SDCI Tip #220—Lot Coverage, Height, Yard & Garage Standards for Homes in Neighborhood Residential Zones
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LEGAL DISCLAIMER: This Tip should not be used as a substitute for codes and regulations. The applicant is responsible for compliance
with all code and rule requirements, whether or not described in this Tip.
n Freestanding structures such as fences, bulkheads
and freestanding walls, but not arbors.
n Underground structures or the underground portion
of a structure.
n The first 36 inches of eaves and gutters projecting
from principal or accessory structures.
n Solar collectors meeting the provisions of 23.44.046 and
swimming pools meeting the provisions of 23.44.044.
Permit Application Requirements for Lot
Coverage Calculations
As described in Tip 103, Site Plan Requirements and Tip
103A, Site Plan Guidelines, you must calculate the lot
coverage of existing and proposed development on your
lot and show it on the site plan that you are required to
submit with your application. If you are not sure of the
requirements, ask a Permit Specialist in the Applicant
Services Center for help.
HEIGHT
The base height of homes (principal structures) is 30 feet
above average grade (23.44.012).
On lots 30 feet or less in width, the base height is limited
to 25 feet (detailed measurement techniques are found
in Chapter 23.86 of the Land Use Code and in Direc-
tor's Rule 9-2011).
Pitched Roofs
The ridge of a pitched roof on a principal structure may
extend up to 5 feet above the base height limit as long as
the pitch of the roof is at least 4 to 12 (see Fig. A).
No portion of a roof with only one sloping plane may
extend beyond the base height limit (commonly known as
"shed roof" design").
Exemptions for Rooftop Features
Under certain conditions, radio and television antennas
and flagpoles are exempt from height limits.
Open rails and planters may extend no higher than the
ridge of a pitched roof or four feet above a flat roof. Pro-
jections that accommodate windows, such as dormers,
clerestories, skylights and greenhouses, may extend
no higher than the ridge of a pitched roof or four feet
above a flat roof provided that they are also limited to 30
percent of the area of the roof and meet separation and
setback standards discussed in 23.44.012C.
Chimneys may extend four feet above the ridge of a
pitched roof or above a flat roof. Additional exemptions
can be found in 23.44.012C.
Documenting Compliance with
Height Limits
All projects must demonstrate compliance with
applicable height limits for each structure on the site.
Height limits may vary depending on the location on
the property, and the use of the structure. The following
information should be incorporated into the plan set for
each structure proposed:
Average Grade – project plans need to document
average grade and how it was determined. There are
several options for calculating average grade, please re-
fer to Director’s Rule 9-2011 for a complete description
of the method for determining average grade.
Average Grade for Projects in a Shoreline Zone -
For projects located in a shoreline zone, please refer to
Land Use Code Section 23.60.952 for information about
how to determine average grade for a site.
Site Plan Documentation – Applicants will choose a
method for determining average grade. The site plan
needs to reflect all midpoint elevation grade points,
exterior wall lengths and the related calculations that are
required to fully document the average grade elevation
being used for height measurement purposes, based
on Director’s Rule 9-2011 or Land Use Code section
23.60.952. A stamped topographic survey, prepared
by a licensed surveyor, may be required if grade will be
disturbed for construction of the project and when any
exterior wall of the new structure, in the area where grade
is being disturbed, is within two feet of the allowed height
limit as measured above existing grade. A survey may
also be required if the grade information provided by an