This district is intended to provide a moderate density, single and two (2) family residential living environment and to foster stable, high quality neighborhoods while providing for additional variety in housing opportunities and choices. At the same time the regulations for this district recognize the need to preserve existing housing stock, allow infill development within older subdivisions, and provide housing that is affordable for the present and future residents of Belding. Non-residential uses are only allowed to the extent that they serve to further the creation of stable residential neighborhoods.

No land and/or buildings in the R-3 district shall be used, erected, altered or converted, in whole or in part, except for the following purposes by right:

A.

Any permitted use in the R-1 district.

B.

Two-family dwellings, including conversions of existing single-family detached dwellings to two (2) family dwellings.

No land and/or buildings in the R-3 district shall be used, except for the following purposes when approved by the planning commission in accordance with the requirements of chapter 17.

A.

Any special land use permitted in the R-1 district.

B.

Bed and breakfast establishments.

All permitted uses and special land uses are subject to the following site development requirements:

A.

Site plan review is required for all special land uses in accordance with chapter 16, section 16.1.

B.

Landscaping and screening is required in accordance with chapter 16, section 16.2.

C.

Parking is required in accordance with chapter 16, section 16.3.

D.

Signs are permitted in accordance with the requirements of chapter 16, section 16.4.

E.

Setbacks, height, area, and lot dimension requirements shall be met as noted in chapter 15, District Regulations.

F.

No structure shall have an open or covered stairway outside the regular framework of the house, except those which provide access to patios, exterior decks, and other similar features.

G.

Sidewalks shall be constructed on all sides of the property abutting a public street, in accordance with city standards, with the following exception:

The planning commission may grant individual relief from the sidewalk requirements when the following conditions exist:

1.

The sidewalk is not an integral part of the "walkable community" sidewalk system as defined by the planning commission (where sidewalks are required to link neighborhoods, schools, parks and downtown).

2.

There are no public safety issues presented by the absence of a sidewalk.

3.

The sidewalk is not required to complete or provide continuity of a current or proposed pedestrian or bicycle circulation system.

4.

The proposed sidewalk is part of the proposed pathway master plan system for the city.

( Ord. No. 543 , § 4, 9-20-16)