Porches, Decks, and Other Projections

Overview

Zoning Code Sec. 63.105 and Sec. 63.106 regulate whether or not porches, decks, and other projections into yards are subject to the zoning district’s minimum setback requirements or lot coverage requirements. Regulations are summarized below.

	Subject to zoning district’s minimum setback requirements?	Subject to zoning district’s maximum lot coverage requirements? (RL, H1, H2 residential districts only)	Zoning Code Section
Open, uncovered porch or deck up to 2 feet above the adjacent grade	No	No	Sec. 63.105(a)
Open, uncovered porch or deck more than 2 feet above the adjacent grade and attached to a principal building	Subject to all minimum setback requirements, with the following exceptions in the next two rows	Yes, with the following exceptions in the next two rows	Sec. 63.105(b)
Open, uncovered porch or deck more than 2 feet but up to 30 inches above the adjacent grade in the front yard	Can project up to 5 feet into required front yard; subject to minimum side and rear setback requirements	No	Sec. 63.105(b)(1)
Open, uncovered porch or deck more than 2 feet but up to 8 feet above the adjacent grade in the rear yard	Can project up to 5 feet into required rear yard; subject to minimum front and side setback requirements	No	Sec. 63.105(b)(2)
Open, uncovered porch or deck more than 2 feet above the adjacent grade and attached to an accessory building	Subject to all minimum setback requirements for the accessory building	Yes	Sec. 63.105(c)
Open, covered porch	Can project up to 5 feet into a required front yard; subject to minimum side and rear setback requirements	Yes	Sec. 63.105(d)
Attached vestibules, enclosed entrances and greenhouses	Can project up to 5 feet into a required front yard; subject to minimum side and rear setback requirements	Yes	Sec. 63.106 (a)
Ramps for the handicapped	Can project up to 20 square feet into a required front or rear yard; subject to minimum side setback requirements	No	Sec. 63.106 (b)
Chimneys and fireplaces	Can project up to 1 foot into a required yard	Yes	Sec. 63.106 (c)
Overhangs, decorative details, and bay windows	Can project into a required yard 16 inches plus 2 inches for each foot of width of the required side yard	No	Sec. 63.106 (d)
Air conditioning condensers	Can project up to 1 foot into a required yard	No	Sec. 63.016 (e)
Attached uncovered balconies located on the second story and above	Can project up to 5 feet into a required yard along a street or alley; subject to all other minimum setback requirements	No	Sec. 63.106 (f)