San Marcos Development Code (effective November 3, 2021)

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C H A P T E R

Zoning regulations

Section 4.3.3.2 Building Setbacks

(Ord. No. 2019-45, 12-17-19)

D. Setback Encroachments. All buildings and structures must be located at or behind required setbacks, except as listed below. Underground structures covered by the ground may encroach into a required setback.

A. Building Setbacks. There are four (4) types of setback - primary street setback, secondary street setback, side setback and rear setback. Double frontage lots are considered to have two (2) primary street setbacks. 1. Primary and secondary street setbacks are measured perpendicular from the edge of the right-of-way. 2. Side setbacks are measured perpendicular from the interior lot line. 3. Rear setbacks are measured perpendicular from the rear lot line, or where there is an alley, from the edge of the right-of-way. Figure 4.5 Building Setbacks

1. Building Features

a. Porches, stoops, balconies, galleries, awnings and steps as set for th in Table 4.14. b. Building eaves, roof overhangs and light shelves may extend up to three (3) feet into the required setback. c. Bay windows, oriels, vestibules and similar features that are less than ten (10) feet wide may extend up to four (4) feet, provided that such extension is at least two (2) feet from the ver tical plane of any lot line. d. Chimneys may encroach up to four (4) feet, provided such extension is at least two (2) feet from the ver tical plane of any lot line. e. Uncovered fire escapes or stairways may extend into a required side or rear setback, provided that such extension is at least two (2) feet from the ver tical plane of any lot line. f. Uncovered and unenclosed patios or in-ground pools may extend into a required side or rear setback, provided that such extension is at least two (2) feet from the ver tical plane of any lot line. g. Cornices, belt courses, sills, buttresses or other similar architectural features may project up to one and one-half (1½) feet into the required setback. h. Handicap ramps may project to the extent necessary to perform their proper function. 2. Mechanical Equipment and Utility Lines. Mechanical equipment associated with residential uses, such as HVAC units, small renewable energy systems, and security lighting, may extend into a required rear or side setback. 3. Low Impact Stormwater Management Features. Low impact stormwater management features may encroach into a primary or secondary street, side interior or rear

B. A multiple street frontage lot must designate at least one (1) primary street. A lot may have more than one (1) primary street. The primary street will be determined based on the following criteria:

1. The street with the highest street classification;

2. The established orientation of the block;

3. The street abutting the longest face of the block;

4. The street parallel to an alley within the block; or

5. The street from which the lot takes its address.

(Ord. No. 2019-45, 12-17-19)

C. A multiple street frontage lot must designate at least one (1) principal frontage. The principal frontage is the extent of the lot or building facade abutting the designated primary street(s).

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San Marcos Development Code Amended: November 3, 2021