Aurora City Zoning Code
SECTION 6
RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS
§ 6.1 General Purpose and Description.
The R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4 and R-MH residential districts are established as single-family residential districts. The R-MF district is established as a multifamily residential district.
(Ordinance O-06-0403Z adopted 7/3/2007)
§ 6.2 R-1 - Single-Family Residential District - Low Density.
6.2.1.
General Purpose and Description.
R-1 Single-Family Residential District is designed to accommodate single-family residential development on large lots.
6.2.2.
Permitted Uses.
A building or premise in an R-1 District shall be used only for the following purposes:
6.2.2.1.
Uses in an R-1 District as listed in Appendix 1 of this Ordinance.
6.2.3.
Permitted Specific Uses.
The following specific uses shall be permitted in an R-1 District, when authorized by a specific use permit granted in accordance with Section 15 of this Ordinance:
6.2.3.1.
Specific Uses in an R-1 District as listed in Appendix 1 of this Ordinance.
6.2.4.
Height and Area Regulations.
See Appendix 2, Area, Setback, Height, and Coverage Regulations in an R-1 District.
6.2.5.
Parking Regulations.
A minimum of two (2) covered spaces behind the front yard line for single-family dwelling units. Other off-street parking spaces regulations are set forth in Section 10.1.
(Ordinance O-06-0403Z adopted 7/3/2007)
§ 6.3 R-2 - Single-Family Residential District - Low Density.
6.3.1.
General Purpose and Description.
R-2 Single-Family Residential District is designed to accommodate mid-size lot developments of low density single-family residential development. The district can be appropriately located in proximity to multifamily residential areas and certain neighborhood local retail and office uses, with appropriate screening or buffering. Densities in this district will not exceed four (4) units per gross acre.
6.3.2.
Permitted Uses.
A building or premises in an R-2 District shall be used only for the following purposes:
6.3.2.1.
Uses in an R-2 District as listed in Appendix 1 of this Ordinance.
6.3.3.
Permitted Specific Uses.
The following specific uses shall be permitted in an R-2 District, when authorized by a specific use permit granted in accordance with Section 15 of this Ordinance:
6.3.3.1.
Specific Uses in an R-2 District as listed Appendix 1 of this Ordinance.
6.3.4.
Height and Area Regulations.
See Appendix 2, Area, Setback, Height, and Coverage Regulations in an R-2 District.
6.3.5.
Parking Regulations.
A minimum of two (2) covered, enclosed parking spaces shall be provided per unit behind the building line. Other off-street parking space regulations are set forth in Section 10.1.
(Ordinance O-06-0403Z adopted 7/3/2007)
§ 6.4 R-3 - Single-Family Residential District - Medium Density.
6.4.1.
General Purpose and Description.
The R-3 Single-Family Residential District is intended to provide for medium density single-family residential development. This district functions as a buffer or transition between major streets, nonresidential areas and lower density residential areas.
6.4.2.
Permitted Uses.
A building or premises in an R-3 District shall be used only for the following purposes:
6.4.2.1.
Uses in an R-3 District as listed in Appendix 1 of this Ordinance.
6.4.3.
Permitted Specific Uses.
The following specific uses shall be permitted in an R-3 District, when authorized by a specific use permit granted in accordance with Section 15 of this Ordinance:
6.4.3.1.
Specific Uses in an R-3 District as listed in Appendix 1 of this Ordinance.
6.4.4.
Height and Area Regulations.
See Appendix 2, Area, Setback, Height, and Coverage Regulations in an R-3 District.
6.4.5.
Parking Regulations.
A minimum of one (1) covered, enclosed parking space shall be provided per unit behind the front yard line. Other off-street parking space regulations are set forth in Section 10.1.
(Ordinance O-06-0403Z adopted 7/3/2007)
§ 6.5 R-4 - Single-Family Residential District - High Density.
6.5.1.
General Purpose and Description.
R-4 Single-Family Residential District is intended to provide for medium density single-family residential development.
6.5.2.
Permitted Uses.
A building or premises in an R-4 District shall be used only for the following purposes:
6.5.2.1.
Uses in an R-4 District as listed in Appendix 1 of this Ordinance.
6.5.3.
Permitted Specific Uses.
The following specific uses shall be permitted in an R-4 district, when authorized by a specific use permit granted in accordance with Section 15 of this Ordinance:
6.5.3.1.
Specific Uses in an R-4 District as listed in Appendix 1 of this Ordinance.
6.5.4.
Height and Area Regulations.
See Appendix 2, Area, Setback, Height, and Coverage Regulations in an R-4 District.
6.5.5.
Parking Regulations.
A minimum of one (1) covered, enclosed parking space shall be provided per unit behind the front yard line. Other off-street parking space regulations are set forth in Section 10.1.
(Ordinance O-06-0403Z adopted 7/3/2007)
§ 6.6 R-MH - Manufactured Home Park District.
6.6.1.
General Purpose and Description.
The Manufactured Home Park District is intended to provide for quality mobile home subdivision development containing many of the characteristics and the atmosphere of a standard single-family subdivision. For Manufactured Home Parks, the minimum lot area shall be not less than five thousand (5,000) square feet per manufactured home lot when a public sewer system serves the park. Where a public sewer system is not available, and septic tanks are used for on-site sewage disposal, the minimum lot area shall be one (1) acre per manufactured home. The minimum size of any manufactured home park shall be five (5) acres.
6.6.2.
Permitted Uses.
A building or premises in an R-MH District shall be used only for the following purposes:
6.6.2.1.
Uses in an R-MH District as listed in Appendix 1 of this Ordinance.
6.6.3.
Permitted Specific Uses.
The following specific uses shall be permitted in the R-MH District, when authorized by a specific use permit granted in accordance with Section 15 of this Ordinance:
6.6.3.1.
Specific Uses in an R-MH District as listed in Appendix 1 of this Ordinance.
6.6.4.
Height and Area Regulations.
See Appendix 2, Area, Setback, Height, and Coverage Regulations in an R-MH District.
6.6.5.
Parking Requirements.
Two (2) spaces shall be provided per unit located on the lot plus additional spaces for accessory uses as required in Section 10.1.
6.6.6.
Additional Restrictions Applicable to R-MH District
6.6.6.1.
Manufactured housing design and construction will comply with construction and safety standards published by the Department of Housing and Urban Development pursuant to the requirements of the National Mobile Home and Safety Standards Act of 1974 and all manufactured homes will be subject to inspection by the Building Official.
6.6.6.2.
All manufactured homes shall be set on solid slab structure and/or 18" to 20" runners. Additional rooms and enclosed porches shall be constructed on a solid slab.
6.6.6.3.
Tie-downs will be required and will be secured prior to occupancy.
6.6.6.4.
Underpinning and skirting of like material and color or better is required and will be installed prior to occupancy.
6.6.6.5.
Accessory buildings will be either manufactured or constructed in accordance with City codes. Accessory buildings must be set a minimum of ten (10) feet away from a residential structure.
6.6.6.6.
All manufactured homes and modular homes shall comply with all regulations of the State of Texas and such regulations are hereby incorporated into this section.
(Ordinance O-06-0403Z adopted 7/3/2007)
§ 6.7 R-MF - Multifamily Residential District.
6.7.1.
General Purpose and Description.
The Multifamily Residential District is intended to provide for medium to higher density residential development. This district functions as a buffer or transition between major streets, nonresidential areas, or higher density residential areas and lower density residential areas. Density in this district does not ordinarily exceed fifteen (15) units per gross acre but can reach a maximum of twenty-five (25) units per gross acre if special fire protection requirements are observed.
6.7.2.
Permitted Uses.
A building or premises in an R-MF District shall be used only for the following purposes:
6.7.2.1.
Three (3) or more single-family attached dwelling units, provided that no more than seven (7) dwelling units are attached in one continuous row or group.
6.7.2.2.
Other uses in an R-MF District as listed in Appendix 1 of this Ordinance.
6.7.3.
Permitted Specific Uses.
The following specific uses shall be permitted in an R-MF District when authorized by a Specific Use Permit granted in accordance with Section 15 of this Ordinance:
6.7.3.1.
Specific Uses in an R-MF District as listed in Appendix 1 of this Ordinance.
6.7.4.
Height and Area Regulations.
See Appendix 2, Area, Setback, Height, and Coverage Regulations for an R-MF District. When buildings exceed one (1) story in height, such buildings shall be constructed in accordance with existing building and fire codes.
6.7.5.
Parking Regulations.
Two and one-half (2.5) off-street parking spaces shall be provided per dwelling unit. Required parking may not be provided within the required front yard. Other off-street parking spaces regulations are set forth in Section 10.
6.7.6.
Refuse Facilities.
Every dwelling unit in a multifamily complex shall be located within two hundred fifty (250) feet of a refuse facility, measured along the designated pedestrian and vehicular travel way. There shall be available at all times at least six (6) cubic yards of refuse container per thirty (30) multifamily dwelling units. For complexes with less than thirty (30) units, no less than four (4) cubic yards of refuse container shall be provided. Each refuse facility shall be screened for [from] view on three (3) sides from persons standing at ground level on the site or immediately adjoining property, by an opaque fence or wall of wood or masonry not less than six (6) feet nor more than eight (8) feet in height or by an enclosure within a building. Refuse containers shall be provided and maintained in a manner to satisfy City public health and sanitary regulations. Each refuse facility shall be located so as to provide safe and convenient pickup by refuse collection agencies.
6.7.7.
Screening Fence.
Border fencing of wood or masonry of not less than six (6) feet in height shall be installed by the builder at the time of construction of any multifamily complex, along the property line on any perimeter not abutting a public street or right-of-way. This fence shall be maintained throughout the existence of the multifamily complex by the owner of the complex.
6.7.8.
Special Fire Protection Requirements.
Whenever densities of greater than fifteen (15) units per acre are present, each building in the development shall at the time of the construction, and thereafter be operated in accordance with currently applicable building and fire safety codes.
(Ordinance O-06-0403Z adopted 7/3/2007)
§ 6.8 Temporary Residential - Recreational Vehicles - Uses.
6.8.1.
Recreational Vehicle is defined by Section 4.2. Definitions, of this Ordinance.
6.8.2.
Location.
RV parks shall be located in an area indicated on the zoning map, as legal nonconforming use. Additional parks must seek a zoning change hearing through the Planning and Zoning Commission.
6.8.3.
Size and density
6.8.3.1.
Each RV park must have a minimum size of two (2) acres, with a maximum of five (5) acres.
6.8.3.2.
The maximum site density for RV parks shall be twenty (20) sites per acre.
6.8.3.3.
Only one (1) recreational vehicle is permitted per recreational vehicle site.
6.8.3.4.
Size of individual sites; pad requirements; landscaping.
(a) Each recreational vehicle site within the RV park shall have a minimum area of one thousand nine hundred fifty (1,950) square feet and shall be at least thirty (30) feet wide and sixty-five (65) feet in depth. The sites shall be designed as pull-through for ease of entering and leaving the site. A roadway is therefore required to the front and rear. In addition, the space shall be clearly marked identifying the space number.
6.8.4.
Temporary occupancy of RVs in residential zones, during permitted construction period.
6.8.4.1.
In the best interests of public health and safety, and in an effort to maintain the integrity of individual septic systems, using an RV as a permanent residence or satellite bedroom for a primary residence, is expressly prohibited by this ordinance.
6.8.4.2.
It is the intent of the town to allow for temporary occupancy of RVs in residential zones based on the following:
a.
All rules of the underlying zoning district must be met.
b.
On-street parking of RVs is prohibited.
c.
Residential owner-builders may live temporarily in an RV, on his/her lot, no longer than 180 days, the duration of the permit. Exceptions may be granted by the Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z). Those requesting an exception must submit a written request for consideration according to existing rules for such. The P&Z shall review the request during public meetings and make a determination that an exception is prudent because it helps promote owner-builder goals contained in city policies and will not harm the public health, safety, or welfare. The P&Z may impose conditions to mitigate any anticipated nuisance.
d.
When occupying an RV under the provisions of this chapter, power cords and water hoses are allowed for utility hook-ups. Occupants are expressly prohibited from tying in to the septic system anytime during the visit unless connecting via an approved hook-up at the host's residence.
e.
Whether occupied or not, the area surrounding an RV parked in a residential zone must be kept tidy and free from trash and debris.
f.
Residents are permitted to host RV guests on their privately owned residential lots for no greater than 30 days with no encumbrances. No extensions will be granted beyond this time period.
(Ordinance O-06-0403Z adopted 7/3/2007)