The regulations specified in this chapter shall be subject to the following exceptions and modifications:

   1.   Structures Permitted Above Height Limit. The building height limitations of this chapter shall be modified as follows:

      A.   Chimneys, cooling towers, elevators bulkheads, fire towers, monuments, penthouses, stacks, stage towers or scenery lofts, tanks, water towers, silos, spires and radio or television towers, or necessary mechanical appurtenances shall not be subject to the height limitations established in Sections 165.14 through 165.24 of this chapter.

      B.   Public, semi-public or public service buildings, hospitals, sanitariums or schools, when permitted in a district, may be erected to a height not exceeding 40 feet, and churches and temples, when permitted in a district, may be erected to a height not exceeding 60 feet, if the building is set back from each property line at least two feet for each foot of additional building height above the height limit otherwise provided in the district in which the building is built.

   2.   Yard and Setback Requirements.

      A.   Every part of a required yard shall be open to the sky unobstructed with any building or structure, except for the ordinary projections of skylights, patio fixtures, sills, belt courses, fire escapes, cornices and ornamental features, and steps or handicapped ramps leading to a building entrance.

      B.   An existing open porch within a required yard may be remodeled or rebuilt to an enclosed non-habitable vestibule entrance-way (which may include closet space) when projecting not more than one-fourth of the width of the residence.

      C.   Structures permitted within required yards:

         (1)   Fences, subject to the provisions of Section 165.07(12).

         (2)   Telephone, telegraph feet and power transmission and distribution towers, poles and lines, transformers, and similar necessary appurtenances and portable equipment housings that are removable in their entirety. Additions to and replacements of all such structures may be made, provided the owner will file with the Clerk an agreement in writing to the effect that the owner will move or remove all new construction, additions and replacements erected after the effective date of this chapter at the owner’s expense when necessary for the improvement of a public street.

         (3)   Underground structures, not capable of being used as foundations for future prohibited overground structures.

         (4)   Access or frontage roads.

         (5)   Signs as permitted under the Sign Ordinance, Chapter 155.

         (6)   Ornamental trees and shrubs except in required vision clearance triangle.

         (7)   Field crops, except within required vision clearance triangle, if permitted under the applicable zoning district regulations.

         (8)   Accessory buildings or structures in rear yards if and to the extent permitted under the applicable zoning district regulations.