20001114 2000-24ORDINANCE NO. 2000- 24
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 26, TO MODIFY ARTICLE II,
DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS AND REGULATIONS
GENERALLY, DIVISION 1, GENERALLY, TO REVISE SECTION 26-13
TO AMEND THE DISTANCE THAT AN UNENCLOSED PORCH
MAY EXTEND INTO A REQUIRED FRONT YARD IN THE R-1, R-2
AND R-3 RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS
WHEREAS, the City Code regulations regarding minimum yard requirements in the
R-l, R-2 and R-3 Residential Districts do not adequately reflect the goals and objectives of
the Comprehensive Plan and the recommendations contained in the Report of the Task Force
for a More Livable City of Fairfax; and
WHEREAS, the yard requirements in the City Code often inhibit the updating of
older, outdated homes in the City of Fairfax; and
WHEREAS, many houses in the City of Fairfax were originally constructed with front
yards of the minimum size specified in the City Code; and
WHEREAS, the City Code provision for porches extending six feet into front yards
allows only limited use of the front porch;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Fairfax,
Virginia, that Section 26-13, Chapter 26, of the Code of the City of Fairfax, Virginia be
amended to read in its entirety as follows:
Section 26-13. Ornamental features, bay windows, etc., as exceptions to setback or
building restriction line.
(a) Sills, cornices and similar ornamental features may project not exceeding eighteen
(18) inches beyond any required setback or building restriction line, except as otherwise
provided herein.
(b) Bay windows, porches, stoops, covered entryways, awnings, canopies, balconies,
decks raised above ground level, and similar features of a principal structure may project not
exceeding three (3) feet beyond any required setback or building restriction line except as
otherwise provided herein. Any unroofed and completely unenclosed patio, terrace or deck
with its floor no higher than that of the ground floor entry of the principal structure may
extend into any required side or rear yard, but not nearer than five (5) feet to any side or rear
lot line. An unenclosed carport or porch may extend as much as three (3) feet into a required
side yard, but not nearer than five (5) feet to any side rear lot line. An unenclosed porch may
extend as far as ten (10) feet into a required front yard in the R-1 or R-2 Residential District,
as far as seven (7) feet into a required front yard in the R-3 Residential District, and as far as
six (6) feet into a required front yard of any other district, but, in all districts, not closer than
fifteen (15) feet to the public right-of-way.
(c) No ornamental feature, bay window, stoop, covered entryway, awning, canopy or
similar feature of an accessory structure shall project into required setback and building
restriction lines applicable to accessory structures.
2000-24 -2
The ordinance shall become effective as provided by law.
Planning Commission Hearing: October 23, 2000
City Council Hearing:
November 14, 2000
Adopted: November 14, 2000
Councilman Coughlan
Councilman Greenfield
Councilman Lederer
Councilman Petersen
Councilman Rasmussen
Councilman Silverthorne
Vote
Aye
Aye
Aye
Aye
Aye
Aye
Mayor
!
Date
ATTEST: