Article I

• A. Measurement of yard areas shall be as follows:

  1. Required yards shall be measured as the minimum horizontal distance from the property line of the site or street line parallel thereto on the site; provided, that where a street plan has been adopted by the City Council, site area and required yards shall be measured from the plan line, and no provision of this Title shall be construed to permit a structure or use to extend beyond such line; provided further, that where a site abuts on a street having only a portion of its required width dedicated or reserved for street purposes, site area and required yards shall be measured from a line drawn on the boundary of the additional width required for street purposes abutting the site.

  2. On a lot that is not rectangular or approximately rectangular in shape, required yard areas shall be measured in a manner prescribed by the planning commission.

  3. On a flag lot with an average width that exceeds its average depth, the longer dimension may be considered the depth for purposes of measuring front, side and rear yards.

  4. Front yard setbacks for interior lots fronting on a cul-de-sac, which are not generally rectangular in shape, shall be a line parallel with the curve of the cul-de-sac. The two lines that are tangent to the curved front yard setback shall be considered the side property lines and all other property lines shall be considered rear property lines.

• B. Front yard requirements and exceptions.

  1. On a lot situated between lots improved with buildings, the minimum front yard may be the average depth of the front yards on the improved sites adjoining the sidelines of the site.

  2. Where a lot is not situated between lots improved with buildings but where lots comprising 40 percent of the frontage on a block are improved with buildings, the minimum front yard may be the average of the existing front yard depths on the block.

  3. Where the elevation of a lot at the front property line is five feet or more above or below the established street elevation at the edge of the existing or proposed pavement, or where a lot has an average natural slope of 20 percent or more measured from the existing or proposed pavement to the rear line of the required front yard, a garage or carport may be constructed not less than 15 feet from the edge of the existing or proposed pavement; provided, that in no case shall a garage or carport have a front yard of less than three feet. Where the front yard setback to a garage measures less than 18 feet, the garage shall be provided with an automatic pull-up door opener.

• C. Side yards abutting front or rear entrances of dwellings.

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City of Healdsburg, CA § 20.16.005

LAND USE CODE

§ 20.16.010

Where dwellings are arranged so that their front or rear entrances abut on a side yard, the required side yard abutting the front entrances shall be increased by two feet. The required side yard abutting the rear entrances shall be increased by one foot.

• D. Increased side yard opposite living room windows.

On lots containing two or more dwelling units, where a legally required window or windows of a living room faces an interior side yard, the width of the side yard within 20 feet of the centerline of the window shall be not less than 20 percent of the width of the site, provided that a width of less than 12 feet shall not be permitted and a width of more than 18 feet shall not be required. Such side yard shall be provided at and above the floor level of the first story containing a legally required living room window.

• E. Vision clearance, corner lots.

On corner lots, within a triangular area formed by the street property lines and a line connecting points on the street property lines 30 feet from the street intersection, no fence, wall, hedge, or other obstruction, except the natural grade of a site, shall exceed a height of 30 inches above established grade at the edge of the existing or proposed pavement, provided that trees pruned up to eight feet above street grade shall be permitted.

• F. Width, corner lots.

The minimum width of corner lots in an R or ORM district shall be 20 percent greater than the minimum width for the district as otherwise provided.

G. Building setbacks adjoining a freeway or railroad. No lot adjacent to a freeway or railroad right-of-way shall be allowed to have buildings constructed within 130 feet of said right-of-way until noise mitigation is provided along with project development as approved by the planning director such that the sound level standards are not exceeded for that zoning district as set forth in Chapter 9.32 HMC.

(Ord. 950 § 2 (Exh. A § 1805), 1998; Ord. 971 § 2 (Exh. A § 4), 2001; Ord. 1010 § 4 (Exh. A § 8), 2003; Ord. 1012 § 2 (Exh. B § 1), 2004)

Except as otherwise provided in this Title, projections from exterior building walls of main structures into required yards shall be permitted as follows.

• A. Uncovered patios, decks, and similar elements having a height of not more than 18 inches above natural or finished grade, whichever is more restrictive, shall be exempt from these provisions and shall be permitted anywhere in a side or rear setback.

• B. Eaves, cornices, bay windows, utility closets, fireplace chimneys, and similar projections may extend up to two feet into any required front, rear or side structures.

• C. Porches, decks, balconies, exterior stairs, landings, and similar structures may extend up to five feet into any required front or rear yard and up to two feet into any required side yard, provided such structures are open on three sides, except for low walls or railings up to 42 inches in height above the finished floor.

• D. Notwithstanding subsection (C) of this section, uncovered porches, decks, balconies, exterior stairs, landings, and similar structures may encroach up to 75 percent into a

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City of Healdsburg, CA § 20.16.010

HEALDSBURG CODE

§ 20.16.015

required side or rear yard, provided the structure has a finished floor elevation of no more than 30 inches in height above natural or finished grade, whichever is more restrictive.

A structure with a finished floor of more than 30 inches in height above natural or finished grade that encroaches into a required side or rear yard may be approved, provided the planning and building director finds that the structure design would be compatible with the character and pattern of other structures on the site and within the surrounding neighborhood, and that the structure would not be injurious to the privacy, views or access to sunlight of adjacent neighbors, or create a visual intrusion on the public right-of-way.

• E. Notwithstanding subsection (C) of this section, covered patios, porches, decks, balconies, exterior stairs, and similar structures may extend into a required rear yard, provided the structure is at least 10 feet from the rear property line and the planning and building director finds that the structure's design is compatible with the character and pattern of other structures on the site and within the surrounding neighborhood, and that it would not be injurious to the privacy, views or access to sunlight of adjacent neighbors, or create a visual intrusion on the public right-of-way.

• (Ord. 950 § 2 (Exh. A § 1810), 1998; Ord. 956 § 2 (Att. A § 1810(b)), 1999; Ord. 1012 § 2

• (Exh. C § 1810), 2004; Ord. 1074 § 1, 2009)

• A. Where two exterior walls of the same or separate structures on the same lot, one or both of which contain a legally required window of a habitable room, are directly opposite one another, a court shall be provided between such walls with a minimum size as indicated below. A wall shall be deemed to be directly opposite another wall whenever a line drawn perpendicularly in a horizontal plane from the wall on the same story within 15 feet in either direction from the center of the legally required window, intersects the other wall. The required court shall be provided at and above the floor level of the first story containing the legally required window for not less than 15 feet in both directions from the centerline of the window. The required minimum size of the court shall be calculated on the basis of the height of the walls above floor level.

• B. Where there is a legally required window of a habitable room in two directly opposite walls, the required dimension of the court between the walls shall be 150 percent of the average height of the two walls, provided that the maximum separation shall not exceed 60 feet. Where there is a legally required window of a habitable room in one of two directly opposite walls, the required size of the court between the walls shall be the height of the wall without the legally required window, with a minimum distance of 12 feet and a maximum distance of 40 feet.

• (Ord. 950 § 2 (Exh. A § 1815), 1998)

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City of Healdsburg, CA

LAND USE CODE

§ 20.16.020

§ 20.16.020

Article II Accessory Structures

Accessory structures are governed by the following requirements.

• A. Minimum Front Yard and Street Side Yard Setbacks. Accessory structures shall not be located within the front yard or street side yard of a corner lot required for the primary structure, except that arbors, arches and similar structures are permitted within these areas, provided they are located at a walkway, and provided that they do not exceed eight feet in height, five feet in width along the frontage and three feet in depth. The maximum number of such structures shall not exceed two per street frontage and in no case shall exceed three such structures per lot.

• B. Minimum Interior Side Yard Setbacks.

O District: 15 feet

R-1-40,000, R-1-20,000, R-1-12,500 and GMU Districts: Six feet

R-1-6,000, DR, RM, MP and ORM Districts: Three feet

R-1-3,500 District: None

MU District: None, unless the lot is adjacent to an R District, in which case a minimum side yard of 10 feet shall be provided and maintained.

I District: None, unless the lot is adjacent to an R District, in which case a minimum side yard of 10 feet shall be provided and maintained.

• C. Minimum Rear Yard Setbacks.

O District: 15 feet

R-1-40,000, R-1-20,000, R-1-12,500 and GMU Districts: Six feet

R-1-6,000, DR, RM, MP and ORM Districts: Three feet

R-1-3,500 District: None

CS District: 10 feet

MU District: None, unless the lot is adjacent to an R District, in which case a minimum side yard of 10 feet shall be provided and maintained.

I District: None, unless the lot is adjacent to an R District, in which case a minimum side yard of 10 feet shall be provided and maintained.

• D. Notwithstanding the above, no accessory structure used for human habitation, and no swimming pool, or structure containing machinery or other fixed equipment capable of creating noise audible outside of the structure, shall be located closer than five feet to a side or rear property line and shall not exceed the sound level standards as set forth in Chapter

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City of Healdsburg, CA § 20.16.020

HEALDSBURG CODE

§ 20.16.036

9.32 HMC.

• E. Notwithstanding the above, on reversed corner lots, an accessory structure shall not be located closer to the rear property line than the required side yard on the adjoining key lot.

• F. Notwithstanding the above, detached covered parking setbacks shall be governed by HMC § 20.16.170(D).

(Ord. 950 § 2 (Exh. A § 1820), 1998; Ord. 956 § 2 (Att. A § 1820(d)(2)), 1999; Ord. 964 § 2 (Att. A § 1820), 2000; Ord. 971 § 2 (Att. A § 5), 2001; Ord. 1003 § 2 (Exh. A § 17), 2003; Ord. 1010 § 3 (Exh. A § 9), 2003; Ord. 1012 § 2 (Exh. B § 1, Exh. C § 1), 2004; Ord. 1187 § 3, 2019)

In the aggregate, no more than 500 square feet or 10 percent of the combined area of the primary structure's required side and rear yards, whichever is greater, shall be covered by accessory structures, except that up to 400 square feet of detached garage may be located in the required side and rear yard and not count toward the aggregate accessory structure area; provided, that the lot contains no other feasible location for the garage. On reversed corner lots, an accessory structure shall not be located closer to the rear property line than the required side yard on the adjoining key lot.

(Ord. 950 § 2 (Exh. A § 1820), 1998; Ord. 964 § 2 (Att. A § 1820), 2000; Ord. 1012 § 2 (Exh. C § 1), 2004)

• A. Accessory structures shall not exceed a height of 12 feet above finished grade, as measured according to HMC § 20.16.060.

• B. Notwithstanding the above, the planning and building director may allow heights of accessory structures to extend to a maximum of 18 feet when the following findings can be made in writing:

  1. The additional height is necessary to allow architectural integrity and harmony between the accessory structure and the main structure.

  2. An accessory structure height of 18 feet will not result in adverse conditions to adjoining properties nor will it prove injurious to public health or safety.

  3. All other requirements of the Land Use Code and Building Code have been or will be met.

(Ord. 950 § 2 (Exh. A § 1820(d)), 1998; Ord. 956 § 2 (Att. A § 1820(d)(2)), 1999; Ord. 1003 § 2 (Exh. A § 18), 2003)

Metal cargo, freight or van box type containers, trailers and other similar structures that were constructed and used primarily for commercial or industrial storage, transport or shipping are not permitted in residential, commercial and mixed use zoning districts. (Ord. 971 § 2 (Exh. A § 6), 2001)

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City of Healdsburg, CA

§ 20.16.036 LAND USE CODE

§ 20.16.036

All accessory structures shall be reviewed for consistency with the Citywide Design Guidelines. (Ord. 1172 § 2, 2018)

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City of Healdsburg, CA

LAND USE CODE

§ 20.16.040

§ 20.16.050

Article III Fences, Walls and Hedges

Fences, walls and hedges are governed by the following requirements:

The height of a fence, wall or hedge is measured vertically from the natural or approved finished grade to the top of the fence, wall or hedge, immediately above. Where the fence, wall or hedge is located within three feet of a retaining wall, embankment or other grade separation facing a street or adjoining property, the measurement is from the base of the retaining wall, embankment or other grade separation.

(Ord. 1012 § 2 (Exh. B § 1), 2004)

• A. The maximum height of fences and walls allowed within required yards shall not exceed the following:

  1. Required front yard within all zoning districts except R-1-20,000 and R-1-40,000 Districts: Four feet, except as further restricted for vision clearance per HMC § 20.16.005(E). For corridor (i.e., flag) lots, this subsection shall apply to the portion of the access corridor (a.k.a. "flag") that adjoins the required front yard of the adjoining lot(s).

  2. Required front yard in R-1-20,000 and R-1-40,000 Districts: Six feet, except as restricted for vision clearance under HMC § 20.16.005(E); and provided further, that the location and design of the fence complies with all of the following requirements:

     • a. The street frontage of the lot is not developed with a sidewalk nor is it designated by the General Plan for sidewalk development.

     • b. The fence is located 10 feet or more behind the property line fronting the street or the edge of the road, whichever is closer.

     • c. The fence is transparent, as defined in Chapter 20.28 HMC, Article IX. Otherwise, walls or fences with opaque siding material (e.g., solid boards) exceeding four feet in height are not allowed within a required yard fronting a street.

  3. Required rear yard and interior side yard: Six feet plus two feet of additional 50 percent open lattice.

  4. Required side yard fronting a street: Six feet if located 15 feet or more behind the front wall of the main building. Otherwise, the maximum height of a fence or wall located within a side yard fronting a street shall not exceed four feet, except as further restricted for vision clearance under HMC § 20.16.005(E).

• B. The maximum height of fences and walls allowed outside of required yards shall not exceed 12 feet.

(Ord. 950 § 2 (Exh. A § 1825), 1998; Ord. 1012 § 2 (Exh. B § 1), 2004; Ord. 1090 § 4 (Exh. B § 1825), 2009; Ord. 1231 § 13, 2023)

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City of Healdsburg, CA

LAND USE CODE

§ 20.16.050

§ 20.16.055

• A. Within required front yards: Four feet, except as further restricted for vision clearance under 20.16.005(E). For corridor (i.e., flag) lots, this subsection shall apply to the portion of the access corridor (a.k.a. "flag") that adjoins the required front yard of the adjoining lot(s).

• B. Within required side yard fronting a street: Six feet if located 15 feet or more behind the front wall of the main building. Otherwise, the maximum height of a hedge and other screening vegetation located within a side yard fronting a street shall not exceed four feet, except as further restricted for vision clearance per HMC § 20.16.005(E).

• (Ord. 950 § 2 (Exh. A § 1825), 1998; Ord. 1012 § 2 (Exh. B § 1), 2004)

Fences, walls, hedges and other screening vegetation may exceed the maximum height allowed by HMC § 20.16.045 and § 20.16.050 under the following circumstances:

• A. The planning and building director determines that a grade separation exists such that a property owner is denied private use of a lot; or

• B. A building permit is required for fences exceeding seven feet in height.

• (Ord. 950 § 2 (Exh. A § 1825), 1998; Ord. 1012 § 2 (Exh. B § 1), 2004; Ord. 1231 § 14, 2023)

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City of Healdsburg, CA

LAND USE CODE

§ 20.16.060

§ 20.16.065