Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, allowed projections into setbacks are explained in Section 26.575.020.e.5 of the Land Use Code. 

For zoning purposes, demolition is based on the total surface area of exterior wall and roof assemblies to be removed. The demolition percentage is found by dividing the assemblies to be removed by the total exterior surface area. Total exterior surface area does not include fenestration (windows, doors, skylights). An example demolition calculation can be found in our Building Department Document and Resource Library under “Zoning Requirement Examples”. Email the planner of the day (planneroftheday@gmail.com) for assistance. 

To calculate the allowable floor area for a property, start with a survey. This will provide the gross area of the lot as well as if there are any steep slopes or easements. Gross lot area is used to calculate allowable floor area in non-residential zone districts. Net lot area is used to calculated allowable floor area in residential zone districts. Allowable floor area can be found by going to a property’s zone district in 26.700, Zone Districts. Refer to Table 26.575.020-1 to understand how to calculate net lot area. 

Subgrade floor area is determined by how exposed the exterior walls are. The wall exposure includes all exterior walls on the floor in question. Divide the exposed wall area by the wall’s total area to find the percent of exposed wall. Exposed wall is exterior wall that is below natural or finished grade, whichever is more restrictive. The wall exposure percentage is then multiplied by the floor area on that level to determine how much counts towards the allowable floor area. An example subgrade calculation can be found in our Building Department Document and Resource Library under “Zoning Requirement Examples." Full methodology is found in 26.575.020.