lot from another lot or from a public or private street or any other public or private space and includes:
1.
A front lot line is the lot line separating a lot from a street right-of-way. The front lot line of a corner lot is the shortest street lot line of a corner lot abutting a street. A front lot line for a through lot is both lot lines that abut a street.
2.
A rear lot line is the lot line opposite and most distant from the front lot line. In the case of triangular or similarly irregularly shaped lots, the rear lot line is a calculated line of 10 feet in length entirely within the lot, parallel to and at a maximum distance from the front lot line.
3.
On a corner lot, the corner side lot line and reverse corner side lot line is perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the front lot line and is the longer street abutting lot line of a corner lot.
4.
On an interior lot, the interior side lot line is perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the front lot line and abuts an adjacent lot.
5.
A street lot line is any lot line separating a lot from a street right-of-way.
LOT AREA LOT LINES  |
LOT DEPTH  |
M.
Lot Width.
1.
For regular lots, lot width is the horizontal distance between the side lot lines measured at right angles to its depth along a straight line parallel to the required front setback, build-to line, or farthest build-to line comprising a build-to zone.
2.
For cul-de-sac lots, on those lots with a curved front lot line, lot width is measured as follows:
a.
A line is drawn at the midpoint of the lot between the side lot lines, extending from the front lot line to the rear lot line.
b.
Where the required front setback intersects the midpoint line at a right angle, a line is drawn perpendicular to the midpoint line.
c.
Lot width is determined as the length of the line between side lot lines.
d.
Where the side lot lines angle to increase width towards the rear, the required lot width measured at the required setback is 75% of the lot width required by the zoning district.
3.
For flag lots, lot width is measured at the required front setback as defined in this section.
LOT WIDTH  |
N.
Separation Measurement. When uses are required to be measured a certain distance from another use or district, such separation distance is measured from a point of the lot line on which such use is proposed to be located to the nearest point on the lot line where the other use or district is located.
O.
Sign Dimensions.
1.
Calculation of Sign Area.
a.
The sign area of each sign is the total exposed surface devoted to the sign's message, including all ornamentation, embellishment, symbols, logos, letters, characters, other figures, or frames, whether structural or decorative. The calculation of sign area does not include any supports or bracing. For channel letters or freestanding logos/symbols, the sign area is calculated as the customary, applicable mathematical formula for the total area of each square, circle, ellipse, rectangle, or triangle, or combination thereof, that encompasses each word, logo, image, background, and/or display.
b.
Window area for the purpose of calculating maximum area of window signs is calculated as a continuous surface until divided by an architectural or structural element. Mullions are not considered an element that divides window area. Total window area is calculated as length times width of the window area. Only the individual letters or logos of the window sign shall be used in the calculation of surface area. The transparent film around the perimeter of the individual letters or logos comprising the window sign and used to affix the window sign to the interior or exterior of a windowpane or glass door shall be exempt from the area calculations, provided that such portion of the transparent film maintains 100% transparency of the window.
SIGN AREA   |
SIGN AREA  |
2.
Measurement of Sign Height. For ground signs, sign height is measured as the vertical distance measured from the normal grade at the base of the sign to the highest point of the sign, including any decorative elements. Normal grade shall be construed to be the existing grade prior to construction or the newly established grade after construction, exclusive of any fill, berm, mound, or excavation solely for the purpose of locating the sign, whichever is lower.
SIGN HEIGHT  |
3.
Measurement of Vertical Clearance. For building-mounted signs, vertical clearance is measured as the vertical distance measured from the ground directly below the sign to the lowest point of the sign.
VERTICAL CLEARANCE  |
4.
Determination of Number of Sign Faces. If the interior angle between two sign faces is 45° or less, the sign area is computed as the area of one face only. If the angle between two sign faces is greater than 45°, the total sign area is computed as the sum of the areas of the two faces.
SIGN FACE  |
5.
Sign Setback. A required sign setback is measured from the applicable lot line to the closest component of the sign or sign structure.
SIGN SETBACK  |
P.
Yards and Setbacks.
1.
General Definition.
a.
A yard is the open space area between the building line of a principal building and the adjoining lot lines, exclusive of facade articulation, such as window or wall recesses and projections.
b.
A required setback is the required minimum distance a principal building must be located from a lot line, which is unoccupied and unobstructed by any projections of a principal building, unless permitted by this Code.
i.
A build-to zone or build-to line is considered a required setback.
ii.
In the case of a build-to line it is where the principal building must be located.
iii.
In the case of a build-to zone, it is the defined area (defined by minimum and maximum build-to lines) where the principal building must be located.
c.
A setback may be equal to or lesser than a yard.
d.
A setback is located along the applicable lot line for the minimum depth specified by the zoning district in which such lot is located.
2.
Front Yard and Front Setback. The front yard and front setback extend the full width of the lot between side lot lines measured perpendicular to the front lot line.
a.
Front Yard: A front yard is located between a principal building line and the front lot line.
b.
Front Setback: A front setback is the required minimum distance per the zoning district that a principal building must be located from the front lot line.
c.
A front setback is measured from the right-of-way line.
d.
Front setbacks on irregular lots are subject to the additional provisions:
i.
On a lot with a radial (curved) front lot line, the required front setback, as measured from the right-of-way line follows the curve of the lot line.
ii.
For flag lots, the front yard and setback is measured from the rear lot line of the lot that separates the flag portion of the lot from the street. For multiple flag lots that utilize a common drive, the front yard and setback may be measured from the lot line of the pole or access strip, as extended into the lot.
e.
Where front yard averaging is permitted, the average front setback of the adjacent lots on either side of a lot may be used to establish the required front setback. Averaging is based on the two adjacent lots on either side or, in the case of a corner lot, the next two adjacent lots. In the case of a lot configuration where only one lot is available for averaging, the required front setback is that of the adjacent lot.
FRONT YARD AVERAGING  |
3.
Interior Side Yard and Interior Side Setback. The interior side yard and interior side setback extend along the interior side lot line between the front and rear yard or setback, measured perpendicular to the interior side lot line.
a.
Interior Side Yard: An interior side yard is located between a principal building line and the interior side lot line.
b.
Interior Side Setback: An interior side setback is the required minimum distance per the zoning district that a principal building must be located from the interior side lot line.
c.
For single-family semi-detached developments, the interior side yard and interior side setback are only applicable to the side of the unit not located on the lot line (no shared wall attachment to another unit). For townhouse developments, the interior side yard and interior side setback are only applicable to end units of the development.
4.
Corner Side Yard and Corner Side Setback The corner side yard and corner side setback extend along the corner side lot line between the front yard or front setback and the rear lot line, measured perpendicular to the corner side lot line.
5.
Rear Yard and Rear Setback. The rear yard and rear setback extend between interior side lot lines, measured perpendicular to the rear lot line.
a.
Rear Yard: A rear yard is located between a principal building line and the rear lot line.
b.
Rear Setback: A rear setback is the required minimum distance per the zoning district that a principal building must be located from the rear lot line.
c.
In the case of a corner lot, the rear yard and rear setback extend between the interior side lot line to the required corner side setback, measured perpendicular to the rear lot line.
6.
Reverse Corner Side Yard and Setback. The reverse corner side yard and setback extends along the corner side lot line between the front yard and the rear lot line, measured perpendicular to the corner side lot line. The corner side lot line adjoining a street is substantially a continuation of the front lot line of the first lot to its rear.
a.
Reverse Corner Side Yard: A reverse corner side yard is located between a principal building and the corner side lot line.
b.
Reverse Corner Side Setback: A reverse corner side setback is the required minimum distance per the zoning district that a principal building must be located from corner side lot line.
7.
Yard and Setback Requirements for Through Lots. For through lots, both the front and the rear required setbacks must meet the required front setback of the zoning district.
SETBACKS  |
YARDS  |