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Sec. 78-1405. - Nonencroachments. <br /> (a) The following shall not be considered to be encroachments on yard setback requirements: <br /> (1) Chimneys, flues, belt courses, leaders, sills, pilasters, lintels, ornamental features, cornices, eaves, gutters, and <br /> similar building elements, provided they do not extend more than two feet into a required yard. <br /> (2) Nameplate signs for one-family dwellings subject to the provisions of article X, division 4 of this chapter; lights <br /> for illuminating parking areas, loading areas or yards for safety and security purposes, provided the direct <br /> source of light is not visible from the public right-of-way or adjacent residential property and is located at least <br /> five feet from the front lot line; public utility poles and overhead lines; mailboxes. <br /> (3) Terraces, steps, uncovered porches, stoops or similar structures which do not extend above the height of the <br /> ground floor level of the principal building and extend to a distance of not less than two feet from any lot line. <br /> Window wells including those for fire egress which do not extend more than five feet from the building. <br /> Sidewalks, driveways and parking areas when constructed, located and used in compliance with other <br /> provisions contained within chapter 78. Driveways may extend to within five feet of a side lot line. <br /> (4) In side or rear yards only, bays or cantilevers not to exceed a depth of two feet nor to contain an aggregate area <br /> of more than 20 square feet, fire escapes not to exceed a width of three feet and a depth of four feet, and open <br /> off-street parking. <br /> (5) In rear yards only, balconies, breezeways, detached outdoor picnic shelters, laundry drying equipment, and <br /> recreational equipment except as otherwise regulated; no accessory structure shall be closer than five feet from <br /> a rear lot line. <br /> (5.1) Retaining walls, subject to the following provisions: <br /> a. Retaining walls may be located in all required yards when all of the following conditions are met: <br /> 1. The structure is located at least ten feet from the edge of the traveled roadway; <br /> 2. The structure is not located within a drainage, utility, or other easement, except upon approval in <br /> writing for an encroachment agreement by the city; or similar approval from another regulatory and/or <br /> utility agency; <br /> 3. The structure creates no impacts to drainage direction, rate or volume for adjacent properties. <br /> b. Retaining walls which do not exceed two feet in height above existing grade, which are located within the <br /> property and at least five feet from any property line, and for which the amount of imported fill associated <br /> with the structure does not exceed 20 cubic yards, do not require a building or land alteration permit. <br /> c. Retaining walls exceeding two feet in height above existing grade or for which the amount of imported fill <br /> associated with the structure exceeds 20 cubic yards or which are located less than five feet from a <br /> property line, shall require a land alteration permit and upon recommendation of the building inspector may <br /> require city council review or a conditional use permit per the provisions of section 78-967. <br /> d. Retaining walls exceeding the allowed height of a fence in a given required yard shall be located so as to <br /> meet the required accessory structure setbacks established for that yard. <br /> (6) In side yards only, no accessory structure shali be closer than ten feet from any side lot line. <br /> (7) Air conditioning or heating equipment may be located within a required yard but shall be located within five feet <br /> of the building it serves; shall not be located within an existing or required drainage and/or utility easement; and <br /> shall be located at least five feet from any lot line. <br /> (8) Fences erected in all zoning districts are considered as a nonencroachment when they conform to the <br /> standards listed below. For the purposes of this section, the following definitions shall apply: <br /> Permanent fence. A fence that is installed in a fixed or enduring manner that is not intended for a seasonal <br /> or temporary purpose. <br /> Temporary fence. A fence that is not permanently secured or anchored to the ground by posts or affixed <br /> footings, and is installed and removed on a limited term or seasonal basis such as: snow fences, garden fences, <br /> seasonal recreational fences such as hockey boards; fences installed for safety or access management <br /> purposes for special events; and fences installed for the duration of a construction project such as silt fences, <br /> erosion control bioretention logs, and septic drainfield site protection fences. <br /> Fence height. The measurement from the top of any part of the fence, including posts or other structural <br /> supports, lattice, ornate top design elements, and so forth measured to the existing grade below the fence, as <br /> 4 <br />