Columbia Neighborhood protection standards ordinance (§ 29-4.7)

(a) Intent. This section is intended to preserve the residential neighborhood character of established homes within multi-family districts and adjacent to mixed use or special districts.

(b) Applicability. These standards apply:

(1) To all lots in the R-MF district that contain a principle use other than a single- or two-family dwelling; and

(2) To all lots located in any district other than the R-1 and R-2 districts that shares a side or rear lot line with a lot in the R-1 or R-2 district.

(c) Building height. Buildings constructed after the effective date of this Code with a height greater than thirty (30) feet shall reduce the perceived height of the building when viewed from abutting lots by using at least one of the following techniques:

(1) "Stepping down" building height of any portion of the building within twenty-five (25) feet of the contiguous side and rear lot lines to a maximum of twenty-four (24) feet.

(2) Increasing the contiguous side yard and rear yard setbacks a minimum of ten (10) feet beyond that otherwise required in the district where the property is located.

(d) Screening and buffering. The standards of section 29-4.4(e) shall apply.

(e) Lighting height. The maximum height of any lighting pole within fifty (50) feet of the side or rear lot lines shall be twenty (20) feet. All lighting shall be directed downward or otherwise situated as to prevent visible glare from beyond the property lines.

(f) Building orientation.

(1) All newly constructed non-accessory structures erected shall provide front entrances, windows and any porches oriented to the street from which it is addressed.

(2) For the purposes of applying setback regulations, the following shall be applied: the front shall be toward the street or access corridor from which the lot is addressed; the rear is opposite to the front or as nearly so as the lot shape permits; and the sides are ninety (90) degrees to the front or as nearly so as the lot shape permits.

(g) Lot combination. No lot in any existing subdivision may be combined with another lot without complying with the requirements of section 29-5.2.