Purpose

The purpose of the side yard bulk plane is to ensure that buildings step down towards neighboring properties in order to enhance privacy, preserve some views, and allow visual access to the sky for lots adjacent to new development.

*Note that this document is intended to provide supplemental information, and not meant to replace Ordinance No. 7684.

Side yard bulk plane applies to all:

  • Residential principal and accessory buildings in RR-1, RR-2, RE, and RL-1 zoning districts
  • Principal and accessory buildings used for single family land use in the RMX-1 zoning district

The bulk plane begins at a point 12 feet above the side property line of a lot, and then rises at a 45 degree angle until it reaches the maximum permitted height.

Diagram displaying side yard bulk plane setbacks

The bulk plane can be measured one of two ways:

  • For generally flat sites, the grade level point method allows the bulk plane to be measured at one time, at the midpoint of the side property line, OR
  • For generally sloping sites, the parallel point method allows the bulk plane to be measured from a series of points taken at 10 foot intervals along the side property line.

    Diagram displaying different measurement methods for side bulk plane.

There are several elements of a building that are permitted to extend above the bulk plane as allowed encroachments per 9-7-9(d).

Diagram displaying building elements which are permitted to extend above the bulk plane.

  • Lots with an average width less than 45 feet do not need to demonstrate compliance with the side yard bulk plane.
  • Lots less than 4000 square feet in area do not need to demonstrate compliance with the side yard bulk plane.
  • If your property is adjacent to a lot that includes either a nonresidential land use or two or more dwelling units in a building within 20’ of the shared property line, the bulk plane does not apply for the length of the building that is within 20’ of the shared property line.
Diagram displaying adjacent lot bulk plane conditions.