define lot types

In Nevada City's zoning code, a Lot is broadly defined as a parcel of land shown on a subdivision map, record of survey, or described by metes and bounds and recorded with the county. To qualify as a building site, it must be under single ownership, meet the minimum area requirements for its specific zone, and possess frontage or access via an adequate easement to a public street or highway [Section 17.12.200, p. 9].

For architectural and site planning purposes, the code distinguishes between several specific lot types and configurations:

Primary Lot Types

• Corner Lot: A lot located at the intersection of two or more streets where the angle of intersection is no more than 135 degrees [Section 17.12.220, p. 10].
• Interior Lot: Defined simply as any lot that is not a corner lot [Section 17.12.250, p. 10].
• Through Lot: A lot that has frontage on two parallel or approximately parallel streets [Section 17.12.310, p. 11].
• Reversed Corner Lot: A specific type of corner lot where the side street line is essentially a continuation of the front lot line of the lot located to its rear [Section 17.12.300, p. 11].
• Key Lot: This refers to the first interior lot located to the rear of a reversed corner lot, provided it is not separated from that lot by an alley [Section 17.12.260, p. 10].

Lot Measurements and Boundaries

Understanding these definitions is critical for determining setbacks and allowable building envelopes:

• Lot Line, Front: For interior lots, this is the line separating the lot from the street. For corner lots, the owner may choose which street to designate as the front; however, once this choice is made, it is permanent unless all yard space requirements are complied with [Section 17.12.270, p. 10].
• Lot Line, Rear: The boundary opposite and most distant from the front lot line. In the case of irregular triangular lots, the rear line is defined as a line 10 feet in length within the lot, parallel to and at the maximum distance from the front lot line [Section 17.12.280, p. 11].
• Lot Line, Side: Any lot boundary that is not classified as a front or rear lot line [Section 17.12.290, p. 11].
• Lot Depth: The horizontal distance between the front and rear lot lines, measured along the longitudinal center line [Section 17.12.240, p. 10].
• Lot Width: The horizontal distance between side lot lines, measured at right angles to the lot depth at a point midway between the front and rear lot lines [Section 17.12.320, p. 11].
• Lot Coverage: This is the percentage of the gross lot area covered by structures, paving, walks, and any other impervious surfaces that prevent natural precipitation from reaching the ground [Section 17.12.230, p. 10].

Sections Cited

• 17.12.200 - Lot (p. 9)
• 17.12.220 - Lot, corner (p. 10)
• 17.12.230 - Lot coverage (p. 10)
• 17.12.240 - Lot depth (p. 10)
• 17.12.250 - Lot, interior (p. 10)
• 17.12.260 - Lot, key (p. 10)
• 17.12.270 - Lot line, front (p. 10)
• 17.12.280 - Lot line, rear (p. 11)
• 17.12.290 - Lot line, side (p. 11)
• 17.12.300 - Lot, reversed corner (p. 11)
• 17.12.310 - Lot, through (p. 11)
• 17.12.320 - Lot width (p. 11)