§ 5.4. DENSITY AND DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS  


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  • 5.4.1.   General Density and Dimensional Standards

    Tables 5-4 and 5-5 list the density and dimensional standards that apply within each zoning district. Other regulations of this Code or site specific conditions may further limit development. A blank cell means there is no applicable standard.

    5.4.2.   Application of Density and Dimensional Standards

    (A)

    Measuring Minimum Lot Width. Minimum lot width is the minimum lot width at the front building setback line.

    (B)

    Measuring Setbacks. Setbacks are measured from the property line, unless noted otherwise.

    (C)

    Setbacks for Corner Residential Lots. Corner residential lots may have a reduced setback.

    (D)

    Setbacks for Specific Uses. Some uses have a modified setback or height allowance.

    (E)

    Accessory Structure Not Located in Easement. An accessory structure shall not be located within an easement, unless express permission from the beneficiary of the easement is provided.

    (F)

    Overlay Zoning District Standards May Apply. Special limitations or allowances may apply to land within an Overlay Zoning district.

    Table 5-4. Density and Dimensional Standards for Agricultural, Residential and Special Purpose Districts

    Zoning District Maximum Density (DU/ac) Minimum Lot Size Minimum Setbacks Principal(Accessory) 19,5 Maximum Lot Coverage Maximum Height
    Area Width (at front setback line) Front Rear Side
    Forestry and Agriculture
    F-5 5 acres 1,2 200 ft 25 ft 25 ft 25 ft ,6 25% 30 ft
    A-35 35 acres 500 ft 25 ft ,5,7,9 25 ft ,5,7,9 25 ft 5,7,9 None 30 ft
    A-5 5 acres 1, 2 200 ft 25 ft 5,6,8 25 ft ,5,6,8 25 ft 5,6,8 None 30 ft
    Rural Residential/Rural Suburban
    RR-5 5 acres 1,2 200 ft 25 ft 6,8 25 ft 6,8 25 ft 6,8 25% 30 ft
    RR-2.5 2.5 acres 200 ft 25 ft 25 ft 15 ft None 30 ft
    RR-0.5 21,780 sq ft 1,3 100 ft 25 ft 25 (5) ft 10 ft None 30 ft
    Residential Suburban Zoning Districts
    RS-20000 20,000 sq ft 100 ft 40 ft 40 (15) ft 15 ft 20% 30 ft
    RS-6000 6,000 sq ft 50 ft 25 ft 25 (5) ft 5 ft 40%/45% 30 ft
    RS-5000 5,000 sq ft 11,17 50 ft 25 ft 25 (5) ft 5 ft 40%/45% 30 ft
    Residential Multifamily Zoning Districts
    RM-12 12 3,500 sq ft 12,17 35 ft 15 ft 14,17 20 ft 14,17 10 ft 14,17 70% 40 ft
    RM-30 30 5,000 sq ft 13,17 75 ft 25 ft 14,17 15 ft 14,17 15 ft 14,17 60% 40 ft
    Special Purpose Zoning Districts
    R-T 5 acres 200 ft 25 ft 25 (5) ft 25 ft 30% 30 ft
    MHP All standards are located in the zoning district standards.
    MHS All standards are located in the zoning district standards.
    RVP All standards are located in the zoning district standards.
    PUD All development standards for principal and accessory uses are established by the Development Plan.
    Specific uses may be subject to larger minimum lot area requirements.
    In the event that the land to be partitioned, platted, sold or zoned abuts a section line County road, the minimum lot area for lots abutting the road shall be 4.75 acres and minimum lot width shall be 165 ft.
    Parcels containing stables or corrals shall have a minimum lot area of one acre.
    Stables and corrals where allowed by the zoning shall comply with the minimum setbacks established for stables and corrals as established in Chapter 5.
    Agricultural stands shall be setback a minimum of 35 feet from all property lines.
    Kennels, pens and fur farms shall be setback a minimum of 100 feet from all property lines.
    Kennels, pens and fur farms shall be setback a minimum of 200 feet from all property lines.
    Sawmills shall be setback a minimum of 300 feet from all property lines.
    Livestock feed and sales yards shall be setback a minimum of 200 feet from all property lines, except that loading facilities may be located adjacent to a road right-of-way where loading/unloading of animals takes place.
    One additional foot of height is allowed for each foot of additional setback provided above the required minimums up to a maximum of 100 feet. For example, a maximum height of 35 feet is allowed for structures setback a minimum of 30 feet from all property lines and a maximum height of 50 feet is allowed for structures setback a minimum of 45 feet from all property lines.
    Minimum lot area of 5,000 square feet applies to single-family dwellings. For two-family dwellings and all other uses a minimum lot area of 7,000 square feet is required.
    The minimum lot area for single-family detached dwelling units is 5,000 square feet. The minimum lot area for two-family dwellings and all other allowed uses is 7,000 square feet. Central water and wastewater services are required regardless of lot size or conforming status.
    Minimum lot area of 5,000 square feet applies to single-family detached dwellings, Two-family dwellings and the first 2 units of a multi-family development. An additional 1,000 square feet of lot area is required each additional dwelling unit within a multi-family development. The maximum multi-family density may not exceed 30 dwelling units per acre. All other uses are subject to a minimum lot area of 7,000 square feet. Central water and wastewater services are required regardless of lot size or conforming status.
    The minimum distance between buildings shall be 10 feet.
    The side yard setback for an accessory structure shall be 10 feet, unless the structure is at least 60 from the front property line or nearest road right of way, where a 5 feet setback is allowed. In no instance shall an accessory structure be closer to the front property line than the principal structure.
    The side yard setback is 25 feet when the lot is 5 acres or larger, or 5 feet if the lot is less than 5 acres.
    If the building is established as or converted to condominium or townhome units in accordance with Chapter 7 of this Code, the building and lot shall meet the minimum lot area and setbacks requirements, but the individual units are not required to meet the minimum lot area, maximum lot coverage, or setback requirements. A 25 foot perimeter boundary setback shall be maintained around the entire development, but a zero foot setback is allowed along any internal lot line within the development.
    If no separate setback is shown in parentheses for accessory structures, the principal structure setback applies to accessory structures.
    Where a single-story ranch style residence is proposed, the maximum lot coverage may be 45% of the total lot area.

     

    (Res. No. 16-164, 5-17-2016)

    Table 5-5. Density and Dimensional Standards for Commercial, Industrial and Obsolete Districts

    Zoning District Zoning District Area Minimum Lot Size Minimum Setbacks Maximum Lot Coverage Maximum Height
    Minimum Front Rear Side
    Commercial Zoning Districts
    CC 1 acre 25 ft 1,11 25 ft 2,11 25 ft 2,11 40 ft
    CR 5 acres 50 ft 3,4,11 25 ft 2,3,4,11 25 ft 2,3,4,11 45 ft
    CS 2 acres 25 ft 1,3,11 25 ft 1,2,3,11 25 ft 1,2,3,11 45 ft
    Industrial Zoning Districts
    I-2 20 acres 1 acre 50 ft 5,11 50 ft 5,11 30 ft 5,11 35% 45 ft
    I-3 40 acres 1 acre 30 ft 6,11 30 ft 6,11 30 ft 6,11 25% 40 ft
    Obsolete Zoning Districts
    C-1 15 ft 1,11 15 ft 9,10 8, 9 30 ft
    C-2 15 ft 1,11 20 ft 9,10 8, 9 50 ft
    M 15 ft 1,11 15 ft 50 ft
    R-4 All development standards for principal and accessory uses are established by the Development Plan.
    Gasoline pumps and canopies shall be at least 15 feet from the front property line or public right-of-way, except where the landscaping regulations require a greater setback.
    The minimum setback is 25 feet from the perimeter boundary of the district, but no minimum setback is required from any internal side or rear lot line within the same district.
    Temporary uses shall be setback at least 25 feet from all property lines and 100 feet from Residential zoning districts.
    Gasoline pumps and canopies shall be setback at least 25 feet from all property lines.
    Minimum building setback distance from any adjoining residential zoning district boundary is 125 feet. The PCD Director may allow a reduction in the setback where appropriate actions are taken including landscaping, fencing, berms or building design, or where the use can be limited to mitigate potential impacts.
    Minimum building setback distance from any adjoining residential zoning district boundary is 175 feet. The PCD Director may allow a reduction in the setback where appropriate actions are taken including landscaping, fencing, berms or building design, or where the use can be limited to mitigate potential impacts.
    The maximum height of any structure is in accordance with the following formula: A plane with a pitch of 2 feet horizontal to one foot vertical beginning at a height of 25 feet above all property lines using the mean property line elevations as the datum.
    The side yard setback is subject to the following restrictions: (1) Where adjacent to a residential zoning district, the setbacks of the residential zoning district shall apply; (2) If the side wall of the building is constructed of 4 hour fire rated material, a setback between buildings of 3 feet is required if the wall does not serve as a common wall where no setback is required; and (3) If the side wall is not constructed of 4 hour fire rated material, the side yard setback and building separation is 5 feet.
    Where adjacent to a residential zoning district, the rear yard setback of the residential zoning district shall apply.
    The setback for stables and corrals is 50 feet.
    If the building is established as or converted to condominium units in accordance with Chapter 7 of this Code, the building and lot shall meet the minimum lot area and setbacks, but the individual units are not required to meet the minimum lot area, maximum lot coverage, or setback requirements.

     

    (Res. No. 16-164, 5-17-2016)

    5.4.3.   Measurements and Exceptions

    (A)

    Purpose. The purpose of these standards is to explain setback standards and allow exceptions for certain unique circumstances, while maintaining the basic purposes of use of setbacks, which include:

    • Provide for adequate open spaces;

    • Promote and protect the public health, safety and welfare;

    • Establish uniform standards;

    • Protect property values;

    • Protect the public from damage or injury which may be attributable to distractions or obstructions caused by improperly situated buildings or structures; and

    • Enhance the overall quality of development in any zoning district.

    (B)

    Applicability. These standards apply to all buildings, structures, accessory structures, and uses which are subject to regulation by this Code.

    (C)

    General Provisions.

    (1)

    Use Specific Standard Supersedes Zoning District Standard. Where a different density or dimensional requirement is established for a specific use in this Code, it shall supersede the density or dimensional requirement in Table 5-4 and 5-5.

    (2)

    No Projection of Structure into Easement. No portion of a structure shall project into any utility or drainage easement except with the permission the agency or agencies having jurisdiction over the easement.

    (3)

    Public or Quasi-Public Utility Buildings Not Subject to Standards. Utility buildings or facilities owned by a governmental, quasi-governmental or public entity are not subject to the development standards of the respective zoning district, but are instead governed by the standards of the approval of location, site development plan, or site plan submitted with the development application.

    (D)

    Setback Measurement.

    (1)

    Setbacks for Structures. All setbacks are for structures, unless otherwise provided. Setback requirements are applicable, even if a building permit is not required.

    (2)

    Setbacks Measured from Property Line. All setbacks shall be measured from the property line of the lot or parcel unless otherwise provided. In the case of an easement or other right-of-way for public road, the setback shall be measured from the easement or right-of-way line. Where the lot or parcel includes vacated right-of-way, the setback is measured from the new property line resulting after the right-of-way vacation. In the event the right-of-way is bounded by a public improvement easement, the setback shall be measured for the edge of the right-of-way and not the public improvement easement.

    (3)

    Setback from Planned Roadways and Associated Rights-of-Way. In accordance with BoCC policy and the right-of-way standards established by the ECM, all setbacks shall be measured from the proposed right-of-way line of roadways as depicted within the MTCP.

    (4)

    Separation Requirements Between Land Uses. Some zoning districts and land uses have specific separation distance requirements which are indicated in the use standards and in the density and dimensional standards.

    (5)

    Corner Lot Setbacks Modification in Residential Zoning Districts. The required front yard setback for corner lots, located in residential zoning districts (including a residential PUD) with a minimum required lot size of ½ acre or less, on the side of the dwelling where the driveway access is not located may be ½ the required front yard setback of zoning district, or 15 feet, whichever is greater, provided further, no part of any structure shall project into the sight distance triangle as defined in the ECM.

    (6)

    Flag Lot Setbacks. The required front, side and rear yard setbacks shall be established by determining the front, side and rear lot lines based on the following criteria.

    (a)

    Front Lot Line. The property line most parallel and nearest to the road from which access from the road is gained is the front lot line.

    (b)

    Rear Lot Line. The property line that is most opposite or parallel to the front lot line is the rear lot line.

    (c)

    Side Lot Line. Property lines that are not considered front or rear property lines are side lot lines.

    (7)

    Irregularly Shaped Lots Setbacks. For wedge or pie shaped lots the minimum width at front setback line shall establish the front setback. The PCD Director shall determine how lot lines shall be designated and the resulting setbacks where the provisions of this Code do not clearly establish the lot lines or setbacks requirements.

    (8)

    Deck Setbacks. Attached decks over 18 inches in height from finished grade to finished floor are considered a part of the principal structure and shall meet the same setbacks as the principal structure. Detached decks over 18 inches in height from finished grade to finished floor are considered accessory structures and shall meet the principal structure setbacks unless separate accessory structure setbacks are provided for in the applicable zoning district. To be considered detached, the deck must not be connected to the principal structure, or located within 9 inches of the principal structure. Decks, slabs, or patios, whether attached or detached 18 inches or less in height from finished grade to finished floor are not considered structures.

    (9)

    Mobile Home Setbacks. If the tongue is to be removed, the setback measurement shall be from the outer walls of the mobile home. The tongue (if not removed) may extend into the required front yard setback, but not other yard setbacks, provided the provision of the required parking can still be maintained.

    (10)

    Merger and Setbacks. In the instance where the lot or parcel is merged, the setback is measured from the lot or parcel line resulting after the merger.

    (E)

    Projection into Setbacks.

    (1)

    Projections in Residential Zoning Districts. For property located in residential zoning districts (including a residential PUD), containing a minimum required lot size of ½ acre or less:

    • An enclosed porch, 4 feet by 4 feet or less, may project into a required front or rear yard setback.

    • Open and unenclosed patios, decks, platforms, landings or ramps may extend into required front, side or rear yard setbacks provided the patio, deck, platform, landing or ramp does not exceed 18 inches in height measured from the finished floor to any adjacent point of the finished grade.

    • Awnings, chimneys and flues, sills, belt courses, cornices, eaves and other similar architectural features may project not more than 2 feet into required front, side or rear yard setbacks.

    • Cantilevered bay windows, no greater than 12 feet in width, may project not more than 3 feet into a required front or rear yard setback. The window shall include no supports that extend into the required front or rear yard setback.

    • An open sided temporary carport, metal or canvas, which is not classified as a structure, or subject to the building code, may extend into the required front yard setback to a point 15 feet from the property line as long as any site visibility is maintained, and into the side yard setback. No portion shall project into any utility or drainage easement except with the permission the agency or agencies having jurisdiction over the easement.

    • Window wells may extend into the required side and rear yard setback. No portion shall project into any utility or drainage easement except with the permission the agency or agencies having jurisdiction over the easement.

    (2)

    Projections in All Zoning Districts. For property located in all zoning districts:

    • Wall signs may project into required front, side or rear yards not more than 18 inches.

    • Fire escapes may extend 6 feet into a required rear yard.

    • Utility distribution lines and related equipment commonly located along property lines may be located within a required setback (except utility or telephone boxes taller than 18 inches cannot be located within a sight distance triangle). A neighborhood substation, or gas regulator/meter station shall meet the required setbacks.

    • Mailboxes, or mailbox complexes, established and approved in accordance with requirements of the ECM may be located within the front or side setback.

    • Signs or entryway features may be located within the setback area in accordance with this Code and the ECM.

    • Non-permanent handicap access ramps may project into a required setback.

    (F)

    Lot Requirements.

    (1)

    Measuring Lot Width and Lot Depth. Lot width is measured parallel to the front lot line. Lot depth is measured at an angle of 90 degrees to the front lot line.

    (2)

    Minimum Lot Area.

    (a)

    Specific Use Require More Lot Area. Some land uses require a minimum lot size which is greater than the minimum size established by the zoning district.

    (b)

    Public Right-of-Way Not Included in Lot Area. Lot area shall not include any portion of an adjacent public right-of-way, but may include the land within a private road easement.

    (c)

    Flag Stem Not Included in Lot Area. Lot area shall not include the area within a flag stem.

    (d)

    Lot Area for Nonconforming Lots. The lot area requirements for nonconforming lots are established within this Chapter. Lots conforming to the minimum lot area requirements of the zoning district that are subsequently reduced in land area due to land acquisition by a governmental entity shall be considered conforming to the minimum lot area requirements.

    (e)

    Minimum Lot Area Not Required for Utility Facilities. A minimum lot area shall not be required for utility facilities or telecommunication facilities. The required lot area shall be established through the appropriate review and hearing process.

    (G)

    Maximum Structure Height. The maximum height of structures is listed in Table 5-4 and 5-5. The method of measurement is detailed within the definition in Chapter 1.

    (1)

    Exceptions to Height Limits.

    (a)

    Height Limits Not Applicable to Architectural Features. The maximum height limitations of this Code do not apply to church spires, belfries, cupolas, chimneys and other similar design or architectural features or other appurtenances that are usually installed above roof level.

    (b)

    Height Limits Superseded by Specific Use Standards. The maximum height limitations of this Code do not apply or are superseded by the specific use or development standards of this Code, or land use approval actions that apply to water tanks, public buildings antennas, utility poles, utility facilities, wind generators, amateur radio towers, and commercial towers and similar facilities.