Dimensional standards
Extracted standards
10 individual requirements pulled out of this section’s prose, each with the sentence it came from.
Height
- Maximum heightMaximum heightThe tallest a building may be, given in feet, in storeys, or both — whichever binds first. for vertical expansion of nonconformingNonconformingLawful when built, but not compliant with the rules now in force; usually allowed to continue but not to expand. structure in setbackSetbackThe distance a building must be held back from a lot line.35 ft
and no higher than 35 feet from grade.
- Maximum storiesStoreysHabitable floor levels. Whether a basement or attic counts is defined by the local code. for vertical expansion of nonconformingNonconformingLawful when built, but not compliant with the rules now in force; usually allowed to continue but not to expand. structure in setbackSetbackThe distance a building must be held back from a lot line.2 storiesStoreysHabitable floor levels. Whether a basement or attic counts is defined by the local code.
The vertical expansion that takes place in conflict with the setback or yard requirements shall be confined to two stories in height
Other
- Maximum size for replacement of nonconformingNonconformingLawful when built, but not compliant with the rules now in force; usually allowed to continue but not to expand. accessoryAccessory useA secondary activity customarily incidental to the main use of the lot — a garage, a home office. structure256 sqftsq ftSquare feet. An acre is 43,560 sq ft; a typical suburban lot is 7,000–10,000.
nonconforming accessory structures less than 256 square feet in size, which do not otherwise require a building permit, may be replaced in whole so long as their placement does not increase, extend, expand, or compound their nonconformity.
- Damage threshold for rebuild without varianceVariancePermission to depart from a specific dimensional rule, granted on a showing of hardship.50 pct
If such nonconforming structure is damaged greater than 50 percent of the present assessed value of the building or structure, and cannot be repaired, rebuilt, or replaced, except to restore it to its original nonconforming condition, the owner shall have the right to do so.
- Discontinuation period for loss of nonconformingNonconformingLawful when built, but not compliant with the rules now in force; usually allowed to continue but not to expand. status2 years
discontinued for a period of more than two years
- Maximum architectural overhang projection30 in
An architectural overhang of 30 inches outside of the underlying building footprint shall be allowed to provide for functional drainage and aesthetics.
- Maximum renovation value inside setbacksSetbackThe distance a building must be held back from a lot line. as percentage of assessed value50 pct
Renovations or additions that take place inside the current setback or yard requirements must not exceed 50 percent the present assessed value of the property in any one-year period.
Setback
- Minimum side yardYardThe open space left between a building and its lot line — the space a setback creates. for nonconformingNonconformingLawful when built, but not compliant with the rules now in force; usually allowed to continue but not to expand. corner lot facing side street10 ft
with a minimum of ten feet
- Side yardYardThe open space left between a building and its lot line — the space a setback creates. for nonconformingNonconformingLawful when built, but not compliant with the rules now in force; usually allowed to continue but not to expand. corner lot facing side street as percentage of required lot widthLot widthHow wide a lot must be, usually measured at the front setback line.20 pct
a side yard facing the side street of not less than 20 percent of the required lot width, with a minimum of ten feet, shall be provided.
- Side yardYardThe open space left between a building and its lot line — the space a setback creates. for nonconformingNonconformingLawful when built, but not compliant with the rules now in force; usually allowed to continue but not to expand. lot as percentage of required lot widthLot widthHow wide a lot must be, usually measured at the front setback line.10 pct
Side yards of not less than ten percent of the required lot width are provided
From the ordinance
The purpose of this section is to regulate uses, structures, and lots that do not conform to their current and respective zoning districts.