This chapter regulates the location and bulk of buildings in both residential and nonresidential developments in order to protect and enhance the desired community character of the City of Monroe. The provisions of this chapter interact closely with the density and intensity provisions described in Chapter
2. Any nonconforming situation (lot, use, structure, and/or site) shall adhere to the provisions of Chapter
5.
The maximum height regulations listed for residential and nonresidential uses and accessory structures in each zoning district in Chapter
2 are the maximum permitted heights for all buildings and structures, except those exempted by this section.
(1) The following are permitted to exceed the maximum height regulations
within any district where permitted: church spires; belfries; cupolas;
penthouses and domes (not used for human occupancy); public monuments;
stage towers or scenery lofts; water towers; fire and hose towers;
tanks; utility poles; flag poles; chimneys; cooling towers; exhaust
pipes; ventilators; skylights; telecommunications towers and antennas;
satellite dishes; elevator bulkheads, grain elevators, feed mills,
grain and seed mixing bins, concrete mixing bins, and other necessary
mechanical appurtenances usually carried above roof level; and similar
features. The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to prevent
the erection above the building height limit of a parapet wall or
cornice for ornament (and without windows) extending above such height
limit not more than five feet. Such features, however, shall be erected
only to such height as is necessary to accomplish the purpose they
are to serve and subject to the Wisconsin state building code, except
as prohibited by the Airport Overlay Zoning Ordinance.
The minimum setback requirements of each zoning district establish
the minimum required yards for all uses, except those exempted by
the provisions of this section.
(1) With the exception of fences, accessory landscape features, and the
permitted projections described in this section, no principal or accessory
structures shall be permitted within any portion of a front or street
side yard.
(2) Permitted projections into all required yards.
(a)
For residential buildings, the ordinary projection of sills,
belt courses, cornices, gutters, eaves, overhangs, ornamental features,
pilasters, lintels, bay windows, chimneys, and flues, provided they
do not extend more than two feet into the required yards.
(b)
Flag poles, sidewalks located at least three feet from a vehicle
parking/circulation area, landscaping (including lawn and vegetation),
posts, or other similar amenities when accessory to a residential
use.
(c)
Additions (including vertical additions, additional floors,
and architectural features), balconies, terraces, covered porches,
or similar appurtenances not extending beyond the setback of the existing
facade, may be located in the provided or required yard setback, whichever
more permissive. If the addition is a front-loaded garage or front-loaded
garage addition, the minimum setback when facing the front yard or
street side yard shall be at least 20 feet. In no instance shall any
new encroachment be within five feet of an adjacent structure or three
feet of a property line. See Figure 5-4-5.
(d)
Fences meeting the requirements of §
5-7-27.
Figure 5-4-5: Permitted Addition in Required Yards
Note: Building additions must meet the design standards of Chapter 7.
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(e)
Handicap accessible ramps.
1.
Handicap ramps or other devices required to make reasonable
accommodation under the Fair Housing Act or the Americans with Disabilities
Act are to be permitted in any required setbacks, provided that the
maximum encroachment into a required setback is the minimum dimension
required by the Wisconsin Commercial Building Code or Wisconsin Uniform
Dwelling Code for accessible ramps and that no other location is feasible
outside the required setbacks. Only temporary and removable ramps
shall be permitted to encroach into the required setbacks.
2.
Handicap ramp permit. Handicap ramps proposed for placement
within required setback areas shall secure a handicap ramp permit
from the Zoning Administrator prior to construction. An application
for a permit shall include a written statement explaining the reasons
for the placement of the handicap ramp. The Zoning Administrator may
also require a statement from a physician verifying the need for a
handicap ramp.
3.
Aesthetic treatments. Handicap ramps must have dense landscaping
or skirting covering the lower open portion of the ramp, shall be
kept in good repair, and shall include landscape treatments buffering
the handicap ramp from adjacent properties.
4.
Handicap ramp removal. When a handicap ramp is placed within
the required setback, the Zoning Administrator may periodically require
verification of the continual need for the handicap ramp. When it
has been determined the handicap ramp is no longer needed, the Zoning
Administrator may order its immediate removal.
(f)
Any other provisions identified elsewhere in this chapter (landscape
features, tents, and other features where specific setbacks are established).
(3) Permitted projections into required front yards.
(a)
All of the permitted projections listed under Subsection (2)
above.
(b)
In the SR-3, SR-4, SR-5, SR-7, DR-8, TR-10, and NMU Zoning Districts, the minimum front setback requirement may be reduced in order to accommodate open porches (i.e., covered and unenclosed), awnings, or canopies. Refer to the bulk requirements listed for each zoning district in Chapter
2.
(c)
Uncovered entry platforms and steps necessary to comply with
current ingress and egress regulations provided they do not extend
more than four feet into the front yard setback and are no more than
six feet wide. Steps from the platform may extend into the front setback
area for the distance needed to meet minimum building code requirements
for risers and treads. Replacement steps for porches may be as wide
as the steps being replaced and may extend into the front setback
area for the distance needed to meet minimum building code requirements
for risers and treads. These exceptions apply only to the SR-3, SR-4,
SR-5, SR-7, DR-8, TR-10, and NMU Zoning Districts.
(d)
Yard lights and ornamental lights for residential lots, provided that they comply with the illumination requirements of §
5-7-25 and provided they do not locate closer than five feet from the front or street side property line.
(e)
Basketball backboard structures, provided that a minimum setback
of 15 feet is maintained from the front lot line and the minimum driveway
setback is maintained for all other lot lines.
(4) Permitted Projections into Required Street Side Yards (for Corner
Lots).
(a)
All of the permitted projections listed under Subsection (2)
above.
(b)
In the SR-3, SR-4, SR-5, SR-7, DR-8, TR-10, and NMU Zoning Districts, the minimum street side setback requirement may be reduced in order to accommodate open porches (i.e., covered and unenclosed), awnings, or canopies. Refer to the bulk requirements listed for each zoning district in Chapter
2.
(c)
Yard lights and ornamental lights for residential lots, provided that they comply with the illumination requirements of §
5-7-25 and provided they do not locate closer than five feet from the front or street side property line.
(5) Permitted projections into required interior side yards.
(a)
Open fire escapes, fireproof outside stairways, and balconies
opening upon fire towers may project into a side yard not more than
3 1/2 feet when so placed as not to obstruct light and ventilation.
(b)
Uncovered entry platforms and steps necessary to comply with
current ingress and egress regulations provided they do not extend
more than four feet into the interior side yard setback and are no
more than six feet wide. Steps from the platform may extend into the
front setback area for the distance needed to meet minimum building
code requirements for risers and treads. Replacement steps for porches
may be as wide as the steps being replaced and may extend into the
front setback area for the distance needed to meet minimum building
code requirements for risers and treads. These exceptions apply only
to the SR-3, SR-4, SR-5, SR-7, DR-8, TR-10, and NMU Zoning Districts.
(c)
Uncovered patios and decks on single-family and two-family dwelling
units not to exceed one foot above the established grade and shall
not be nearer than three feet from the adjacent side lot line.
(6) Permitted projections into required rear yards.
(a)
Attached terraces, uncovered porches, patios, decks, steps,
stoops, or similar appurtenances to single-family and two-family residential
buildings which do not extend more than one foot above the established
grade, provided they do not locate closer than 20 feet to the rear
lot line.
(b)
Recreational equipment accessory to a residential use, provided
a five-foot setback is maintained for all lot lines.
(c)
Open fire escapes, fireproof outside stairways, and balconies
opening upon fire towers may project into a rear yard not more than
three feet when so placed as not to obstruct light and ventilation.
(7) Permitted Projections in the Planned Development District (PD): Per
approved Specific Implementation Plan.