Chapter 18, Sections 18.100.010-040

Other

• Default minimum lot size when undefined43,560 sqftsq ftSquare feet. An acre is 43,560 sq ft; a typical suburban lot is 7,000–10,000.

  In all zone districts except 'planned' zone districts, if the minimum lot size is undefined in the zone district, the default is one acre.

• Lot areaMinimum lot areaThe smallest parcel on which the district allows anything to be built. measurement from base setbackSetbackThe distance a building must be held back from a lot line. line

  For the purpose of this title, the lot area shall be measured from the base setback line.

• Prohibition on reducing lot areaMinimum lot areaThe smallest parcel on which the district allows anything to be built. below required size

  No lot area shall be reduced by any means so as to create a lot less than the required size, or causes the existing offsets, setbacks, open space or lot area to be reduced below the regulations for the zoning district in which the lot is located.

• Maximum dwelling floor area to lot areaMinimum lot areaThe smallest parcel on which the district allows anything to be built. ratio

  No structure or building shall be erected or placed on a lot nor shall any use be made of a lot: Wherein the dwelling floor area to lot area ratio is greater than the ratio specified by the zoning district in which such structure, building or use is located;

• Maximum total building area to lot areaMinimum lot areaThe smallest parcel on which the district allows anything to be built. ratio

  Wherein the total building area to lot area ratio is greater than the ratio specified by the zoning district in which such structure, building or use is located. (This regulation applies both to buildings wherein dwellings are located and those not having dwelling units on the lots.)

• Minimum lot widthLot widthHow wide a lot must be, usually measured at the front setback line. for half the lot length

  A lot shall be at least as wide as the specified minimum average width for a distance of at least one-half the length of the lot.

• Prohibition on reducing usable open area

  No structure or building shall be erected, structurally altered or placed on a lot so as to reduce the usable open area of such lot to less than that hereinbefore specified by the regulations for that zoning district in which such lot is located.

• Open area cannot be shared between buildings

  No part of the open area provided for any building or structure shall be included as part of the open area required for another building or structure, except as hereinbefore provided for PRD planned residential development district, PRA planned recreation area district, PSC planned shopping center district, or PIP planned industrial park district.

• Use of nonconformingNonconformingLawful when built, but not compliant with the rules now in force; usually allowed to continue but not to expand. recorded lots

  Where a lot has less land area than required for the zoning district in which it is located, and the lot was a recorded lot at the time of the passage of this zoning ordinance, the lot may be used for any purpose permitted in that zoning district. However, multi-family residences are not permitted on such lots, and, in no case shall the setback, offset or open space requirement be reduced except by written approval of the zoning administrator.

• Definition of usable open area

  To be considered usable, such open area shall be readily accessible and of a size and shape which can be reasonably considered to provide for the amenities and necessities of light, air, play space, drying yard, garden, orchard, vineyard or similar open use. Cropland, pasture, orchard, garden and woodland may be included in computing such open area.

• Waiver for well lot parcels

  The requirements of this section may be waived by the zoning administrator in the case of a 'well lot' parcel.