Algona City Zoning Code
22.24 R-M
Medium Density Residential District
22.24.010 Intent.
The R-M medium density residential district is intended to allow for a variety of housing types and densities; to help meet the need for a range of affordable housing; and to promote residential development at densities that will allow for pedestrian access to commercial establishments, employment, and parks or recreation opportunities. Consistent with applicable housing discrimination laws, it is the intent of this chapter to encourage fair and equal housing opportunities and access for all persons, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, family status, source of income or disability. (Ord. 1255-25 § 5, 2025; Ord. 1190-21 § 2, 2021; Ord. 965-05 § 4).
22.24.020 Permitted uses.
Permitted uses in the R-M medium density residential district shall be consistent with Chapter 22.33 AMC, Land Use Table. (Ord. 1190-21 § 2, 2021; Ord. 1059-12 § 12; Ord. 965-05 § 4).
22.24.030 Accessory building and uses.
The following are permitted as accessory and shall occupy no more than ten percent of the lot area, unless otherwise stated, in the R-M medium density residential district:
A. Private garages or carports;
B. Noncommercial greenhouses and storage sheds;
C. Private structures to provide shelter for animals;
D. Uses normally incidental to residential structures;
E. Restrictions for accessory buildings (see AMC 22.24.060 for yard restrictions):
1. Accessory structures shall be no less than five feet from the lot line. (Ord. 1190-21 § 2, 2021; Ord. 965-05 § 4).
22.24.040 Conditional uses.
Conditional uses in the R-M medium density residential district shall be consistent with Chapter 22.33 AMC, Land Use Table. (Ord. 1190-21 § 2, 2021; Ord. 1059-12 § 12; Ord. 965-05 § 4).
22.24.050 Prohibited uses.
Prohibited uses in the R-M medium density residential district shall be consistent with Chapter 22.33 AMC, Land Use Table. (Ord. 1190-21 § 2, 2021; Ord. 1059-12 § 12; Ord. 965-05 § 4).
22.24.060 Development standards.
Minimum front yard | 10 feet1 |
Minimum side yard | 5 feet 1 |
Minimum rear yard | 15 feet 2 |
Minimum street setback, garage or carport | 20 feet |
Minimum lot area | |
Minimum lot width | 50 feet5 |
Minimum lot depth | N/A |
Maximum lot coverage | 65% |
Maximum height | 25 feet6 |
Minimum street frontage | 30 feet7 |
Maximum density | 17 dwelling units per acre4 |
1No structure, including accessory buildings, shall be constructed in the required front or side yard.
2No structure, including accessory buildings, shall be constructed in that portion of any rear yard adjacent to or within ten feet of any adjoining front yard, adjacent to or within five feet of an adjoining yard, or within fifteen feet of any public street.
3The minimum lot area for assisted senior living facilities, nursing homes, and senior housing shall be fifteen thousand square feet.
4The maximum density for single-family dwellings shall be eight dwelling units per acre.
5The minimum lot width for assisted senior living facilities, nursing homes, and senior housing shall be one hundred fifty feet.
6The maximum height of middle housing or an accessory dwelling unit shall be thirty-six feet when the living space is stacked over a garage. See Diagram 22.24.060A.
7The minimum street frontage for flag lots shall be twenty feet. See Diagram 22.24.060B.
Figure 22.24.060A.
Figure 22.24.060B.
(Ord. 1255-25 § 5, 2025; Ord. 1190-21 § 2, 2021; Ord. 1059-12 § 12; Ord. 965-05 § 4).
22.24.070 Performance standards.
Repealed by Ord. 1190-21. (Ord. 965-05 § 4).
22.24.080 Fences and hedges.
Fences and hedges requirements in the R-M medium density residential district shall conform to the heights as specified in Chapter 22.62 AMC, Fences, Hedges and Walls. (Ord. 1190-21 § 2, 2021; Ord. 965-05 § 4).
22.24.090 Parking.
Minimum off-street parking requirements in an R-M medium density residential district shall be as specified in Chapter 22.40 AMC, Off-Street Parking and Loading. (Ord. 1190-21 § 2, 2021; Ord. 965-05 § 4).
22.24.100 Landscaping.
Minimum landscaping requirements in an R-M medium density residential district shall be as provided in Chapter 22.60 AMC, Landscaping. (Ord. 1190-21 § 2, 2021; Ord. 965-05 § 4).
22.24.110 Supplemental standards.
Repealed by Ord. 1190-21. (Ord. 1059-12 § 12).