17.100.020 General provisions relating to height.
A. Elements That May Exceed Height Limit in All Districts.
1. In all districts, chimneys, flagpoles, vents, solar energy equipment, similar structures, and screening for such features, may be permitted up to five feet in excess of applicable height limits.
2. Cornices and parapets may be permitted up to three and one-half feet in excess of applicable height limits.
3. Height limits for telecommunication facilities are set in Chapter 17.130 SMC.
B. Elements That May Exceed Height Limit in Nonresidential Districts.
1. In nonresidential districts, cupolas, steeples, gas storage holders, radio and other towers, water tanks, mechanical equipment, elevator towers, nontower wind turbines, and screening for such features may be permitted up to five feet in excess of applicable height limits, provided the area of such elements does not exceed 15 percent of roof area. Mechanical equipment shall be screened from view. The Design Review Board may approve features up to 10 feet in excess of applicable height limits, if it finds the feature necessary for compelling practical reasons, or if it would significantly enhance building aesthetics.
C. Fence, Hedge or Other Screen Height Limitations.
1. No fence or any type of vertical screening material used to provide privacy, visual or otherwise, hedge, or other screen planting shall exceed six feet in height in any required side or rear yard area;
a. Except that two feet of lattice may be attached to fences no more than six feet in height.
2. No fence or any type of vertical screening material used to provide privacy, visual or otherwise, hedge or other screen planting shall be in excess of three and one-half feet in height in the following areas:
a. The required front yard; or
b. The required street side yard of a corner lot, except if it is at or behind the required street side yard setback and at the rear of the main residence; or
c. That part of the rear yard of a corner lot which abuts the required front yard of a key lot; or
d. Within the triangular area 35 feet from the street corner on any corner lot; or
e. Within the required rear yard of a through lot.
3. The limitations of this section shall not apply where a greater height is required by any other ordinance or where specified as a condition of approval of a conditional use permit or site plan approval.
D. Front Yard Garden Features.
1. An open entry arbor not more than nine feet in height nor six feet in width may be permitted in a required front yard.
2. Ornamental garden features may be permitted in a required front yard, provided such features are located at least five feet from any property line, are not more than six feet in height, nor three feet in width. (Ord. 1111, 2018)