FAQs

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Community Development

1. What construction codes did the City adopt?: The City follows the International Code Council construction codes. See link:
http://publicecodes.citation.com/icod/index.htm

2. How far does a proposed addition to my home have to be from property lines?: If the addition will be part of the home, it must be located at least 5 feet from the side property lines and at least 30 feet from the rear property line. However, if it is an accessory structure (i.e. deck or a shed), it may be located as close as 5 feet from the rear property line. Corner lots have an increased side yard setback of 15 feet for the side along the side street.

3. How high may I construct a fence in my yard? May I erect a fence in my front yard? When do I need a permit?: Fences are permitted up to 6 feet in height above grade and may be located in the side or rear yards in residential areas. Fencing in the front yard is limited to 18 inches in height. A building permit shall be required for the erection of a new fence, a replacement fence or replacement of a section of a fence that is greater than ten feet in length. Minor repairs to sections of existing fences less than ten feet in length shall be considered minor repairs and shall not require permits.

4. How large of a sign is my business permitted?: Sign size is determined by the length of the building occupied by the applicant along the street where the sign is to be erected. Each business or institution occupying the ground floor of a premise shall be permitted primary signs with a total gross sign area of not more than twenty-five (25) square feet. This total gross sign area may be increased to forty (40) square feet if the building frontage of the portion of the building occupied by the business or institution exceeds nineteen (19) feet, increased to eighty (80) square feet if the building frontage of the portion of the building occupied by the business or institution exceeds ninety (90) feet, and increased to one hundred twenty (120) square feet if the building frontage of the portion of the building occupied by the business or institution exceeds one hundred twenty (120) feet.

5. How far does my proposed air conditioner have to be from my side property lines?: At least two feet at its closest point.