Ione Municipal Code Ch. 17.32 Yard Measurement and Projections

The purpose of this chapter is to establish rules and regulations for setback measurement, yard areas, and encroachments. These provisions, in conjunction with other applicable provisions of this title, are intended to ensure open areas around primary structures, maintain clear visibility for traffic safety and pedestrian access, buffer between property and land uses, and establish natural and visual light and air space privacy, landscaping, and recreation.

(Ord. No. 528, 2-15-2022)

Terms unique to this chapter are listed in Chapter 17.300 (Glossary of Terms).

(Ord. No. 528, 2-15-2022)

A. Required yard area. Except as otherwise specified in this title, required yard areas shall be kept free of buildings and structures.

B. Vertical clearance. Except as otherwise provided in this title, every part of a required yard shall be open from its lowest point to the sky unobstructed. Building overhangs, bay windows, and other such elements may intrude as permitted.

C. Lots abutting two or more streets. In the case of a lot abutting two or more streets, the primary structures and accessory buildings shall be erected so as not to encroach upon the required yards adjacent to any of the streets.

D. Double frontage lots. On double frontage lots, both property lines separating the lot from a street are considered front lot lines.

1. Interior double frontage lot. On an interior double frontage lot, the minimum front yard setback for each front yard shall be the average of the front yard depths of the adjacent lots on each side, if such lots are developed. If one or both of the adjacent lots are undeveloped, the required front yard setback is 20 feet.

2. Corner double frontage lot. On a corner double frontage lot, the primary structure may be oriented toward any of the property lines. However, the distance between the front of the primary structure and the property line shall be not less than 20 feet.

3. Lot depth of 125 feet or more. Where a double frontage lot has a depth of 125 feet or more, the lot may be developed with two primary structures, with the front yard setbacks determined as provided above (D.1., D.2.) and a 20-foot minimum separation between the primary structures. Such separation shall be maintained as a rear yard for each primary structure of not less than ten feet, measured from the furthest portion of the rear elevation of each primary structure.

E. Lot area, depth, width, and setback reduction. At the time of plan check for the first primary structure to be constructed on a lot, where a lot area or a lot width, depth, or setback has been reduced for an existing legally created lot by not more than 15 percent as a result of acquisition or dedication for a highway, road, drain, or other public purpose, as a result of dedication pursuant to a condition of approval, the lot area or yard so reduced may be included in determining compliance with lot area or yard requirements in the same manner as if the acquisition or dedication has not taken place.

F. Setback measurement. The setback of all buildings and structures shall be determined by the exterior boundaries of the streets and highways and their proposed widening and extensions as indicated on the circulation plan roadway system and sizing map of the city's general plan. The width of any street or highway that does not appear in the circulation plan shall be determined from the standards for street widths and improvements set forth in the city's improvement standards.

(Ord. No. 528, 2-15-2022)

Where yards are required in this title, they shall be not less in depth or width than the minimum dimensions specified for any part, and they shall be at every point open and unobstructed from the ground upward, except as follows:

A. Cornices, canopies, eaves, chimneys, or other similar architectural features not providing additional floor space within the building may extend from the structure not more than two feet into a required front, side, or rear yard and shall not be less than two feet from any property line.

B. Open, unenclosed, uncovered porches, platforms or landing places which do not extend above the level of the first floor of the building, may extend from the structure not more than six feet into a required front, side, or rear yard and shall not be less than two feet from any property line; provided, however, that an open work railing not more than 30 inches in height may be installed or constructed on any such porch, platform, or landing place.

C. Detached accessory buildings may occupy side and rear yards as provided in Chapter 17.38 (Accessory Structures).

D. Window bays, including roof overhangs, having a minimum surface area of 50 percent glass, may encroach two feet into the required yard area when the finished floor of the window bay is at least 15 inches above the finished floor of the room.

E. For single-family residential development, a portion of the primary structure may project into the required rear yard area, provided that an equal area of the buildable portion of the lot (this area can be anywhere on the lot) is provided as a yard or court. See Figure 17.32.040-1 (Single-Family Encroachment)

Figure 17.32.040-1: Single-Family Encroachment

[Figure]

(Ord. No. 528, 2-15-2022)