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Butler City Zoning Code

ARTICLE VI

Supplemental Regulations

§ 26-156 Automobile service stations, parking garages and parking areas.

[Z.O., § 8.05]
(a) 
Entrance, distance requirements. No automobile service or filling station, parking area for 25 or more passenger motor vehicles, trucks or buses, or parking garage or automobile repair shop, shall have an entrance or exit for vehicles within 200 feet along the same side of a street of any school, public playground, the entrance to a public park or cemetery, monastery, church, hospital, public library or institution for dependents or for children, except where such property is in another block or on another street which the lot in question does not abut.
(b) 
Oil draining, etc. No automobile service station or public garage shall be permitted where any oil draining pit, hydraulic hoists, lubrication and greasing devices, repair equipment and similar appurtenances, other than filling caps, are located within 12 feet of any street lot line or within 25 feet of any R district, except where such appurtenances are within a building.
(c) 
Automobile service station enclosure. Except in C-1 and I districts, no automobile service station shall be erected or constructed, and no alteration or improvement shall be made to any existing nonconforming service station, unless the premises upon which such station is, or is intended to be located shall be enclosed in the rear and on the sides by a solid masonry wall not less than six feet high. The first ten-foot section of such wall, measured from the street right-of-way line, may be stepped down to two feet at the right-of-way line, following a pattern of appropriate design.

§ 26-157 Dwelling groups.

[Z.O., § 8.06]
(a) 
Zoning inspector may issue zoning certificate. With planning commission approval, a zoning certificate for the erection of a dwelling group, in any district where permitted, may be issued by the zoning inspector, provided such dwelling group conforms to all the conditions and requirements in this section.
(b) 
Minimum lot area. The area of the lot on which the dwelling group is to be erected shall be at least equal to the aggregate of the minimum lot areas otherwise required for the individual dwellings in the group.
(c) 
Dwellings to front on street or other open space, distances. Each dwelling in the group shall front either on a street, or other permanent public open space at least 30 feet wide, or on a common yard or outer court.
(1) 
The least width of such yard, if flanked by buildings on one side only, shall be:
Building Height
Minimum Width
(feet)
1 — 1 1/2 stories
30
2 — 2 1/2 stories
35
3 stories
40
(2) 
If flanked by buildings on both sides, the least width of such yard shall be:
Building Height
Minimum Width
(feet)
1 — 1 1/2 stories
40
2 — 2 1/2 stories
50
3 stories
60
(3) 
In each case the distances between principal buildings, other than the distances specified above, shall not be less than the sum of the least widths of side yards required in the district in which the dwelling group is to be located.
(d) 
Distance between buildings and nearest lot lines. The distance between principal buildings and the nearest lot lines, other than a front lot line, shall be not less than the height of the building, nor less than 20 feet in any case.
(e) 
Access road, distance. Every dwelling in the dwelling group shall be within 60 feet of a private access roadway or drive, having a right-of-way at least 20 feet wide, providing vehicular access from a public street, and within 500 feet, measured along the route of vehicular access, from a public street, and providing an adequate turnaround.
(f) 
Compliance, other ordinance requirements. Except as modified in this section, such dwelling group shall conform to all the requirements of this chapter for the district in which it is to be located.

§ 26-158 Community development projects.

[Z.O., § 8.07]
(a) 
Projects, where located. In any R-2, R-3, or R-4 district, the owners of an undeveloped tract of land comprising not less than four acres may submit to the planning commission a plan for the use and development of all of such tract of land for residential purposes or for the repair or alteration of any existing housing development on such tract.
(b) 
Commission findings. It shall be the duty of the planning commission to investigate and ascertain whether the proposed residential development plan complies with the following conditions:
(1) 
Consistency with zoning ordinance. That the plan is consistent with the intent and purpose of this chapter.
(2) 
Adjacent property, no adverse effect. The property adjacent to the area included in the plan will not be adversely affected.
(3) 
Residential use only. That the buildings are to be used only for residential purposes and usual accessory uses, such as garages, storage space, recreational and community activities, including churches.
(4) 
Lot area per family. That the average lot area per family or dwelling unit contained in the site, exclusive of the area of streets, will not be less than 80% of the lot area per family required in the district in which the site is located, or in the case of the conversion of an existing structure to a community development project the lot area per family must conform to the requirements of the district in which it would normally be classified.
(5) 
Off-street parking. That there are to be provided off-street parking facilities in accordance with the requirements of Division 3 of this article.
(6) 
Recreation facilities. That there are to be provided, as a part of a proposed new development, recreational facilities to serve the needs of the anticipated population to be housed therein as follows:
a. 
Recreation area, projects over 20 acres: In case any lot or tract on which a residence development or dwelling group is to be erected contains 20 acres or more, at least 5% of the acreage of such lot shall be set aside and developed as a neighborhood playground or playgrounds.
b. 
Recreation area, projects under 20 acres: In case of a lot under 20 acres in area with more than 50 dwelling units, the required area of play lots shall be 2,000 square feet plus 30 square feet for each dwelling unit in excess of 50.
c. 
Recreation area modifications: These requirements for the provision of recreation areas may be modified or waived by the planning commission where in its opinion adequate public recreation areas are available nearby, or where justified in view of the availability of suitable yard space or the type of occupancy the dwelling units are designed to accommodate, or if such a development is in fact the modification of an existing structure to a community development project.
(c) 
Height and yard modifications. The height limitations applicable in the district in which a community development project is located may be modified, provided the following requirements are complied with:
(1) 
No principal building or structure shall exceed a height equal to two times the distance between the building line and the centerline of the street on which it fronts. No accessory structure shall exceed two stories or 25 feet in height, except as provided in this chapter.
(2) 
The gross area of the project shall comprise not less than 10 acres.
(3) 
For each foot of building height over 40 feet, the distance between such building and the side or rear property line of the community development project area shall be increased by one-half foot in addition to the side and rear yard required in the district, provided that this additional setback shall not be considered part of the side and rear yards.
(4) 
High-rise buildings shall be located within a community development project in such a way as to dissipate any adverse impact on adjoining low-rise buildings.
(d) 
Report furnished to board. A report of its findings and recommendations shall be furnished by the planning commission to the board of adjustment.
(e) 
Board may authorize project. Following a public hearing by the board, and if the board finds that the proposed residential development plan is consistent with the intent and purpose of this chapter, it may authorize the zoning inspector to issue a zoning clearance permit, even though the use of the land and location of the buildings to be erected and the yards and open spaces contemplated by the plan do not conform in all respects to the regulations of this chapter for the district in which the site of the proposed development is located.
(f) 
Fees. Each application for authorization of a community development project shall be accompanied by a check payable to the City or a cash payment in the amount of $25.

§ 26-159 Planned shopping centers.

[Z.O., § 8.08; Ord. No. 1185, 4-15-2025]
(a) 
Minimum area. The owner of a tract of land located in any commercial district and containing not less than two acres may submit to the planning commission for its review a preliminary plan for the use and development of such tract of land for a planned shopping center.
(b) 
Commission findings. In accepting such a plan for review the commission shall investigate and ascertain the following:
(1) 
Adequate size. That the proposed shopping center is adequate but not excessive in size for the population which may reasonably be expected to be served by such center.
(2) 
Traffic congestion to be avoided. That the proposed shopping center is at a location where traffic congestion does not exist at present on the streets to be utilized for access, and where such congestion will not likely be created by the proposed center; or where such congestion will be obviated by proposed public improvements of access thoroughfares and by appropriate provisions in the shopping center plan for proper entrances and exits and internal facilities for traffic circulation and parking.
(3) 
Integrated design. That the plan provides for a shopping center consisting of one or several groups of establishments in buildings of integrated and harmonious design together with properly arranged facilities for traffic and parking, landscaping and other features which tend to create an attractive and efficient shopping center, convenient, pleasant and safe to use, which would harmoniously fit into and have no appreciable adverse effects on the adjoining or surrounding development.
(c) 
Permitted uses. The uses permitted in a neighborhood shopping center shall be those retail business, commercial, and service uses permitted in the C-1 planned business district. No residential, heavy commercial or industrial uses shall be permitted, or any use other than a use necessary or desirable to supply with goods or services the surrounding neighborhood or community, as the case may be.
(d) 
Standards applicable. The following minimum standards shall be observed in the design of shopping centers:
(1) 
Building heights. No building shall exceed 2 1/2 stories or 35 feet in height.
(2) 
Yards. No building shall be less than 50 feet distant from any boundary of the tract on which the shopping center is located. The center shall be permanently screened from all adjoining properties located in any residential district by a solid wall or fence or compact hedge not less than four feet in height. Such screen shall be placed at least five feet from the property line and the space between such property line and the screen shall be properly landscaped and maintained.
(3) 
Tract coverage. The ground area occupied by all the buildings of the center shall not exceed in the aggregate 25% of the total area of the lot or tract.
(4) 
Customer parking space. Any other requirements of this chapter notwithstanding, there shall be provided at least two square feet of off-street parking area, including driveways for every square foot of total rental floor space, not including basement storage space, in an integrated neighborhood shopping center; and two square feet of off-street parking area for every square foot of total rental floor space, not including basement storage space in an integrated community shopping center.
(5) 
Loading space. Any other requirements of this chapter notwithstanding, there shall be provided one off-street loading or unloading space for each 10,000 square feet or fraction thereof of aggregate floor space of all buildings in the center. At least one-third of the space required shall be sufficient in area and vertical clearance to accommodate trucks of the tractor-trailer type.
(6) 
Illumination of accessways and parking areas. Accessways and parking areas shall be lighted adequately with mushroom type lighting fixtures which shall be so installed as to reflect light away from adjoining properties.
(7) 
Signs. Subject to express approval by the commission, all signs within the center shall be controlled by written agreement between the owners and tenants of the center, or otherwise, to avoid excessive advertising and to ensure a harmonious appearance to the center as a whole. In a shopping center, all signs shall only be indirectly illuminated with white light. All signs shall conform to the distance requirements from property lines established for the buildings in the center.
(e) 
Final development plan. Upon determination by the commission that the proposed shopping center, as shown by the preliminary plan, appears to conform to the requirements of this article and all other applicable requirements of this chapter, the proponents shall prepare and submit a final development plan, which plan shall incorporate the changes or modifications, if any, required by the commission.
(f) 
Recommendations to City Council. If the final development plan is found to comply with the requirements set forth in this article and other applicable provisions of this chapter, the commission shall submit the plan with its report and recommendations, together with the required application by the proponents of the necessary change in zoning classification of the site of the proposed center, to the City Council, which shall hold a public hearing on both the development plan and application for a change in zoning.
(g) 
Rezoning. Following said public hearing, the Council may modify the plan, consistent with the intent and meaning of this chapter, for development in substantial conformity with the final plan, as approved by the Council.
(h) 
Adjustments to be authorized by commission. After the final development plan has been approved by the Council, and in the course of carrying out this plan, adjustments or rearrangements of buildings, parking areas, loading areas, entrances, heights, or yards, may be requested by the proponents, and provided such requests conform to the standards established by the final development plan and this chapter, such adjustments or rearrangements may be authorized by the commission.

§ 26-160 Private swimming pools.

[Z.O., § 8.09; Ord. No. 1185, 4-15-2025]
(a) 
A private swimming pool, as regulated herein, shall be any pool, pond, lake or open tank, not located within a completely enclosed building, and containing or normally capable of containing water to a depth at any point greater than 1 1/2 feet. No such swimming pool shall be allowed in any R district except as an accessory use to a residence or as a private club facility and unless it complies with this section.
(b) 
The pool shall be intended and shall be used solely for the enjoyment of the occupants of the principal building of the property on which it is located and their guests.
(c) 
The pool may be located anywhere on the premises except in required front yards, provided it shall not be located closer than 10 feet to any property line of the property on which located; provided, further, that pump and filter installations shall be located not closer than 20 feet to any property line.
(d) 
The swimming pool, or the entire property on which it is located, shall be so walled or fenced as to prevent uncontrolled access by children from the street or from adjacent properties.
(e) 
Adequate provision for drainage shall be made subject to approval by the superintendent of utilities.
(f) 
Any lighting used to illuminate the pool area shall be so arranged as to deflect the light away from adjoining properties.
(g) 
No person shall construct or install a swimming pool or make any alteration therein or in the appurtenances thereof without having first submitted an application and plans therefore to the zoning inspector.

§ 26-161 Extraction of minerals.

[Z.O., § 8.10]
(a) 
General requirements. Any owner, lessee or other person having an interest in mineral lands in the A-1 district may file with the board an application for authorization to mine minerals therefrom; provided, however, that he shall comply with all requirements of the district in which the property is located, and with the following additional requirements:
(1) 
Distance from property lines. No quarrying operation shall be carried on or any stock pile placed closer than 50 feet to any property line, unless a greater distance is specified by the board where such is deemed necessary for the protection of adjacent property; provided that this distance requirement may be reduced to 25 feet by written consent of the owner or owners of the abutting property.
(2) 
Distance from public right-of-way. If the site of the mining or quarrying operation is adjacent to the right-of-way of any public street or road, no part of such operation shall take place closer than 25 feet to the nearest line of such right-of-way.
(3) 
Fencing. Fencing shall be erected and maintained around the entire site or portions thereof where in the opinion of the board such fencing is necessary for the protection of the public safety, and shall be of type specified by the board.
(4) 
Equipment. All equipment and machinery shall be operated and maintained in such manner as to minimize dust, noise and vibration. Access roads shall be maintained in dust-free condition by surfacing or other treatment as may be specified by the superintendent of utilities.
(5) 
Processing. The crushing, washing and refining or other similar processing may be authorized by the board as an accessory use; provided, however, that such accessory processing shall not be in conflict with the use regulations of the district in which the operation is located.
(b) 
Applicant's financial ability. In accepting such plan for review, the board must be satisfied that the proponents are financially able to carry out the proposed mining operation in accordance with the plans and specifications submitted.
(c) 
Application; contents, procedure. An application for such operation shall set forth the following information:
(1) 
Name of the owner or owners of land from which removal is to be made;
(2) 
Name of the applicant making request for such a permit;
(3) 
Name of the person or corporation conducting the actual removal operation;
(4) 
Location, description, and size of the area from which the removal is to be made;
(5) 
Location of processing plant used;
(6) 
Type of resources or materials to be removed;
(7) 
Proposed method of removal and whether or not blasting or other use of explosives will be required;
(8) 
Description of equipment to be used;
(9) 
Method of rehabilitation and reclamation of the mined area.
(d) 
Public hearing. Upon receipt of such application, the board shall set the matter for a public hearing in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
(e) 
Rehabilitation. To guarantee the restoration, rehabilitation, and reclamation of mined-out areas, every applicant granted a mining permit as herein provided, shall furnish a performance bond running to the City, in an amount of not less than $1,000, and not more than $10,000, as a guarantee that such applicant, in restoring, reclaiming and rehabilitating such land, shall within a reasonable time and to the satisfaction of the board, meeting the following minimum requirements:
(1) 
Surface rehabilitation. All excavation shall be made either to a water producing depth, such depth to be not less than five feet below the low water mark, or shall be graded or backfilled with nonnoxious, nonflammable and noncombustible solids, to ensure that the excavated area shall not collect and permit to remain therein stagnant water; or that the surface of such area which is not permanently submerged is graded or backfilled as necessary so as to reduce the peaks and depressions thereof, so as to produce a gently running surface that will minimize erosion due to rainfall and which will be in substantial conformity to the adjoining land area.
(2) 
Vegetation. Vegetation shall be restored by appropriate seeds of grasses or planting of shrubs or trees in all parts of the mining area where such area is not to be submerged under water as hereinabove provided.
(3) 
Banks of excavations not backfilled. The banks of all excavations not backfilled shall be sloped to the water line at a slope which shall not be less than three feet horizontal to one foot vertical and the bank shall be seeded.
(f) 
Additional requirements. In addition to the foregoing the board may impose such other conditions, requirements or limitations concerning the nature, extent of the use, and operation of such mines, quarries or gravel pits as the board may deem necessary for the protection of adjacent properties and the public interest. The conditions and the amount of the performance bond shall be determined by the board prior to issuance of the permit.

§ 26-162 Accessory public utility uses and facilities; all districts.

[Ord. No. 946, § 2, 5-15-2012]
Every public utility, cable company, and video service provider, or other ROW-User (as defined in City Code Section 21-51) providing services by use of facilities within the City shall comply with the supplemental regulations in this section regarding the placement of accessory utility facilities on public or private property. For purposes of this section, "accessory utility facilities" shall mean such facilities, including pedestals, boxes, vaults, cabinets, or other ground-mounted or below-ground facilities, that directly serve the property or local area in which the facility is placed, are not primarily for transmission or distribution to other locations, do not materially alter the character of the neighborhood or area, and otherwise are customarily found in such areas. Unless otherwise required by law, accessory utility facilities shall not include fire hydrants, street lighting facilities, traffic signals, mail depositories or other approved facilities owned [by] the City, state or federal government. Except where limited by other provisions of City ordinance, accessory utility facilities shall be subject to the following supplementary regulations:
(a) 
Approval; design; location; application; notice. The design, location, and nature of all accessory utility facilities on private or public property shall require approval of the City, which approval shall be considered in a nondiscriminatory manner, in conformance with this section, and subject to reasonable permit conditions as may be necessary to meet the requirements of this section. To that end, prior to any construction, excavation, installation, expansion or other work on any accessory utility facility, the accessory utility facility owner shall apply to the City and submit detailed plans for the City's review and approval. Contemporaneous with such application, the accessory utility facility owner shall provide notice to all property owners within 185 feet of the location of the proposed construction, excavation or other work. Such notice shall include a detailed description of the proposed work to be done, the exact location of proposed work and the anticipated time and duration of the proposed work. Notice shall be given at least five business days prior to the commencement of any such work. In considering individual applications or multiple location applications, the City shall review the request to ensure the proposed accessory utility facilities do not impair public safety, harm property values or significant sight-lines, or degrade the aesthetics of the adjoining properties or neighborhood, taking into consideration reasonable alternatives. Any material changes or extensions to such facilities or the construction of any additional structures shall be subject to the requirements and approvals as set forth herein. Unless otherwise prohibited, accessory utility facilities subject to this subsection may be located in minimum setback areas provided that all other requirements are met. To the extent permitted by RSMo 67.2707.1(3), the time, method, manner and location of facilities to be located in the rights-of-way may be established or conditioned by the City to protect the rights-of-way or to ensure public safety. An inspection fee shall be required as may be established by the City to reimburse the City for the costs of review and inspection of accessory utility facilities as may be permitted by applicable law.
(b) 
General regulations. The following general regulations apply to all accessory utility facilities:
(1) 
Accessory utility facilities shall be allowed in all districts only pursuant to the provisions [of] this section of the Butler Zoning Ordinance.
(2) 
All such accessory utility facilities shall be placed underground, except as otherwise provided in Subsections (b), (c), and (d) herein or as approved by conditional use permit.
(3) 
All accessory utility facilities shall be constructed and maintained in such a manner so as not to emit any unnecessary or intrusive noise.
(4) 
Abandoned accessory utility facilities shall be removed within 30 days thereafter at the cost of the utility. All accessory utility facilities for which use has commenced shall be deemed abandoned after six continuous months of non-use.
Land from which abandoned accessory utility facilities are removed, whether private or public property shall be restored within 30 days of removal by the accessory utility facility owner or have costs of such remedies charged to the accessory utility facility owner. The accessory utility facility owner shall restore the land using similar plantings or sod of the same type of grass immediately surrounding the land and shall replace all existing plantings damaged by the removal work with like plantings and shall replace all damaged existing grass areas with sod of the same type of grass as was damaged.
(5) 
Unless otherwise restricted, utility poles for authorized above ground lines or facilities may be permitted up to 35 feet in height, except for arterial roads where such poles may be authorized on one side of such roads at up to 60 feet in height, where utilities are not otherwise required to be placed underground; provided that such poles shall be no higher than necessary, maintained so as to avoid leaning from upright position, and without use of guy wires crossing rights-of-way or pedestrian routes except where approved by the City as necessary due to the lack of feasible alternatives.
(6) 
Accessory utility facilities placed in designated historic areas or upon designated historic landmarks may be subject to additional requirements regarding the placement and appearance of facilities as may be necessary to reasonably avoid or reduce any negative impact of such placement.
(7) 
Any damage to landscaping or vegetation on private or public property during installation or maintenance of accessory utility facilities shall be remedied by the accessory utility facility owner within 30 days of such damage.
(8) 
No accessory utility facility may be located so as to interfere, or be likely to interfere, with any public facilities or use of public property or contrary to any sight distance regulation of the City.
(9) 
All utility facilities not authorized by this subsection or specifically addressed elsewhere in this Code shall be authorized only by a conditional use permit pursuant to Article II, Division 2 of the Butler Zoning Ordinance.
(c) 
Residential districts. In residential districts and rights-of-way adjacent thereto, accessory utility facilities less than 3 1/2 feet in height and covering less than eight square feet in area may be installed above ground with the prior approval of the City. Except as otherwise may be authorized herein, any larger facility shall be installed underground or authorized to be installed above ground only by conditional use permit. All above ground accessory utility facilities, where authorized, shall be placed in the rear yard wherever practical.
If locating these facilities in the rear yard is not practical, then such facilities may be located in the side yard. Such accessory utility facilities shall not be located in the front yard or within the public rights-of-way unless otherwise approved by the City upon a determination that all other alternatives are not feasible.
(d) 
Nonresidential districts. In nonresidential districts and rights-of-way adjacent thereto, accessory utility facilities with a height of less than five feet and covering less than 16 square feet in area may be installed above ground with the prior approval of the City. Except as otherwise may be authorized herein, any larger facility shall be installed underground or authorized to be installed above ground only by conditional use permit. All above ground accessory utility facilities, where authorized, shall be placed in the rear yard wherever practical. If locating these facilities in the rear yard is not practical, then such facilities may be located in the side yard. Such accessory utility facilities shall not be located in the front yard or within the public rights-of-way unless otherwise approved by the City upon a determination that all other alternatives are not feasible.
(e) 
Landscape screening. A sight-proof landscape screen shall be provided for all authorized above ground facilities taller than three feet in height or covering in excess of four square feet in area. Such screen shall be required to sufficiently conceal the facility. A landscape plan identifying the size and species of landscaping materials shall be submitted by the accessory utility facility owner and approved by the City prior to installation of any facility requiring landscape screening. The accessory utility facility owner shall be responsible for the installation, repair, maintenance or replacement of screening materials. Alternative screening or concealment may be approved by the City to the extent it meets or exceeds the purposes of these requirements. Alternative screening or concealment may be required by the City to the extent it is located in a historic district or other prominent location. Accessory utility facilities located in rear yards may be exempted from screening where located so as not to be visible from (1) any public property and (2) more than two residential dwelling units. Any required screening shall be completed within the timeframe set forth in the permit required under this section, or not less than 30 days from issuance of the permit, if not otherwise stated.
(f) 
Compliance with other laws. All accessory utility facilities shall be subject to all other applicable regulations and standards as established as part of the City Code, including, but not limited to, building codes, zoning requirements and rights-of-way management regulations in addition to the supplementary regulations herein. The provisions of this section shall not apply to any circumstance or entity in which application under such circumstances is preempted or otherwise precluded by superseding law or to the extent City officer charged with enforcement reasonably determines that public safety would be negatively impacted by any specific application.

§ 26-163 (Reserved) [1]

[1]
Editor's Note: Former § 26-163, Home occupations, was repealed 10-18-2022 by Ord. No. 1155. Prior history includes Ord. No. 954 and Ord. No. 1139. See now § 26-170, Home occupations.

§ 26-164 Carports.

[Ord. No. 1086, § 2, 12-4-2018]
(a) 
Purpose. The intent of this section is to allow carports in the A-1 Agricultural District, R-1 Single-family Residential District, R-2 Single-family Residential District, R-3 Multiple-family Residential District and R-4 Multiple-family Residential District.
(b) 
Location. Carports can be located on the side or rear of the house for the purpose of parking an operational vehicle. The side yard setback for the carport shall be a minimum of eight feet from the property line and at least six feet behind the front corner of the house.
(c) 
Construction. The roof of the carport must be made of a rigid material, such as wooden construction, metal roof panels, polycarbonate sheets, aluminum alloy, or fiber glass. The framing of the carport shall be securely fastened to the ground. Further, the building official must approve the location, structure materials, and fastening mechanism before commencement of construction of the carport.
(d) 
Tarps. Tarps shall not be allowed to cover non-compliant materials in the carport.
(e) 
Conditional use permit. Anyone wishing to construct a carport in an area other than the rear yard will be required to obtain a conditional use permit pursuant to Section 26-136.

§ 26-170 Home occupations.

[Ord. No. 1155, 10-18-2022]
(a) 
Permitted in residential districts, when. No-impact home-based businesses shall be permitted in all residential districts and whatever other districts allow for residential use and in accordance subject to the restrictions and limitations of this section. No other businesses may be operated in a residence at any time. The term 'home occupation' when used in this Code shall be interpreted to mean home-based business.
(b) 
Definitions. As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings provided below:
GOODS
Any merchandise, equipment, products, supplies, or materials.
HOME-BASED BUSINESS
A business operating in a residential dwelling that manufactures, provides, or sells goods or services and that is owned and operated by the owner or tenant of the residential dwelling.
NO-IMPACT BUSINESS
A home-based business that:
(1) 
Is engaged in the sale of lawful goods and services; and
(2) 
Does not cause a substantial increase in traffic through the residential area; and
(3) 
The activities of the business are not visible from any public street; and
(4) 
Does not use any equipment that produces noise, light, odor, smoke, gas, or vibrations that can be seen, felt, heard, or smelled by a person of ordinary senses outside of the property where the business is located; and
(5) 
Does not sell any goods or services for which a health inspection would be required if the business were not located in a residence unless the owner or tenant provides written consent for the Department of Health to inspect the business during normal business hours or at any other time the business is operating.
(c) 
Restrictions and limitations.
(1) 
A No-impact home-based business must be incidental and subordinate to the principal residential use of the premises and shall not change the residential character of the surrounding neighborhood if located in a residential district. A no-impact home-based business located in any non-residential district shall not materially change or impact the residential character of the residence or materially change the character of the primary use of the premises. This provision shall not be interpreted as allowing an accessory building, accepted by the usual permitting process for accessory buildings.
(2) 
The owner or operator of the No-impact home-based business must be an owner or tenant of the residence and must reside at the residence.
(3) 
The owner or operator of the No-impact home-based business may employ others to work in the no-impact home-based business.
(4) 
The home occupation may be conducted in an existing detached accessory building that existed at the time this section was adopted. A new accessory building shall not be constructed to a house a home occupation.
(5) 
Outdoor storage of materials or equipment used in the home occupation shall not be permitted.
(6) 
Alterations to the exterior of the principal residential building shall not be made which change the character of the residence.
(7) 
One sign, compliant with Division 5 of Article VI of Chapter 26 of the City's Code, will be allowed. Signs must be properly maintained.
(8) 
The owner or operator must provide adequate parking for the no-impact home-based business. Parking for the no-impact home-based business may include the driveway or garage of the residence or a paved parking area located behind the front plane of the residence. Adequate parking may also include parking on the street as long as:
a. 
Parking is limited to the side of the street the no-impact home-based business is located on, between the lot lines of the residence, if parking at that location is otherwise lawful.
b. 
If the owner, operator, family members of the owner or operator, employees, clients, or customers routinely park in other locations on the street(s) adjoining the residence, the business shall not be considered a no-impact home-based business. For the purposes of this section, the term 'routinely' shall mean more than twice in a given seven-day period.
(9) 
The total number of persons in the home, including residents, customers, clients, employees, and all others may not exceed the maximum occupancy of the residence at any time.
(d) 
Licenses and permits.
(1) 
No permit shall be required to impact a no-impact home-based business, however, a business operating in a residence shall be presumed not to qualify as a no-impact home-based business unless the owner or tenant provides an affidavit, on a form approved by the City Clerk, stating that the business in question is qualified. No fee shall be charged for the filing of such an affidavit. The affidavit shall contain at a minimum, the following:
a. 
The name of the owner or tenant.
b. 
The address of the residence.
c. 
The general nature of the business, including whether the business is subject to health inspections. If the business is subject to health inspections, the affidavit must have consent for inspections attached.
d. 
The maximum occupancy of the residence and a statement that the maximum occupancy will not be exceeded. It shall be the duty of the affiant to obtain this number from the Fire Department and provide proof of the same with his or her affidavit.
e. 
That the business qualifies as a no-impact home-based business.
f. 
A statement that the affiant is familiar with the provisions of this chapter and will comply with the same.
(2) 
For purposes of ensuring that the business activity is compliant with State and Federal law and paying applicable taxes, no-impact home-based businesses and other home occupations shall be required to have a business license.
(3) 
Businesses operated in a residence, which do not qualify as a no-impact home-based business must have a conditional use permit from the Planning and Zoning Commission.
(e) 
Penalties. Any person who operates a business in violation of this section shall, upon conviction, be subject to a fine of not less than $100 and up to 90 days in jail or both. Each day of violation shall be considered a separate offense.

§ 26-181 Compliance required.

[Z.O., § 8.01.01]
No land or building in any district shall be used or occupied in any manner so as to create any dangerous, injurious, noxious or otherwise objectionable fire, explosive or other hazard; noise or vibration; smoke, dust, odor or other form of air pollution; heat, cold, dampness, electrical or other substance, condition or element in such a manner or in such amount as to adversely affect the surrounding area of adjoining premises (referred to herein as "dangerous or objectionable elements"); provided, that any use permitted or not expressly prohibited by this chapter may be undertaken and maintained if it conforms to the regulations of this division limiting dangerous and objectionable elements at the point of the determination of their existence.

§ 26-182 Applicability of procedures.

[Z.O., § 8.01.02]
Only those uses specified in the I-2 district, as subject to performance standards, and uses accessory thereto, are subject to performance standards procedure specified in obtaining a zoning certificate, unless the zoning inspector has reasonable grounds to believe that another proposed use is likely to violate performance standards, in which event the applicant shall comply with performance standards procedure in obtaining a zoning certificate.

§ 26-183 Enforcement provisions applicable to other uses.

[Z.O., § 8.01.03]
Even though compliance with performance standards procedure in obtaining a zoning certificate is not required for a particular use, initial and continued compliance with performance standards is required of every use, and provision for enforcement of continued compliance with performance standards shall be invoked by the zoning inspector or board as the case may be, against any use, if there are reasonable grounds to believe that performance standards are being violated by such use.

§ 26-184 Nonconforming uses.

[Z.O., § 8.01.04]
Certain uses established before the effective date of this chapter and nonconforming as to performance standards shall be given a period of three years in which to conform therewith.

§ 26-185 Location where determinations made for enforcement.

[Z.O., § 8.01.05]
(a) 
The determination of the existence of any dangerous and objectionable elements shall be made at the location of the use creating the same and at any points where the existence of such elements may be more apparent (herein referred to as "at any point"); provided, however, that the measurements necessary for enforcement of performance standards set forth in this division shall be taken at different points in different districts in relation to the establishment or use creating the element being measured (herein referred to as "point of measurement") as follows:
(1) 
In any R district and C-1 district: 25 feet from the establishment or use, or at the lot line of the use if closer to the establishment or use.
(2) 
In C-2, C-3, I or A districts: At the boundary or boundaries of the district, or at any point within an adjacent R district.

§ 26-186 Fire and explosion hazards.

[Z.O., § 8.01.06.01]
All activities involving, and all storage of, inflammable and explosive materials shall be provided at any point with adequate safety devices against the hazard of fire and explosion and adequate firefighting and fire suppression equipment and devices standard in the industry. Burning of waste materials in open fires shall be prohibited at any point. The relevant provisions of the state and local laws and regulations shall also apply.

§ 26-187 Radioactivity or electrical disturbance.

[Z.O., § 8.01.06.02]
No activities shall be permitted which emit dangerous radioactivity at any point, or electrical disturbance adversely affecting the operation at any point of any equipment other than that of the creator of such disturbance, nor shall radio transmitters or other electrical interference be permitted if they create disturbances with radio or television reception in any R district.

§ 26-188 Noise.

[Z.O., § 8.01.06.03]
At the points of measurement specified in Section 26-185 the sound pressure level of noise radiated from a facility at night time shall not exceed 40 decibels or the average sound level of the street traffic noise nearest the noise generator, whichever is the higher, in any octave band of frequency above 300 cycles per second. The sound pressure level shall be measured with a sound level meter and an octave band analyzer that conform to the specifications published by the American Standards Association. Noise shall be so muffled or otherwise controlled, so as not to become objectionable, due to intermittence, beat frequency, impulsive character (hammering, etc.) periodic character (humming, screeching, etc.), or shrillness. For facilities which radiate noise only during a normal daytime working shift, the allowable decibel sound level given above shall be increased 25 decibels, or 10 decibels above the average sound level of the street traffic noise nearest the noise generator, whichever is the higher. Sirens, whistles, bells, etc., which are maintained and utilized solely to serve a public purpose (such as fire and air raid warning sirens) are excluded from the above regulations.

§ 26-189 Vibration.

[Z.O., § 8.01.06.04]
No vibration shall be permitted which is discernible without instruments at the points of measurement specified in Section 26-185.

§ 26-190 Smoke.

[Z.O., § 8.01.06.05]
No emission shall be permitted at any point, from any chimney or otherwise, of visible grey smoke of a shade equal to or darker than No. 2 on the Power's Micro-Ringlemann Chart, published by McGraw-Hill Publishing Company, Inc., and copyrighted 1954 (being a direct facsimile reduction of the standard Ringlemann Chart as issued by the United States Bureau of Mines), except that visible grey smoke of a shade equal to No. 2 on such chart may be emitted for four minutes in any 30 minutes. These provisions applicable to visible grey smoke shall also apply to visible smoke of a different color but with an apparently equivalent capacity.

§ 26-191 Odor.

[Z.O., § 8.01.06.07]
(a) 
No emission shall be permitted of odorous gases or other odorous matter in such quantities as to be offensive at the points of measurement specified in Section 26-185. Any process which may involve the creation or emission of any odors shall be provided with a secondary safeguard system, so that control will be maintained if the primary safeguard system should fail.
(b) 
There is hereby established as a guide in determining such quantities of offensive odors Table III, Odor Thresholds, in Chapter 5, Air Pollution Abatement Manual, copyright 1951 by Manufacturing Chemists' Association, Inc., Washington, D.C.

§ 26-192 Fly ash, dust, fumes, vapors, gases, other forms of air pollution.

[Z.O., § 8.01.06.07]
No emission shall be permitted which can cause any damage to health, to animals, vegetation or other forms of property, or which can cause any excessive soiling, at any point; and in no event any emission, from any chimney or otherwise, of any solid or liquid particles in concentrations exceeding 0.3 grains per cubic foot of the conveying gas at any point. For measurement of the amount of particles in gases resulting from combustion, standard corrections shall be applied to a stack temperature of 500° F. and 50% excess air.

§ 26-193 Glare.

[Z.O., § 8.01.06.08]
No direct or sky-reflected glare shall be permitted, whether from floodlights or from high temperature processes such as combustion or welding or otherwise, so as to be visible at the points of measurement specified in Section 26-185. This restriction shall not apply to signs otherwise permitted by the provisions of this chapter.

§ 26-194 Liquid or solid wastes.

[Z.O., § 8.01.06.09]
No discharge at any point into any public sewer, private sewage disposal system or stream, or into the ground shall be permitted, except in accord with standards approved by the state department of health or standards equivalent to those approved by such department for similar uses, of any materials of such nature or temperature as can contaminate any water supply or otherwise cause the emission of dangerous or offensive elements.

§ 26-211 Modifications, waivers.

[Z.O., § 8.02.11; amended 6-1-2021 by Ord. No. 1139]
The Planning Commission may authorize on appeal a modification, reduction or waiver of the requirements of this division, if it should find that, in the particular case appealed the peculiar nature of the residential, business, trade, industrial or other use, or the exceptional shape or size of the property or other exceptional situation or condition, would justify such action.

§ 26-212 Units of measurement.

[Z.O., § 8.02.04]
(a) 
For purposes of this division, the following units of measurement shall apply.
(1) 
Floor area. In the case of offices, merchandising or service types of uses, "floor area" shall mean the gross floor area used or intended to be used by tenants, or for service to the public as customers, patrons, clients or patients, including areas occupied by fixtures and equipment used for display or sale of merchandise. It shall not include areas used principally for nonpublic purposes, such as storage, incidental repair, processing or packaging of merchandise, for show windows, for offices, incidental to the management or maintenance of stores or buildings, for toilet or restrooms, for utilities, or for dressing rooms, fitting or alteration rooms.
(2) 
Hospital bassinets. In hospitals, bassinets shall not be counted as beds.
(3) 
Places of public assembly, benches. In places of public assembly in which patrons or spectators occupy benches, pews or other seating facilities, each 20 inches of such seating facilities shall be counted as one seat for the purpose of determining requirements for off-street parking facilities under this division.
(4) 
Fractions. When units of measurements determining the number of required parking spaces result in the requirement of a fractional space, any fraction up to and including one-half shall be disregarded and fractions over one-half shall require one parking space.

§ 26-213 Off-street loading space.

[Z.O., § 8.02.01]
(a) 
When required. In any district, in connection with any building or part thereof, hereafter erected or altered which is to be occupied by manufacturing, stores, warehouses, goods display, retail commercial, wholesale commercial, market, hotel, hospital, mortuary, laundry, drycleaning or other uses requiring the receipt or distribution by truck of materials or merchandise, there shall be provided and maintained, on the same lot with such buildings, off-street loading space in accordance with the following schedule:
Floor Area of Building
(square feet)
Total Number of Off-Street Loading Spaces
Less than 10,000
0
Over 10,000 — 20,000
1
Over 20,000 — 40,000
2
Over 40,000 — 60,000
3
Over 60,000 — 80,000
4
Over 80,000 — 100,000
5
Where the floor area of the building exceeds 100,000 square feet, the number of off-street loading spaces in excess of five shall be determined by the board.
(b) 
Dimensions. Each loading space shall not be less than 10 feet in width, 25 feet in length, and 14 feet in height.
(c) 
May occupy yard. Subject to the limitations in Section 26-212 such space may occupy all or any part of any required side or rear yard; except the side yard along the side street in the case of a corner lot. In no event shall any part of a required front yard be occupied by such loading space.
(d) 
Distance in R districts. No such space shall be closer than 50 feet to any other lot located in any R district, unless wholly within a completely enclosed building or unless enclosed on all sides by a wall or uniformly painted solid board fence of acceptable design not less than six feet in height.

§ 26-214 Off-street parking space.

[Z.O., § 8.02.02]
(a) 
When required. In all districts, in connection with every industrial, business, institutional, recreational, residential or other use, there shall be provided at the time any building or structure is erected or is enlarged or increased in capacity, off-street parking spaces for automobiles in accordance with the requirements herein.
(b) 
Minimum size. Each off-street parking space shall have an area of not less than 160 square feet exclusive of access drives or aisles, and shall be of usable shape and condition.
(c) 
Access. There shall be adequate provision for ingress and egress to all parking spaces. Where a lot does not abut on a public or private alley or easement of access, there shall be provided an access drive leading to the parking or storage areas or loading or unloading spaces required hereunder in such a manner as to secure the most appropriate development of the property in question. The access drive shall be not less than eight feet in width in the case of a dwelling, and not less than 18 feet in width in all other cases; provided, however, that one-way aisles for either ingress or egress for uses other than dwellings may be reduced to not less than 10 feet in width. Such access drive or easement shall not be located in any residential district except where provided in connection with a nonresidential use permitted in such residential district.
(d) 
Type. Parking spaces for all types of uses may be provided either in garages or parking areas conforming with the provisions of this chapter.

§ 26-215 Location of parking facilities.

[Z.O., § 8.02.03]
(a) 
Off-street parking facilities shall be located as hereinafter specified; where a distance is specified, such distance shall be the walking distance measured from the nearest point of the parking facility to the nearest point of the building that such facility is required to serve.
(1) 
For one- and two-family dwellings: On the same lot with the building they are required to serve.
(2) 
For multiple dwellings: Not more than 200 feet from the building they are required to serve.
(3) 
For commercial and institutional uses: For uses located and first permitted in the C-1, C-2 and C-3 districts, and for hospitals, sanitariums, asylums, orphanages, roominghouses, lodging houses, club rooms, fraternity and sorority houses, not more than 300 feet from the building they are required to serve.
(4) 
For other uses: For all uses other than those specified above, not more than 1,000 feet from the building they are intended to serve.

§ 26-216 Change in use; additions and enlargements.

[Z.O., § 8.02.05]
Whenever in any building there is a change in use, or an increase in floor area or in the number of employees or other unit of measurement hereinafter specified for the determination of required off-street parking facilities shall be provided on the basis of the increased requirements of the new use or other unit of measurement. However, in case such change in use creates a need for an increase in off-street parking spaces of less than 10% of the parking facilities previously provided or of less than five spaces, whichever number is the greater, no additional parking facilities shall be required.

§ 26-217 Mixed occupancies and uses not specified.

[Z.O., § 8.02.05.01]
(a) 
In the case of mixed uses, the total requirements for off-street parking facilities shall be the sum of the requirements for the various uses computed separately.
(b) 
In the case of a use not specifically mentioned in Section 26-220, the requirements for off-street parking facilities for a use which is so mentioned, and to which the use is similar, shall apply. Off-street parking facilities for one use shall not be considered as providing required parking facilities for any other use, except as specified for joint use in Section 26-219.

§ 26-218 Collective provision.

[Z.O., § 8.02.06]
Nothing in this division shall be construed to prevent collective provision of off-street parking facilities for two or more buildings or uses, provided that the total of such off-street parking spaces supplied collectively shall not be less than the sum of the requirements for the various uses computed separately; provided also, that the requirements set forth in Section 26-215 as to maximum distance between parking areas and establishments served shall apply to each such establishment participating in the collective provisions of parking.

§ 26-219 Joint use of facilities.

[Z.O., § 8.02.07]
(a) 
Not more than 50% of the off-street parking facilities required under this division for a theater, bowling alley, dance hall or an establishment for the sale and consumption on the premises of food, alcoholic beverages or refreshments, and up to 100% of such facilities required for a church or an auditorium incidental to a public or parochial school, may be supplied by off-street parking facilities provided for certain other kinds of buildings or uses specified in Subsection (b) below, which are not normally open, used or operated during the principal operating hours of theaters, churches, or the aforesaid establishments; and not more than 50% of the off-street parking facilities required under this division for certain buildings or uses specified in Subsection (b) below, may be supplied by such facilities provided for theaters, churches or other aforesaid establishments, provided that a properly drawn legal instrument is executed by the parties concerned for the joint use of the off-street parking facilities, which instrument, duly approved as to form and manner of execution by the City attorney, shall be filed with the application for a zoning permit.
(b) 
Buildings or uses not normally open, used or operated during the principal operating hours of theaters, churches or other of the aforesaid establishments are defined as banks, business offices, retail stores, personal service shops, household equipment or furniture shops, clothing or shoe repair or service shops, manufacturing buildings and similar uses.

§ 26-220 Number of parking spaces required.

[Z.O., § 8.02.08; Ord. No. 933, 9-6-2011]
Off-street parking spaces shall be provided as follows:
(a) 
Dwelling and lodging uses:
(1) 
Boarding and rooming houses: One parking space per sleeping room;
(2) 
Elderly housing: One parking space per dwelling unit;
(3) 
Hotels and motels: One space per each rental unit plus one space per each two employees in the largest working shift and such spaces as are required for restaurants, assembly rooms, and other affiliated facilities provided;
(4) 
Mobile home parks: Two parking spaces per each mobile home;
(5) 
Nursing homes, rest homes, and similar facilities: One parking space per each five beds based on the designed maximum capacity of the structure, plus one parking space for each employee;
(6) 
Single-family: Two spaces per dwelling unit; and
(7) 
Two-family and multiple-family: Two spaces per dwelling unit.
(b) 
Business, commercial and industrial uses:
(1) 
Automobile, truck, recreation vehicle and mobile home sales and rental lots: One parking space for each 3,000 square feet of open sales lot area devoted to the sale, display and rental of said vehicles, plus one space for each employee;
(2) 
Automobile salvage yards: One parking space for each employee, plus one parking space for each 10,000 square feet of storage area;
(3) 
Financial, business, and professional offices: One parking space for each 300 square feet of gross floor area;
(4) 
Bowling alleys: Five parking spaces for each lane;
(5) 
Cartage, express, parcel delivery and freight terminal establishments: One parking space for each two employees in the largest working shift in a twenty-four-hour period, plus one parking space for each vehicle maintained on the premises;
(6) 
Automobile wash: Two holding spaces for each car washing stall plus two drying spaces for each car washing stall;
(7) 
Funeral homes and mortuaries: One parking space for each four seats based upon the designed maximum capacity of the parlor, plus one additional parking space for each employee and each vehicle maintained on the premises;
(8) 
Furniture and appliance stores, household equipment or furniture repair shop: One parking space for each 400 square feet of floor sales area;
(9) 
Manufacturing, production, processing, assembly, disassembly, cleaning, servicing, testing or repairing of goods, materials or products: One space per three employees based upon the largest working shift in any two-hour time period;
(10) 
Medical and dental clinics or offices: One parking space for each 100 square feet of gross floor area;
(11) 
Restaurants, private clubs and taverns: One parking space for each 2.5 seats based on the maximum designed seating capacity; provided, however, that drive-in restaurants shall have a minimum of at least 10 parking spaces;
(12) 
Retail stores and shops: One space per 200 square feet of floor sales area;
(13) 
Service stations: One parking space for each employee during the largest shift plus two spaces for each service bay:
(14) 
Theaters, auditoriums, and places of assembly with fixed seats: One parking space for each 3.5 seats;
(15) 
Theaters, auditoriums, and places of assembly without fixed seats: One parking space for each four people, based upon the designed maximum capacity of the structure;
(16) 
Warehouse, storage and wholesale establishments: One parking space for each two employees based upon the largest working shift in any twenty-four-hour period;
(17) 
Convenience stores: One space per 100 square feet of total floor area; provided, however, that convenience stores shall have a minimum of at least 10 parking spaces; and
(18) 
All other business and commercial establishments not specified above: One parking space for each 300 square feet of floor area.
(c) 
Other uses:
(1) 
Churches: One parking space for each four seats based upon the maximum designed seating capacity, including choir lofts;
(2) 
Elementary, junior high and equivalent parochial and private schools: Two spaces for each classroom;
(3) 
High schools, colleges, universities and other similar public or private institutions of higher learning: Eight parking spaces for each classroom, plus one space for each two employees;
(4) 
Hospital: One parking space for each two beds, plus one parking space for each resident or staff doctor, plus one space for each two employees based on the largest working shift in any twenty-four-hour period;
(5) 
Laundromats: One space for every three machines;
(6) 
Nursery schools and day care centers, public or private: One parking space for each employee and a minimum of three parking spaces for visitors;
(7) 
Fraternal associations and union headquarters: One parking space for each three seats based upon the designed maximum seating capacity;
(8) 
Trade and commercial schools: One parking space for each three students and employees.

§ 26-221 Parking structures or lots; submission of plans.

[Z.O., § 8.02.09; Ord. No. 933, 9-6-2011]
An application for the establishment of a parking structure or lot shall be filed with the public works director or his duly authorized representative and must be accompanied by a plat, drawn to scale showing design detail of such structure as lot. The superintendent of utilities shall check the plat, and, if he finds the same to provide adequate method of ingress and egress from public streets; complete layout of parking spaces, together with dimensions thereof; provide adequate pedestrian safety, and be in compliance with the requirements of this section and Section 26-156, forward the same, with the recommendation, to the board of adjustment. The board shall approve, conditionally approve or deny the application.

§ 26-222 Development and maintenance of parking areas.

[Z.O., § 8.02.10; Ord. No. 933, 9-6-2011]
(a) 
Every parcel of land hereafter used as a public or private parking area, including a commercial parking lot and also an automobile or trailer sales lot, shall be developed and maintained in accordance with the following requirements:
(1) 
Screening. Off-street parking areas for more than five vehicles shall be effectively screened on each side which abuts any premises situated in a residential district, or any institutional premises, by an approved solid wall or fence. Such wall or fence shall be not less than four feet in height and shall be maintained in good condition. In case the capacity of the parking area exceeds 30 vehicles, it shall be screened by a solid wall of a height hereinabove prescribed or any other form of compatible and appropriate screening approved by the building official.
(2) 
Surfacing. Any off-street parking area for more than five vehicles shall be surfaced with a pavement of sufficient strength to support the vehicular loads imposed on it and to provide a durable and dustless surface, shall be so graded and drained as to dispose of all surface water accumulated within the area, and shall be so arranged and marked as to provide for orderly and safe loading or unloading and parking and storage of self-propelled vehicles. The foregoing requirements with respect to surfacing shall not apply to a parking area in any I district if more than 200 feet distant from any R district, except that a dustless surface shall be provided in any case.
(3) 
Lighting. Any lighting used to illuminate any off-street parking area shall be so arranged as to deflect the light from adjoining premises in any R district.
(4) 
May occupy yard. Subject to the number of parking spaces required in Section 26-220, off-street parking spaces may occupy any required front, side or rear yard and as stipulated in Section 21-143.

§ 26-241 General requirements.

[Z.O., § 8.03.01; Ord. No. 718, § 2, 11-7-2000; Ord. No. 1014, 3-15-2016]
(a) 
The planning commission may authorize establishment of a manufactured home park motels or camp in any R-3 or R-4 district or any C-3 district in accordance with the provisions of this division. The sanitary regulations prescribed by the authority having jurisdiction, and as may be otherwise required by law, shall be complied with, in addition to the following regulations:
(1) 
Area and yard requirements. Manufactured home parks, motels and camps shall comply with all area and yard requirements prescribed for such uses in the district in which located.
(2) 
Parking. All areas used for automobile access and parking shall comply with the applicable provisions of this chapter, provided that there shall be at least one off-street parking space for each manufactured home park lot and one additional space for each four such lots to accommodate guests.
(3) 
Entrance to manufactured home parks; camps; motels. No vehicular entrance to or exit from any manufactured home park, camp, or motel, wherever such may be located, shall be within 200 feet along streets from any school, public playground, church, hospital, library or institution for dependents or for children, except where such property is in another block or another street which the premises in question do not abut.
(4) 
Landscaping, unused areas. All areas not used for access, parking, circulation, buildings and service shall be completely and permanently landscaped and the entire site maintained in good condition. A landscaped strip of land not less than 10 feet in width, shall be established and maintained within the manufactured home park along its exterior boundaries.
(5) 
Enclosure. Manufactured home parks, camps and motels shall be enclosed on the sides and in the rear by appropriate privacy fences, not less than six feet high, or by a combination of landscaped screens and other suitable fences acceptable to the commission.
(6) 
Condition. Manufactured homes being moved into the City of Butler into an established mobile home park under this section shall be no more than five years old from date of manufacture.

§ 26-242 Enlargement.

[Z.O., § 8.03.02; Ord. No. 718, § 2, 11-7-2000]
(a) 
Any enlargement or extension to any existing motel, tourist camp, manufactured home park or camp, shall require application for a zoning certificate, as if it were a new establishment.
(b) 
No enlargements or extensions to any motel, tourist camp, camp, manufactured home park shall be permitted unless the existing facility is made to conform substantially with all the requirements for new construction for such an establishment.

§ 26-243 Manufactured homes prohibited generally; requirements.

[Z.O., § 8.03.03; Ord. No. 718, § 2, 11-7-2000; Ord. No. 731, § 1, 3-20-2001; Ord. No. 1014, 3-15-2016; Ord. No. 1185, 4-15-2025]
(a) 
Limited to manufactured home park. Except as otherwise provided in this section, no person shall park or occupy any manufactured home park, or park or occupy any recreational vehicle or recreational park trailer on any premises in any district outside an approved camp. Nothing in this section shall apply to a manufactured home that is converted to real property by attaching it to a permanent foundation situated on real estate owned by the manufactured home owner, and removing or modifying the transporting apparatus including but not limited to wheels, axles and hitches rendering it impractical to reconvert the real property thus created to a manufactured home, or as otherwise provided under state law.
(b) 
Emergency parking, eight hours. Emergency or temporary stopping or parking of a manufactured home, recreational park trailer or recreational vehicle shall be permitted on any street, alley or highway for not longer than eight hours, subject to any other and further prohibitions, regulations, or limitations imposed by the traffic and parking regulations or ordinances for such street, alley or highway.
(c) 
Temporary parking, 72 hours. Temporary stopping or parking of a recreational vehicle or recreational park trailer that is being used for living quarters shall be permitted on any private property outside an approved camp for not longer than 72 hours, subject to any other and further prohibitions, regulations, or limitations imposed by City ordinance or homes association or neighborhood covenants or restrictions. No utility service shall be provided for any recreational vehicle or recreational park trailer that is being used for temporary living quarters.
(d) 
Wheels not to be removed. Except as permitted by state law, in any district, the wheels or any similar transporting devices of any manufactured home, recreational vehicle or recreational park trailer shall not be removed except for repairs, nor shall any manufactured home, recreational vehicle or recreational park trailer be otherwise permanently fixed to the ground in a manner that would prevent removal of the recreational vehicle, recreational park trailer, or manufactured home.
(e) 
Manufactured home compliance. Manufactured homes shall carry a seal and comply with building, plumbing, heating and electrical codes as required by §§ 700.010 — 700.115, RSMo., and the corresponding code of state regulations, and shall comply with City's building code to the extent not inconsistent with state law.
(f) 
Modular unit compliance. Modular units shall carry a seal and comply with building, plumbing, heating and electrical codes as required by §§ 700.010 — 700.115, RSMo., and the corresponding code of state regulations, and shall comply with "City's building code to the extent not inconsistent with state law. Modular units shall otherwise be treated as site built homes.
(g) 
Recreational vehicle and recreational park trailer compliance. Recreational vehicles and recreational park trailers shall comply with building, plumbing, heating and electrical codes as established by the respective American National Standard Institute (ANSI) A119.2/NFPA 1192 or A119.5 standard.
(h) 
Anchors and tie-downs. All manufactured homes shall be anchored and tied down pursuant to the provisions of §§ 700.010 — 700.115, RSMo., and corresponding code of state regulations, unless the manufactured home unit is being offered for sale and parked temporarily on the sales lot of any person, firm or corporation regularly selling or offering for sale manufactured homes as part of its usual business operation.
(i) 
All existing occupied manufactured homes (formerly identified as "trailers") in the City of Butler at the time of adoption of this article shall be considered a legal nonconforming use including those that are in an established mobile home park and shall be permitted to remain in place so long as occupied, but provided that they may not be modified or altered on the exterior or replaced, unless made to conform with the requirements of this division. Any such existing manufactured home when unoccupied for a period in excess of 12 months shall be removed and the conditional use permit, if previously issued, deemed terminated. The manufactured home will then be considered a "Nuisance," not fit for human habitation and shall be removed from the City of Butler. The owner can seek a variance from this automatic determination by filing a written appeal to the Butler City Administrator within 14 days of being notified of the conditional use permit's termination, demonstrating legitimate reasons why the manufactured home should be deemed fit for human habitation.
(j) 
Manufactured homes as nonresidential structures. One or more manufactured homes may be used as a temporary office or other nonresidential structure at the site of a construction project, provided that such structure is removed upon completion of the project. Mobile structures may be used also as temporary classroom facilities in connection with public schools, or private schools with equivalent curriculum. Any manufactured home or mobile home structure used as a nonresidential structure for a temporary office, classroom facility or at the site of a construction project must be pre-approved by the planning commission. The applicant shall provide the information required on the proper forms available from the planning commission. The planning commission shall hold a public hearing on the application, giving 10 days' notice thereof in a newspaper of general circulation.

§ 26-244 Manufactured home parks, motels, motor hotels and camps - submission of plans.

[Z.O., §§ 8.03.04, 8.03.07; Ord. No. 718, § 2, 11-7-2000; Ord. No. 1139, 6-1-2021; Ord. No. 1185, 4-15-2025]
(a) 
An application for the establishment of a manufactured home park, motel, motor hotel or camp shall be filed with the City Administrator and must be accompanied by a plat, drawn to scale and certified by a bona fide land surveyor, civil engineer, landscape architect or architect. The City Administrator shall check the plat, and if he finds the same to be in compliance with the requirements of this section, forward the same to the Planning Commission. The Commission shall hold a public hearing on the application, giving 10 days' notice thereof in a newspaper of general circulation and notice to property owners within one hundred and eighty-five (185) feet of the proposed establishment. Upon completion of said hearing, the Commission shall submit their recommendation to the City Council for approval, conditional approval or denial of the application. The plat shall contain the following information:
(1) 
Accurate dimensions of the proposed manufactured home park, motel, motor hotel or camp;
(2) 
All roads and approaches and the method of ingress and egress from public highways;
(3) 
The complete electric service installation, wire service outlets and lighting facilities;
(4) 
The complete location of any natural gas facilities to serve the manufactured home park, motel, motor hotel or camp;
(5) 
A complete layout of unit parking spaces and the number of square feet therein, together with the dimensions thereof; and
(6) 
The location of electric power or gas distribution systems, water mains or wells for water supply outlets for domestic water users, location of sanitary facilities, washrooms, garbage disposal units, incinerators, sanitary sewers or septic tanks, sewer drain lines, leeching beds, fire protection stalls, and other buildings or structures contemplated to be used by such applicant in connection with the business.
(b) 
Each application for a manufactured home park, motel, motor hotel or camp shall be accompanied by a check payable to the treasurer of the City, or cash payment in an amount of $25.

§ 26-245 Same - minimum standards and requirements.

[Z.O., §§ 8.03.05, 8.03.06; Ord. No. 718, § 2, 11-7-2000]
(a) 
Manufactured home parks and camps shall be designed and maintained in accordance with the following requirements:
(1) 
Park area. The minimum manufactured home park or camp area shall be one acre.
(2) 
Lot area. The minimum lot area per manufactured home unit or camp site within the manufactured home park or camp shall be 2,500 square feet (See Subsection 26-241(1)).
(3) 
Lot width. The minimum lot width per manufactured home or camp unit within the manufactured home or camp park shall be 30 feet. Each lot shall be clearly defined by a permanent marker in the ground.
(4) 
Access. Each manufactured home park or camp park shall abut upon a public street and each manufactured home or camp lot shall have direct access to a private hard surface road.
(5) 
Distance between manufactured homes. The minimum distance between neighboring manufactured homes or recreational park trailers shall not be less than 20 feet.
(6) 
Concrete slab. Each manufactured home unit or camp unit lot shall be equipped with a concrete slab of sufficient size to support the wheels and the front parking jack. The slab shall have a minimum horizontal dimension of eight by 10 feet and a minimum thickness of four inches.
(7) 
Utilities. Each manufactured home or camp unit shall be equipped with one electric outlet. A municipal sanitary sewer and municipal water system shall be installed in accordance with City specifications. Manufactured home units not equipped with water and sewer facilities shall be located not more than 200 feet from a community utility building which shall provide separate toilet and shower facilities for each sex. Fire hydrants shall be located in accordance with the specifications of the National Fire Protection Association.
(8) 
Interior streets. The minimum roadway width of interior one-way streets with parking permitted on one side shall be 21 feet. The minimum roadway width of two-way streets with parking permitted on one side shall be 30 feet. The minimum width of two-way streets without parking permitted shall be 20 feet. Such streets shall be paved according to City specifications for residential streets and maintained in good condition and lighted at night.
(9) 
Recreation areas. There shall be provided within each manufactured home park or camp an adequate site or sites for recreation for the exclusive use of the park or camp occupants. Such recreation site or sites shall have a minimum area in the aggregate of 100 square feet for each manufactured home or recreational park trailer space in said park or camp. The recreation sites shall be of appropriate design and provided with appropriate equipment.
(10) 
Length of occupancy. No manufactured home or recreational park trailer shall remain in a manufactured home park or camp for a period exceeding 15 days without connection to the permanent sanitary sewer system of the park.
(11) 
Other requirements. In addition to all other requirements, the board may impose such other conditions, requirements or limitations concerning the design, development and operation of such manufactured home parks or camps as it may deem necessary for the protection of adjacent properties and the public interest.

§ 26-246 General requirements.

[Ord. No. 1031, 3-21-2017; Ord. No. 1185, 4-15-2025]
(a) 
R-1/SH Single-family minimum requirements.
(1) 
Definitions.
SINGLE-FAMILY HOUSE
A structure not less than 600 square feet. Intended for use as a permanent, single-family residence. Structure must be connected to public utilities (electric, water and sewer).
(2) 
Single-family house residential R-SH district.
a. 
General purpose. This is a residential district intended for single-family houses. The principal use of the land is for single-family detached dwellings and related recreational, religious and educational facilities normally required to provide the basic elements of a balanced and attractive residential area. These areas are intended to be defined and protected from the encroachment of uses not performing a function necessary to the residential environment. Internal stability, attractiveness, order, and efficiency are encouraged by providing for adequate light, air, and open space for dwellings and related facilities and through consideration of the proper functional relationship of each element.
b. 
Permitted uses. Any use permitted in a single-family R-1 district. Should a use consist of construction of a standard home over the 600 minimum square footage requirements, then the structure must meet all setback requirements of a single-family residential district and lot requirements.
c. 
Conditional uses permitted on review.
1. 
Same as a single-family residential district.
2. 
Construction or placement of a single-family house on an existing lot not meeting current minimum lot sizes. Compliance with all setbacks are required.
d. 
New developments. Requires platting or re-platting of the property under standard platting/re-platting guidelines for developments containing two or more lots.
e. 
Height, setback, yard and area requirements.
1. 
Minimum lot width:
i. 
Interior lots: 30 feet of street frontage.
ii. 
Corner lots: 40 feet.
2. 
Minimum lot depth: 75 feet.
3. 
Minimum lot area: 2,250 square feet.
4. 
Minimum yards:
i. 
Front yard. No building shall be located within 25 feet of the front property line. No building shall be located in the front yard between the primary building and the front property line.
ii. 
Side yard.
A. 
Interior lots. No building shall be located within seven feet of any side property line. No accessory building shall be located within five feet of any side property line.
B. 
Corner lots. No building or accessory building shall be located within 15 feet of the side street right-of-way. No building shall be located within seven feet of the interior side property line. No accessory building shall be located within five feet of the interior side property line.
iii. 
Rear yard. No building shall be located within 25 feet of the rear property line. No accessory building shall be located within three feet of any rear property line.
5. 
The following sections shall be the same as those listed in R-1 single-family:
i. 
Intensity of use.
ii. 
Minimum open space.
iii. 
The combined area of detached accessory buildings shall not exceed the area of the first floor of the dwelling.
f. 
Minimum requirements. The following are minimum requirements for single-family house construction and placement:
1. 
Height: Maximum structure height two stories or 30 feet.
2. 
Living space: Minimum square footage including all floors 600.
3. 
Foundation: Must be frost proof concrete slab, crawl space or basement.
4. 
Anchor: House must be anchored to withstand minimum 90 mph wind load.
5. 
Roof: Must be pitch roof constructed of metal roofing or composite shingles.
6. 
Building code: House must meet current City adopted building code, utilizing min. standard building materials unless constructed and sealed as HUD certified. Storage buildings converted to small houses are not accepted. Units must have characteristics of a typical home.
7. 
New: Single-family houses not built on site, must be new (current year) and not previously lived in.
8. 
Building permits: Building permits and inspections are required for site work, foundations and houses built off-site (if not HUD certified).
9. 
Parking: Off-street automobile and vehicular parking and loading areas shall be required.

§ 26-266 General provisions.

[Ord. No. 917, 11-2-2010[1]]
(a) 
Scope. The provisions of this division shall apply to all signs as defined herein.
(b) 
Intent. It is the purpose of this division to promote minimum requirements to safeguard public health, safety, property, and welfare, promote the efficient transfer and communication of sign information, and preserve and protect the scenic landscaping quality by regulating and controlling the design, quality of materials, construction, location, and illumination of signs.
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance also repealed former Div. 5, which pertained to the same subject matter and derived from Z.O., §§ 8.04.02 — 8.04.04, 8.04.05.01 — 8.04.05.07, 8.04.06, 8.04.08, 8.04.09, as amended.

§ 26-267 Applicability.

[Ord. No. 917, 11-2-2010]
This division shall apply to all buildings, premises and residential premises within the City limits.

§ 26-268 Definitions.

[Ord. No. 917, 11-2-2010]
The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this division, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning. Where terms are not defined in this division and are defined in the building code, fire code, mechanical code, plumbing code, residential code, or property maintenance code, such terms shall have the meanings ascribed to them as in those codes. Where terms are not defined through the methods authorized by this division, such terms shall have ordinarily accepted meanings as the context implies.
ATTENTION-ATTRACTING DEVICES
Any item designed or used to promote, advertise, demonstrate, or call attention to any commercial, residential, office, retail or service business or activity.
AWNING
An architectural projection that provides weather protection, identity or decoration and is wholly supported by the building to which it is attached. An awning is comprised of a lightweight, rigid skeleton structure over which a covering is attached.
BALLOON
Any article filled with gas or inflated with air through the use of fans, blowers or any other air- or gas-injecting mechanism and displayed in such a manner as to attract attention to the premises on which it is located or used for advertising.
BUILDING LINE
The established by law, beyond which a building shall not extend, except as specifically provided by law.
BUILDING OFFICIAL
The officer or other designated authority charged with the administration and enforcement of this division, or duly authorized representative.
CANOPY
An architectural projection, including porticos, that provides weather protection, identity or decoration, and is supported by the building to which it is attached and at the outer end by not less than one stanchion. A canopy is comprised of a rigid structure over which a covering is attached.
CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS
Written, graphic and political documents prepared or assembled for describing the design, location, and physical characteristics of the elements of a project necessary for obtaining a permit.
CURB GRADE
The elevation of the top of the curb measured at the curb line at a point perpendicular to a sign.
CURB LINE
The line at the face of the curb most distant from the centerline of the street. In the absence of a curb, the building official shall establish the curb line.
DISPLAY SURFACE
The area made available by the sign structure for the purpose of displaying an advertising message, illustration, or symbol.
FASCIA
A flat horizontal member of a building having the form of a flat band or broad fillet.
FLAG
A piece of fabric or other material of distinctive design that is used as a symbol and is displayed hanging free from, but not limited to, a staff, pole, or halyard to which it is attached by one edge.
(1) 
Governmental. Legitimate City, county, state, national, United Nations, and military flags flown or displayed in their respectively correct manner. These flags are not considered a form of signage and, therefore, are not addressed by this division.
(2) 
Corporate. A flag flown or displayed containing the design or logo of a corporation or company, or of any product and/or service provided by said company. These flags are considered signage and therefore are regulated by this division.
HISTORIC BUILDINGS
Buildings that are listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places, or designated as historic under and appropriate state or local law.
JURISDICTION
The governmental unit that has adopted this division under due legislative authority.
LOT
A portion or parcel of land considered as a unit.
LOT LINE
A line dividing one lot from another, or from a street, or any public place.
MANSARD
A roof having two slopes on all sides with the lower slope steeper than the upper one.
MARQUEE
A permanent roofed structure attached to and supported by the building and that projects into the public right-of-way.
OWNER
Any person, agent, firm, or corporation having a legal or equitable interest in the property.
PERMIT
An official document or certificate issued by the authority having jurisdiction, which authorizes performance of a specified activity.
PERSON
An individual, heirs, executors, administrators or assigns, and also includes a firm, partnership or corporation, its or their successors or assigns, or the agent of any of the aforesaid.
PREMISES
A lot, plot, or parcel of land, including any structures thereon.
PRIMARY SYSTEM
That portion of the highways of the state located within the limits of the City, officially designated by the state highway and transportation commission as being the primary highway system as authorized by the constitution and laws of the state.
PROJECTION
The distance by which a sign extends beyond the building line.
REGISTERED DESIGN PROFESSIONAL
An individual who is registered or licensed to practice their respective design profession as defined by the statutory requirements of the professional registration laws of the state or jurisdiction in which the project is to be constructed.
REPAIR
The reconstruction or renewal of any part of an existing structure for the purpose of maintenance.
SETBACK
The horizontal distance between the curb line and a vertical projection from that portion of the sign nearest the curb line.
SHOPPING CENTER
A concentration of retail stores and service establishments in a suburban area, with generous parking space and planned to serve the community or neighborhood.
SIGN
Any medium which is used or intended to be used to attract attention to any subject matter, including, but not limited to, advertising, instructional, direction, or announcement purposes.
(1) 
ABANDONEDA sign that advertises an activity, business, product, or service no longer conducted.
(2) 
ALTERATIONThe replacement, enlargement, reduction, reshaping, or adding to an existing sign, frame, pole, brackets, or any supporting member.
(3) 
ANIMATEDAny sign which uses movement or change of lighting to depict action or to create a special effect; this includes electronic message centers.
(4) 
AREAThat portion of the smallest rectangle which completely encloses the display surfaces of the sign.
(5) 
BANNERA temporary sign made of fabric or any other nonrigid material with no enclosing framework displayed in connection with public or semipublic promotional or festive occasions. The City Administrator may approve the installation of a banner in accordance with the requirements of this section and subject to such additional requirements and conditions as deems necessary.
(6) 
BILLBOARDAll signs which advertise a product or business not located on the same lot or premises as the sign. Real estate, subdivision and subdivision real estate signs are excluded from this definition.
(7) 
CONSTRUCTIONAny freestanding sign used only during the construction of a new building, reconstruction, or addition to an existing building to identify the project, owner, tenant, agent, architect, engineer, contractor, and financing institution of the project and shall be located on the parcel of land being improved.
(8) 
DIRECTIONALA ground or wall sign displaying traffic, parking, emergency vehicle, height clearance, or similar directional information. A directional sign shall not include any advertising message.
(9) 
FLASHINGA sign that contains a flashing, intermittent, or sequential flashing or blinking light source but does not include time and temperature signs, animated signs, or electronic message center signs.
(10) 
FREESTANDINGAny sign placed upon or fixed in the ground, self-supporting, not attached to any building.
(11) 
GROUNDA freestanding or monument sign placed at or near ground level.
(12) 
INCIDENTALAny sign which provides information or guides or directs pedestrian or vehicular traffic, which may be mounted on the ground, on a building, or in connection with a detached sign.
(13) 
MAINTENANCEThe normal care and minor repair that is necessary to retain a safe, attractive and finished structure, frame, pole, brackets, or surface.
(14) 
MARQUEEAny sign attached to or part of a marquee or permanent sidewalk canopy of a building and not extending above the roofline.
(15) 
OBSOLETESee Abandoned.
(16) 
OFF-PREMISESAny sign identifying, announcing or advertising real estate, products, services, or businesses not located on the same lot or premises as the sign.
(17) 
ON-PREMISESA sign identifying, announcing or advertising real estate, products, services, or businesses located on the same lot or premises as the sign.
(18) 
OPEN HOUSEAny off-premises ground sign announcing an open house for inspection of real estate.
(19) 
PERMANENTAny sign or advertising device designed and erected to be maintained as a permanent structure in accordance with the requirements of this division.
(20) 
POLEA freestanding sign wholly supported by upright poles or posts, mounted in the ground, with at least eight feet of clearance above the curb grade.
(21) 
POLITICALAny sign promoting, supporting, or opposing any candidate, office, issue, or proposition to be voted upon at any public election.
(22) 
REAL ESTATEAny sign advertising the sale, lease, or rental of the premises upon which it is located.
(23) 
REFACINGChanging or replacing the word, numerals, characters, or materials of the sign to serve a different establishment or business or create a different message on the same sign face.
(24) 
ROOFA sign which extends above a roof or parapet wall of a building and which is wholly or partially supported by said roof.
(25) 
STRUCTUREThe supports, uprights, bracing, or framework of any sign structure, be it single faced, double faced, or any framing otherwise supporting a sign.
(26) 
SUBDIVISION DEVELOPMENTAny on-premises real estate sign advertising an entire real estate development during its construction. Signs advertising sale of lots in an undeveloped subdivision may be erected and displayed in the subdivision, provided that not more than one such sign facing on any one street shall be permitted in any subdivision; and provided that each sign shall be removed at the expiration of one year after its erection or when 60% of the lots fronting on the street which such sign faces have been built upon and occupied as residences, whichever occurs first.
(27) 
SUBDIVISION ENTRANCEAny ground sign identifying only the name of an entire residential plat.
(28) 
TEMPORARYAny sign which is not permanently attached to any structure, building, motor vehicle, or the ground, or is portable, intended for a limited display period covering a special event, and is designed and constructed to be movable from one location to another.
(29) 
WALLAny sign attached to, erected against, or painted on the exterior walls, fascia, mansards, or sides of a building or structure.
STRUCTURE
That which is built or constructed.
WALL
A vertical element with a horizontal length to thickness ratio greater than three, used to enclose space. The term parapet means the part of any wall entirely above the roofline.
YARD
An open space, other than a court, unobstructed from the ground to the sky, except where specifically provided by this division, on the lot on which a building is situated.

§ 26-269 Sign standards.

[Ord. No. 917, 11-2-2010; Ord. No. 1185, 4-15-2025]
(a) 
The gross surface area of a sign shall be the sum of all surfaces of the sign faces, except that for double-faced signs only one face shall be used to compute the surface area.
(b) 
Sign height shall be measured from the ground level at the base or below the sign to the highest element of the sign.
(c) 
No illuminated sign shall be located in any residential district. Illuminated signs shall include:
(1) 
Semi-illuminated signs. Any sign which is uniformly illuminated internally over its entire area, including the area of the sign, by use of electricity or other artificial light.
(2) 
Indirectly illuminated signs. Any sign which is partially or completely illuminated at the time by an external light source which is so shielded as to not be visible at eye level.
(3) 
Fully illuminated signs. Any sign which is illuminated by an external or internal light source which is visible.
(d) 
No sign shall be attached to a tree. No sign shall be attached to a public utility pole on public or private property, except governmental signs.
(e) 
No sign shall be erected or maintained at any location where, by reason of its position, size, shape or color, it may obstruct or interfere with the view of any traffic or traffic control sign or device, or where it may confuse or obstruct traffic.
(f) 
Replacement of support posts or other structural supports shall constitute removal of the sign, and its replacement shall be in conformance with the provisions of this division.
(g) 
Signs accessory to a principal use with a legally nonconforming front yard setback need not have setbacks in excess of that of the principal structure.
(h) 
Display signs shall not closely resemble or approximate the shape, form and color of official traffic control signs, signals and devices.
(i) 
No display sign or temporary sign shall be so placed as to obstruct or interfere with a required building doorway, other required means of ingress or egress.

§ 26-270 Permit required.

[Ord. No. 917, 11-2-2010; Ord. No. 1185, 4-15-2025]
(a) 
Required. Any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, erect, or re-erect any permanent or temporary sign shall first make application to the building official and obtain the required sign permit.
(b) 
Work exempt from permit.
(1) 
Generally. Exemptions from permit requirements of this division shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this division or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction. Permits shall not be required for the following:
a. 
Political signs which comply with this division.
b. 
Municipal signs, legal notices, trespassing signs, signs to add safety.
c. 
Subdivision development signs.
d. 
Construction signs.
e. 
Residential real estate signs.
f. 
Open house signs not exceeding four square feet.
g. 
Sidewalk signs.
h. 
Tables or plaques constructed of bronze, brass, stone, or other noncombustible materials, when built or attached to the walls of the building.
i. 
Incidental and direction signs not exceeding three square feet.
j. 
One information sign not more than 2 1/2 square feet, on a wall or over a show window or door of a business or business establishment, announcing without display or elaboration, only the name of the proprietor and the nature of his business or business establishment.
k. 
One information sign not exceeding two square feet of display surface, on a residence building stating merely the name and profession or occupation of an occupant for an approved home occupation.
l. 
Temporary signs or banners authorized by the City.
m. 
Notices posted by order of any court or to notices to the public required by law to be posted in public places.
n. 
Painting, cleaning, and general maintenance of existing signs.
o. 
Changing of the advertising copy of an existing sign.
(2) 
Repairs. Application or notice to the building official is not required for ordinary repairs to the sign structure, face, or replacement of lamps. Repairs shall not include modifications to the structure, alterations, replacement or relocation of any sign, or other work affecting public health or general safety. No display sign shall hereafter be altered, rebuilt, enlarged, extended or relocated except in conformity with the provisions of this division. The repainting of signs shall not be deemed to be an alteration within the meaning of this division.
(c) 
Application for permit.
(1) 
To obtain a permit, the applicant shall first file an application on a form furnished by the City. Such application shall:
a. 
Identify and describe the work to be covered by the permit for which application is made.
b. 
Describe the land on which the proposed work is to be done by legal description, street address, or similar description that will readily identify and definitely locate the proposed sign or work.
c. 
Indicate the use for which the proposed work is intended.
d. 
Be accompanied by construction documents and other information as required.
e. 
State the valuation of the proposed work.
f. 
Be signed by the applicant or the applicant's authorized agent.
g. 
Give such other data and information as required by the building official.
(2) 
Action on application. The building official shall examine or cause to be examined applications for permits and amendments thereto within ten (10) business days after filing. If the application does not conform to the requirements of the Code and pertinent laws, the building official shall reject such application in writing stating the reason therefore. If the building official is satisfied that the proposed work conforms to the requirements of this Code and laws and ordinances applicable thereto, the building official shall issue a permit therefore as soon as practicable.
(3) 
Time limitation of application. An application for permit for any proposed work shall be deemed to have been abandoned 180 days after the date of filing, unless such application has been pursued in good faith or a permit has been issued; except that the building official is authorized to grant one or more extensions of time for additional periods not exceeding 90 days each. The extension shall be requested in writing and justifiable cause demonstrated.
(d) 
Validity of permit. The issuance or granting of a permit shall not be construed to be a permit for, or an approval of, any violation of any of the provisions of this division or of any other ordinance of the City. Permits presuming to give authority to violate or cancel the provisions of this division or other ordinances of the jurisdiction shall not be valid. The issuance of a permit based on construction documents and other data shall not prevent the building official from requiring the corrections of errors in the construction documents and other data. The building official is also authorized to prevent the use of a sign where it is in violation of this division or any other ordinances of this jurisdiction.
(e) 
Expiration. Every permit issued shall be come invalid unless the work on the site authorized by such permit is commenced within 180 days after its issuance, or if the work authorized on the site by such permit is suspended or abandoned for a period of 180 days after the time the work is commenced. The building official is authorized to grant, in writing, one or more extensions of time, for periods not more than 90 days each. The extension shall be requested in writing and justifiable cause demonstrated.
(f) 
Suspension or revocation. The building official is authorized to suspend or revoke a permit issued under the provisions of this division wherever the permit is issued in error or on the basis of incorrect, inaccurate or incomplete information, or in violation of any ordinance or regulation, or any of the provisions of this division.

§ 26-271 Continuance of existing signs.

[Ord. No. 917, 11-2-2010]
Nothing in this division shall require the removal or discontinuance of a legally existing display sign that is not altered, rebuilt, enlarged, extended, or relocated and the same shall be deemed a nonconforming use under the terms of this division.

§ 26-272 Projecting signs.

[Ord. No. 917, 11-2-2010; Ord. No. 1185, 4-15-2025]
Display signs, fastened to, suspended from or supported by a building or structure so as to project there from at an angle, shall not extend to more than two feet from the inner curb line; provided, that display signs not exceeding 15 inches high, supported directly on marquees may extend to the permissible outer limits of such marquees. A clear space of not less than 10 feet shall be provided below all parts of such signs except when such signs are hanging from permitted marquees and building projections in the general business district which are in compliance with the general business district plan and providing that such signs do not exceed 15 inches from the bottom of such marquees or projections. Projecting sizes shall not exceed one square foot in area for each two feet of building frontage.

§ 26-273 Sidewalk signs.

[Ord. No. 917, 11-2-2010]
(a) 
Privately-owned, freestanding, moveable display signs shall be permitted on public sidewalks adjacent to buildings with zero-foot setbacks within the commercial zoning districts without a sign permit, when in compliance with the following:
(1) 
The sign face and frame shall be no more than three feet wide or more than four feet high.
(2) 
Signs may be placed on public sidewalks, provided that a minimum unobstructed walkway of four feet in width shall be preserved for pedestrian use.
(3) 
Only two moveable signs shall be displayed on any business frontage abutting a public street.
(4) 
Signs may only be displayed during business hours of the subject business and shall be removed at other times.
(5) 
Signs shall not be illuminated.
(6) 
No sign shall obstruct the vision or mobility of pedestrians or motorists on adjacent streets, and shall be subject to removal by the City.
(7) 
The owner of any private sign displayed on a public sidewalk shall indemnify the City from any liability resulting from the location of a sign on the sidewalk.

§ 26-274 Ground and pole signs.

[Ord. No. 917, 11-2-2010; Ord. No. 1185, 4-15-2025]
Display signs shall not exceed 15 feet in height above the ground on which they rest, except that along the highway, freestanding identification pole signs for gasoline service stations, parking lots and other commercial uses may have a height of not to exceed sixty (60) feet. Such signs shall be located back of the street line and building line a distance equal to not less than the height of the sign above the ground. Such signs when more than 13 feet high shall be constructed of incombustible materials.

§ 26-275 Roof signs.

[Ord. No. 917, 11-2-2010]
Display signs that are placed above or supported on the top of a building or structure shall be constructed of incombustible materials; provided, that moldings and capping may be of wood. Such signs shall be set back at least eight feet from the building line and shall be not more than 25 feet high above that part of the roof on which they rest.

§ 26-276 Wall signs.

[Ord. No. 917, 11-2-2010]
Display signs placed against the exterior walls of buildings shall not extend more than six inches outside of the wall surface. Such signs shall not exceed 60 square feet in area, unless made of incombustible materials. Such signs shall not extend beyond the top or ends of the wall surface on which they are placed.

§ 26-277 Signs not to face R district.

[Ord. No. 917, 11-2-2010]
No display sign, except those exempted in Section 26-267, shall be permitted which faces the front or side of an R district lot line, or which faces and is visible from any public parkway, public square or entrance to any public park, public or parochial school, library, church or similar institutions, within 300 feet thereof.

§ 26-278 Signs in R districts.

[Ord. No. 917, 11-2-2010]
No display signs, except those exempted in Section 26-267, and church, institutional or directional signs shall be permitted in any R district. Temporary trailer-mounted signs shall not be permitted in any R district.

§ 26-279 Church, institutional and directional signs.

[Ord. No. 917, 11-2-2010]
(a) 
Generally. Any bona fide church, religious sect or congregation, public or semipublic institutional use, such as a government building, hospital, school, etc., may erect three directional signs in the City subject to the specifications in this section.
(b) 
Support and location. Such signs shall be mounted on a street post imbedded in concrete between the sidewalk and the curb, so that the bottom of the sign shall be at least six feet from the ground. There shall be not more than one church sign located on the corner of any street intersection.
(c) 
Design. All signs shall be of uniform design, size and construction as approved by the City.
(d) 
Permission of property owner. Permission from the owner of the property in front of which such sign is sought to be erected is required. Such permission shall be filed with the zoning inspector who will issue the required permit upon determination that all requirements have been completed.
(e) 
Announcement signs, bulletin boards. Any bona fide church, religious sect or congregation, community center or similar semipublic or institutional use may erect on their property or building and maintain for their own use a bulletin board or announcement sign not over 16 square feet in area. If not attached flat against a building, said sign shall be at least 12 feet from all street lines.

§ 26-280 Political signs.

[Ord. No. 917, 11-2-2010; Ord. No. 959, 11-6-2012]
(a) 
Generally. Political signs may be erected and maintained in the City in accordance with the provisions contained in this chapter. Location of signs shall not be placed in any public street, alley or right-of-way, or any City-owned property or fixed to any City-owned pole, building or other facility. Signs shall be set back at least 12 feet from all streets and shall not be placed in any location which may block a driver's view of traffic, create a safety hazard or obstruct or hinder the operation of public utilities.
(b) 
Political signs at fairgrounds. Political signs are permitted to be placed in the area occupied by the arena upon approval of the person/organization in control of the arena and that the signs shall conform to the regulations for commercial and industrial zones. Political signs shall not be permitted in any other areas of the fairgrounds.
(c) 
Political signs within residential zones. Political signs located in an area zoned for residential use shall not exceed 26 inches by 26 inches on each side and shall not exceed four feet in height above the ground.
(d) 
Political signs within commercial and industrial zones. Political signs located in an area zoned for commercial or industrial use shall not exceed 60 square feet in total on each side and shall not have any side greater than 12 linear feet. In commercial and industrial zoned areas, the exposed political sign face shall not exceed an aggregate gross surface area of 600 square feet per lot. Ground signs including mobile trailer mounted signs shall not exceed 15 feet in height measured from the ground surface to the top of the sign.
(e) 
Responsibility for removal. The owner or occupier of the property upon which any political sign is erected, placed, or located shall be responsible for the removal of such sign within the time required by this chapter.
(f) 
Legislative purpose and intent. The City Council makes the following findings of legislative purposes and intent:
(1) 
That the expression of political speech is an important and constitutionally protected right.
(2) 
That, under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to restrict or regulate the time, place and manner of the expression of such speech in order to advance and protect other significant legitimate interests of local government.
(3) 
That political signs have certain characteristics that distinguish them from many of the other types of signs permitted and regulated by the City. These characteristics include the fact that many of such signs, intended to be temporary in nature, do not meet the regular structural and installation requirements necessary to prevent them from being affected by weather and other natural forces and presenting a potential hazard to persons and property. Severe weather conditions, including, without limitation, thunderstorms with accompanying high winds, tornados, ice accumulation and flooding, are characteristic of local weather conditions. With respect to the temporary nature of such signs, the durational and illumination regulations provide a channel of communication on an election candidate or issue balancing the aesthetic and public health and safety concerns surrounding temporary structures.
(4) 
That the primary purpose of political signs placed along a roadway is to attract the attention of drivers and distract them from their primary responsibility of constant attention to traffic and road conditions. This concern is especially acute in residential areas where young children present a significant potential hazard for drivers. With respect to residential areas, with their lower speed limits, it is concluded that political signs not exceeding 26 inches by 26 inches on each side. Although it is recognized that certain individuals may wish to express political thoughts that require a larger area to adequately convey them, a greater number of or larger and more complex messages would further distract drivers' attention, presenting an unacceptable safety risk, and there exists in the community adequate other means for conveying such message. In nonresidential areas, motorists frequently see and reasonably expect to see larger signs, so their attention is not as easily distracted, and higher speed limits, larger lot areas, and a larger size sign can be allowed consistent with safety requirements. Further, since permitted signage in residential areas is minimal, the aesthetic impact of signs in residential areas is much greater than in nonresidential areas.
(5) 
That in addition to the safety and traffic interests affected by political signs, the City Council concludes that the unrestricted proliferation of political signs would create visual clutter, have an adverse effect on the aesthetic quality of the City, with accompanying adverse economic effects, and detract from the desirable visual environment that the City has made a strong effort to create through its land use regulations.
(6) 
That the City Council concludes that the interests to be protected by this regulation are sufficiently substantial to justify the content-neutral regulation of political speech represented by this section, and that this section represents a reasonable accommodation of the City's interest with First Amendment Rights.

§ 26-281 Liability insurance.

[Ord. No. 917, 11-2-2010]
The owner or person in control of a sidewalk or other display sign, or a sign suspended over a street or extending into a street more than one foot beyond the building line, whether permanent or temporary, shall provide a certificate of insurance in the amount of $500,000 and the City of Butler named as additional insured on the policy and this has been provided to the City and will require permit fees paid.

§ 26-282 Purpose.

[Ord. No. 1089, § 2 (Exh. A), 2-5-2019]
(a) 
Statement of Purpose. The general purpose of this Division 6 ("division") is to regulate the placement, construction, and modification of telecommunications wireless communications facilities to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public, while at the same time not unreasonably interfering with the development of the competitive wireless telecommunications marketplace in the City of Butler. Specifically, this division is intended to:
(1) 
Provide for the appropriate location and development of telecommunications facilities and systems to serve the citizens and businesses of the City of Butler;
(2) 
Minimize adverse visual impacts of wireless communications facilities through careful design, siting, landscape screening, and innovative camouflaging techniques that provide predictability for nearby property owners and others that future uses will not materially alter such approved aesthetic protections without zoning hearing procedures and input from interested parties;
(3) 
Ensure that any new wireless communications facilities are located in an area compatible with the neighborhood or surrounding community to the extent possible; and
(4) 
Ensure that regulation of wireless communications facilities does not have the effect of prohibiting the provision of personal wireless services and does not unreasonably discriminate among functionally equivalent providers of such service and promotes the provision and availability of communication services within the City.
(b) 
Applicability; preemption. Notwithstanding any ordinance to the contrary, the procedures set forth in this division shall be applicable to all wireless communications facilities existing or installed, built or modified after the effective date of this division to the fullest extent permitted by law. No provision of this division shall apply to any circumstance in which such application shall be unlawful under superseding federal or state law and furthermore, if any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion of this division is now or in the future superseded or preempted by state or federal law or found by a court of competent jurisdiction to be unauthorized, such provision shall be automatically interpreted and applied as required by law.

§ 26-283 Definitions.

[Ord. No. 1089, § 2 (Exh. A), 2-5-2019]
As used in this division, the following terms shall have the meanings and usages indicated:
AGL (ABOVE GROUND LEVEL)
Ground level shall be determined by the average elevation of the natural ground level within a radius of 50 feet from the center location of measurement.
ANTENNA
Any device that transmits and/or receives wireless radio waves for voice, data, or video communications purposes including, but not limited to, television, AM/FM radio, texts, microwave, cellular telephone, and similar forms of communications. The term shall exclude satellite earth station antenna less than two meters in diameter (mounted within 12 feet of the ground or building-mounted) and any receive-only home television antenna.
AUTHORITY POLE
A utility pole that is owned and/or operated by the City but shall not include municipal electric utility distribution poles or facilities.
CABINET
A structure for the protection and security of communications equipment associated with one or more antenna where direct access to equipment is provided from the exterior and that has horizontal dimensions that do not exceed four feet by six feet, and vertical height that does not exceed six feet.
DIRECTOR
The zoning inspector or his/her designee or official acting in such capacity.
DISGUISED SUPPORT STRUCTURE
Any free-standing, man-made structure designed for the support of antenna, the presence of which is camouflaged or concealed as an appropriately placed and designed architectural or natural feature. Depending on the location and type of disguise used, such concealment may require placement underground of the utilities leading to the structure. Such structures may include but are not limited to clock towers, campaniles, observation towers, light standards, flag poles, and artificial trees. For purposes of this definition, a structure "camouflaged or concealed as an appropriately placed and designed architectural or natural feature" shall mean:
(1) 
It is consistent with and contributes to and does not detract from the character and property values and use of the area and neighborhood in which it is located;
(2) 
It does not contain distorted proportions, size, or other features not typically found on the type of structure or feature to which it is designed to replicate;
(3) 
It cannot be identified as a support structure by persons with reasonable sensibilities and knowledge;
(4) 
Its equipment, accessory buildings, or other aspects or attachments relating to the disguised support structure are wholly concealed using a manner consistent with and typically associated with the architectural or natural structure or feature being replicated; and
(5) 
It is of a height, design, and type that would ordinarily occur at the location and neighborhood selected.
EXISTING STRUCTURE
Any structure capable of supporting wireless communication facilities (other than a support structure) in full conformance with the design and other requirements of this division and is: (1) existing prior to the date of all applicable permit applications seeking City authorization for installation of such facilities thereon and (2) not built or installed in anticipation of such specific installation or erected as a means to evade approvals applicable to a non-existing structure.
FAA
The Federal Aviation Administration.
"FAST-TRACK" SMALL WIRELESS FACILITY
A "fast-track" small wireless facility, or "fast-track," shall mean a small wireless facility that meets the following requirements for an antenna and associated equipment:
(1) 
No more than seven cubic feet in volume (comprised of no more than 27 square feet of exterior surface area, excluding the surface width equal to the width of the existing structure or utility pole to which it is mounted, on an imaginary enclosure around the perimeter thereof, excluding cable or cable conduit of four inches or less). Volume shall be the measure of the exterior displacement of the antenna and associated equipment;
(2) 
Located with the consent of the owner on an existing structure or utility pole, or concealed within or on a replacement utility pole if the appearance is not materially altered and the replacement existing structure or utility pole is no more than five feet taller;
(3) 
Not exceeding six feet above the top of an existing structure or utility pole for a total height not exceeding 45 feet (nor taller than more than six feet above the average of similar poles within 300 feet).
FCC
The Federal Communications Commission.
HEIGHT
The vertical distance measured from the average grade of the base of the structure at ground level to its highest point and including the main structure and all attachments thereto.
INCIDENTAL USE
Any use authorized herein that exists in addition to the principal use of the property.
MODIFICATION
Any addition, deletion, or change, including the addition or replacement of antenna, or any change to a structure requiring a building permit or other governmental approval.
SHELTER
A building for the protection and security of communications equipment associated with one or more antenna and where access to equipment is gained from the interior of the building. Human occupancy for office or other uses or the storage of other materials and equipment not in direct support of the connected antenna is prohibited.
SMALL WIRELESS FACILITY
An antenna and associated equipment that meets the following:
(1) 
An antenna of no more than six cubic feet in volume; and
(2) 
All other associated equipment, to the extent permitted by applicable law to be calculated, of cumulatively no more than 28 cubic feet in volume; provided that no single piece of equipment on the authority pole shall exceed nine cubic feet in volume, and no single piece of ground mounted equipment shall exceed 15 cubic feet in volume.
SUPPORT STRUCTURE
A tower or disguised support structure.
TOWER
A structure designed for the support of one or more antenna and including guyed towers, self-supporting (lattice) towers, or monopoles, but not disguised support structures, utility poles, or buildings. The term shall also not include any support structure that includes attachments of 65 feet or less in height owned and operated solely for use by an amateur radio operator licensed by the FCC.
UTILITY POLE
A pole that is or may be used for wireline communications, lighting, traffic control, signage, or a similar function, which may also support a small wireless facility or "fast track."
WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS FACILITY
Any antenna, small wireless facility, "fast track," cabinet, shelter, and support structure, and associated equipment.

§ 26-284 Application procedures; timing.

[Ord. No. 1089, § 2 (Exh. A), 2-5-2019]
(a) 
Applications. Applications for permitted, administrative, or conditional uses pursuant to this division shall be subject to the supplementary procedures in this division. Applications shall be submitted to the City as a complete application on forms provided by the City. A "complete application" shall be an application submitted on the forms provided by the City, fully executed by the applicant, identifying the specific approval sought, and containing all attachments, fees as may be established to reimburse the City for its inspection and review costs, and information as required thereon or by the City, consistent with this division. Applications shall be accompanied by a building permit application and other applicable forms.
(b) 
Proof of owner consent. Applications for permitted, administrative, or conditional uses pursuant to this division shall be required to provide proof of landlord consent, which shall minimally include:
(1) 
Written consent to pursue the application by all fee simple owners of the underlying real estate (or where located in street right-of-way, the right-of-way owner thereof), including when the proposed location is also in a utility easement; and
(2) 
Written consent to pursue the application of the owner of the structure on which such facility is to be placed, if different than applicant.
(c) 
Timing. Applications shall be decided upon within a reasonable time, subject further to state or federal specific additional time requirements as may apply to the particular application.

§ 26-285 General requirements.

[Ord. No. 1089, § 2 (Exh. A), 2-5-2019]
(a) 
Applicability. The requirements set forth in this division shall be applicable to all wireless communications facilities within the City installed, built, or modified after the effective date of this division to the full extent permitted by law. Such zoning review and approvals required in this division shall be in addition to any other generally applicable permitting requirement, including applicable building, excavation, or other right-of-way permits.
(1) 
Principal or incidental use. Towers may be either a principal or incidental use in all commercial and industrial zoning districts, subject to any applicable requirement relating to yard or setback. An incidental use subject to a leasehold interest of a person other than the lot owner may be approved for a tower only if the leasehold area separately meets all requirements for a separate subdivided lot, including dedicated access, parking, setbacks, and lot size, applicable to a primary use in the district in which the use is proposed as if it was a separate subdivided lot. No other district shall allow towers unless required by law. All other wireless facilities other than towers, may be a principal or incidental use in all districts subject to the requirements herein.
(2) 
Building codes, safety standards, and zoning compliance. Wireless communications facilities shall be constructed and maintained in compliance with all standards contained in applicable state and local building codes. A certified engineer's structural report shall be required for all applications to construct a new or modify, or any way alter, a support structure, a utility pole, or antenna, including small wireless facility and fast track, unless waived upon application to the director stating why such report is unnecessary to the specific application and a determination in the discretion of the director approving such statement. In addition to any other approvals required by this division, no wireless communication facility or portion thereof shall be erected, replaced, or expanded prior to receipt of a certificate of zoning compliance, unless otherwise required by law, and the issuance of a building permit. For sites within City right-of-way, (1) the most restrictive adjacent underlying zoning district classification shall apply unless otherwise specifically zoned and designated on the official zoning map, (2) no application shall be submitted for permit approval without attaching the City's consent to use the right-of-way for the specific construction application, to the extent permitted by applicable law; (3) wireless communications facilities shall be installed and maintained as not to obstruct or hinder the usual travel or public safety on the right-of-way or obstruct the legal use of such right-of-way by authorities or authorized right-of-way users; and (4) such use shall be required to obtain applicable permits and comply with the City's ROW management rules and regulations set forth in Chapter 21.
(3) 
Regulatory compliance. All wireless communications facilities shall meet or exceed current standards and regulations of the FAA, FCC, and any other local, state, or federal agency with the authority to regulate wireless communications facilities, and including all required licenses, permits, and taxes applicable to such structure and/or modification. Should such standards or regulations be amended, then the owner shall bring such devices and structures into compliance with the revised standards or regulations within the time period mandated by the controlling agency. No approval for any placement, construction, or modification of any wireless communications facilities permitted by this division shall be granted for any applicant having an uncured violation of this division, any zoning regulation regarding the lot on which the structure is proposed, or any other governmental regulatory, licensing, or tax requirement applicable to such wireless communications facilities within the City unless preempted by applicable law.
(4) 
Security. All wireless communications facilities shall be protected from unauthorized access by appropriate security measures. A description of proposed security measures shall be provided as part of any application to install, build, alter, or modify wireless communications facilities. Additional measures may be required as a condition of the issuance of a building permit as deemed necessary by the director or by the City Council in the case of a conditional use permit.
(5) 
Lighting. Antenna, small wireless facilities, fast track, and support structures shall not be lighted unless required by the FAA or other state or federal agency with authority to regulate, in which case a description of the required lighting scheme will be made a part of the application to install, build, alter, or modify the antenna, small wireless facilities, fast track, or support structure. Lighting may also be approved as a consistent component of a disguised support structure. Equipment cabinets and shelters may have lighting only as approved by the director or City Council on the approved site plan.
(6) 
Advertising. Except for a disguised support structure in the form of an otherwise lawfully permitted sign, the placement of advertising on wireless communications facilities is prohibited other than identification signage or required safety signage of not greater than one square foot on ground equipment.
(7) 
Design.
a. 
Color. Subject to the requirements of the FAA or any applicable state or federal agency, wireless communications facilities and attachments shall be painted a neutral color consistent with the natural or built environment of the site or an alternative painting scheme approved by the director, or the City Council in the case of conditional use permits, consistent with the requirements of this division. Unpainted galvanized steel support structures are not permitted.
b. 
Ground equipment. When authorized, equipment shelters or cabinets shall have an exterior finish compatible with the natural or built environment of the site and shall also comply with any design guidelines as may be applicable to the particular zoning district in which the facility is located. All equipment shall be either placed underground, contained in a single shelter or cabinet, or wholly concealed within a building or approved walled compound.
c. 
Antenna design. Antenna attached to a disguised support structure or tower shall be contained within the disguised support structure or within or mounted flush on the surface of the tower to which they are mounted. Antenna attached to an existing building, utility pole, or structure shall be of a color identical to the surface to which they are mounted. Antenna on the rooftop or attached to a building shall be screened or constructed and/or colored to match the structure to which they are attached. All antenna shall be designed to be disguised and maximally concealed on or within the support structure, or other structure. Exposed antenna on "crow's nest" or other visible platforms or extensions are prohibited.
d. 
Height. Support structures and antenna shall be no taller than necessary and shall not exceed the height limitation of any airport overlay zone as may be adopted by the City or other regulatory agency. Support structures may exceed underlying zoning district height restrictions for buildings and structures only where shown to be necessary, provided that no reasonable alternative exists. To the extent permitted by applicable law, district height restrictions shall be considered by the City in determining the appropriateness of the design and location of the application under the applicable standards for approval. No support structure shall be approved at a height exceeding 120 feet AGL unless the applicant clearly demonstrates that such height is required for the proper function of the applicant's system.
e. 
Monopole design. All towers shall be of a monopole design. Lattice, guyed towers, or other non-monopole tower designs shall not be permitted.
f. 
Compound walls/landscaping. All towers shall be surrounded by a minimum of a six-foot high decorative wall constructed of brick, stone, or comparable masonry materials and a landscape strip of not less than 10 feet in width and planted with materials, which will provide a visual barrier to a minimum height of six feet. The landscape strip shall be exterior to any security wall. In lieu of the required wall and landscape strip, an alternative means of screening may be approved by the director, or by the City Council in the case of a conditional use permit, upon demonstration by the applicant that an equivalent degree of visual screening will be achieved. Landscaping or other improvements may be required for disguised support structures if needed to implement an approved disguise.
g. 
Setbacks. All support structures, including any portions of any wireless communications facilities thereon and associated structures, fences, and walls (except for parking associated with the wireless communications facility) shall be separated from any public right-of-way, sidewalk or street, alley, parking area, playground, or other building, and from the property line of any adjacent property at least a horizontal distance equal to the height of the support structure, including any portions of any wireless communications facilities thereon, whichever is greater.
h. 
Storage. Vehicle or outdoor storage on any wireless communications facilities site is prohibited, unless otherwise permitted by the zoning district.
i. 
Parking. On-site parking for periodic maintenance and service shall be provided at all support structure locations consistent with the underlying zoning district and the type of antenna or support structure approval granted.
j. 
Decorative poles. In districts where there are utility poles which were specifically designed for their aesthetic nature and compatibility with the built environment of that district, as determined by the City, such utility poles shall be deemed to be decorative utility poles. Such decorative utility poles, when authorized to be replaced by an applicant for wireless communications facilities pursuant to applicable law and in compliance with this division and Code, shall only be replaced with a substantially similar decorative utility pole which matches the aesthetics and decorative elements of the original decorative utility pole being replaced. Such replacement expenses shall be bore wholly by the applicant seeking to place wireless communications facilities on such decorative utility pole.
(8) 
Public property. Wireless communications facilities located on property owned, leased, or otherwise controlled by the City shall be subject to the requirements of this division. A license or lease with the City authorizing the location of such wireless communications facilities shall be required for each site.
(9) 
As-built plans. Within 60 days of completion of the initial construction and any additional construction, two complete sets of plans drawn to scale and certified as accurately depicting the location of all wireless communications facilities constructed shall be furnished to the City.
(10) 
Historic preservation; thirty-day hearing period. To the extent permitted by law, approval shall not be issued for any wireless communications facility that the director or City Council determines would create a significant negative visual impact or otherwise have a significant negative impact on the historical character and quality of any property within a historic preservation district or such district as a whole. For collocation of any certified historic structure as defined in RSMo 253.545, in addition to all other applicable time requirements, there shall be a thirty-day time period before approval of an application during which one or more public hearings on collocation to a certified historic structure are held. The City may require reasonable, technically feasible and technological neutral design and concealment measures as a condition of approval of a wireless communication facility within a historic district.
(b) 
Administration. The director shall have the authority to establish forms and procedures consistent with this division and applicable federal, state, and local law to ensure compliance and to facilitate prompt review and administration of applications.

§ 26-286 Permitted use.

[Ord. No. 1089, § 2 (Exh. A), 2-5-2019]
(a) 
Permitted use. The placement of wireless communications facilities fully conforming with the general requirements in this division are permitted in all zoning districts only as follows:
(1) 
Collocations on existing support structures. The attachment of additional or replacement complying antenna or equipment to any existing fully conforming support structure or as otherwise authorized by state or federal law where local zoning is preempted, provided that building permit requirements, national safety codes, and other applicable codes including recognized accepted industry standards for structural, safety, capacity, reliability, and engineering are satisfied, including specifically the requirement to submit a certified structural engineering report as provided in Section 26-285.
(2) 
Antenna on high-voltage towers. The mounting of antenna on or within any existing high-voltage electric transmission tower, but not exceeding the height of such tower by more than 10 feet, provided that all requirements of this division and the underlying zoning ordinance are met, except minimum setbacks provided in this division shall not apply.
(3) 
Antenna on existing buildings/structures. In all districts, except not on single-family residential or two-family dwellings, the mounting of antenna on any existing and conforming building or structure (other than a support structure or utility pole) provided that the presence of the antenna and equipment is concealed by architectural elements or fully camouflaged or concealed by painting a color identical to the surface to which they are attached, and further provided that all requirements of this division and the underlying zoning ordinance are met.
(4) 
Collocation of small wireless facilities on authority poles.
a. 
In accordance with RSMo 67.5112, a wireless provider may collocate small wireless facilities and install, maintain, modify, operate, and replace authority poles, at heights below the height limitations outlined in this subdivision, which shall be a permitted use in all districts except within single-family residential and historic districts provided the proposed installation does not:
1. 
Materially interfere with the safe operation of traffic and control equipment or City-owned communications equipment;
2. 
Materially interfere with compliance with the American Disabilities Act, or similar federal or state standards regarding pedestrian access or movement;
3. 
Materially obstruct or hinder the usual travel or public safety on the rights-of-way;
4. 
Materially obstruct the legal use of the rights-of-way by the City, utility, or other third-party;
5. 
Fail to comply with the spacing requirements within § 21-60(b)(2);
6. 
Fail to comply with applicable national safety codes, including recognized engineering standards for authority poles or support structures;
7. 
Fail to comply with the decorative pole replacement requirements herein;
8. 
Fail to comply with undergrounding requirements within § 21-60(b)(2); or
9. 
Interfere or impair the operation of existing utility facilities, or City or third-party attachments.
b. 
New, replacement, or modification of authority poles under the following circumstances shall not be considered a permitted use under this section:
1. 
Proposals to construct or modify an authority pole which exceeds the greater of:
i. 
Fifty feet AGL; or
ii. 
More than 10 feet above the tallest existing authority pole as of January 1, 2019 within 500 feet of the proposed authority pole in the City; and
2. 
Proposals to collocate on an existing authority pole in place on August 28, 2018 which exceeds the height of the existing authority pole by more than 10 feet.
(b) 
Application procedure. Application for a permitted use under this section shall require submission of an application with proof of owner consent as required by Section 26-284 and an application fee of $500 as required to partly cover the City's actual costs, but not to exceed such amounts as may be limited by law. If the applicant is not a wireless services provider, then the applicant must submit evidence of agreements or plans, or otherwise provide attestations to the same, which conclusively demonstrate to the City that the proposed site(s) will become operational and used by a wireless services provider within one year of the permit's issuance date. For any application for a small wireless facility, the applicant shall provide an attestation that the proposed small wireless facility complies with the volumetric limitations as required to meet the definition of a small wireless facility in accordance with this division and pursuant to applicable law. Applicant shall also submit a certified structural analysis as required in the general requirements of this division. Applications requesting any information that is prohibited by federal or state law under the applicable circumstance shall be deemed inapplicable to the subject application. The director shall issue a decision on the application for a permitted use within the time-frame permitted by applicable law. A decision to deny an application shall be made in writing and state the specific reasons for the denial.

§ 26-287 Administrative approval.

[Ord. No. 1089, § 2 (Exh. A), 2-5-2019]
(a) 
Administrative approval. The placement of wireless communications facilities fully conforming with the general requirements in this division are permitted in all zoning districts by administrative permit approved by the director only as follows:
(1) 
Disguised support structures. The construction of a disguised support structure, provided that all related equipment shall be placed underground or concealed within the structure. Equipment may be placed in an appropriately concealed cabinet if the disguised support structure is incidental to an industrial, commercial, or other non-residential use and fits with the natural built environment or the disguised support structure. Any disguised support structure shall have as a condition of approval, unless expressly exempted in the approval, an obligation and corresponding covenant recorded on the property that runs with the land to the benefit of the City on behalf of the public, prohibiting modifications to the disguised support structure that eliminate or are materially detrimental to the disguise, unless such proposed modification is approved by a duly authorized zoning or conditional use approval approved. If the applicant does not wish to have such a covenant, the application shall not qualify for administrative permit approval, unless another mechanism is proposed and approved to ensure that the disguise is not subsequently eliminated or materially detrimentally altered. A disguised support structure proposed to be located within a public or private right-of-way may be exempted from the general requirements of this article relating to parking/access and setbacks, unless determined by the director as applicable to the specific location for safety or other applicable reasons.
(2) 
"Fast-track" small wireless facilities. An application for a "fast-track" small wireless facility may be approved administratively by the director, subject to meeting the following requirements:
a. 
General requirements. The following requirements shall generally apply to all "fast-track" small wireless facilities located within the City:
1. 
The "fast-track" shall substantially match any current aesthetic or ornamental elements of the existing structure or utility pole, or otherwise be designed to maximally blend in to the built environment, with attention to the current uses within the district at the proposed site;
2. 
Any portion above the existing structure or utility pole shall be concealed and of the same dimensions and appearance so as to appear to be a natural extension of the existing structure or utility pole in lieu of an enclosure or concealment;
3. 
The "fast-track" equipment shall not emit noise audible from the building line of any residentially zoned or used property; and
4. 
Location, placement, and orientation of the "fast-track" shall, to the extent feasible, minimize the obstruction to, or visibility from, the closest adjacent properties unless otherwise required by the City for safety reasons.
b. 
Additional requirements when sited near pedestrian and vehicle ways. When a "fast-track" is proposed to be located on an existing structure or utility pole on or adjacent to public or private streets, sidewalks, or other pedestrian or vehicle ways:
1. 
The height of all portions of the "fast-track" shall be located at least eight feet above ground level;
2. 
No ground equipment shall be permitted; and
3. 
No portions of the "fast-track" shall extend horizontally from the surface of the utility pole or existing structure more than 16 inches.
c. 
Waiver for good cause shown. Additionally, the director may for good cause shown increase any one or more of the maximum volumetric specifications from the definition of a "fast-track" by up to 50% if the applicant demonstrates that it:
1. 
Does not in any location nationally use equipment capable of meeting the specifications and the purpose of the equipment; and
2. 
Cannot feasibly meet the requirements as defined and described.
The City Council may further waive one or more of the requirements found in the definition of "fast-track," or from Subsection (a)(2)(a), general requirements, or Subsection (a)(2)(b), additional requirements, when sited near pedestrian or vehicle ways of this subdivision, upon good cause shown by the applicant, and provided a showing that the waiver is the minimum necessary to accomplish the purposes of this division. The burden of proof for any waiver shall be wholly on the applicant and must be shown by clear and convincing evidence.
(b) 
Application procedures. Applications for administrative permits shall be made on the appropriate forms to the director consistent with the requirements of this division. Applications requesting any information that is prohibited by federal or state law under the applicable circumstance shall be deemed inapplicable to the subject application.
(1) 
General application requirements. Applicant shall submit along with its completed application form:
a. 
An application fee of $100 as required to partly cover the City's actual costs, but not to exceed such amounts as may be limited by law; any amount not used by the City shall be refunded to the applicant upon written request after a final decision;
b. 
A detailed site plan, based on a closed boundary survey of the host parcel, shall be submitted indicating the exact location of the facility, all dimensions and orientations of the facility and associated equipment, in addition to all existing and proposed improvements including buildings, drives, walkway, parking areas, and other structures, public right-of-way, the zoning categories of the subject and adjoining properties, the location of and distance to off-site residential structures, required setbacks, required buffer and landscape areas, hydrologic features, and the coordinates and height AGL of the utility pole, or existing structure, if applicable;
c. 
Specifications, dimensions, photos, or drawings of the completed installation;
d. 
Proof of owner consent as required by Section 26-284.
e. 
Certified structural analysis as required in the general requirements of this division;
f. 
If the applicant is not a wireless services provider, then the applicant must submit evidence of agreements or plans, or otherwise provide attestations to the same, which conclusively demonstrate to the City that the proposed site(s) will become operational and used by a wireless services provider within one year of the permit's issuance date; and
g. 
All other information necessary to show compliance with the applicable requirements of this division.
(2) 
"Fast-track"-specific application requirements. In addition to the above general application requirements, applications for a "fast-track" shall include the following:
a. 
An attestation that the proposed "fast-track" meets the volumetric and other requirements to meet the definition of "fast-track" provided in this division; and
b. 
Information demonstrating that the applicant's proposed plans are in compliance with RSMo 67.5113.3(9) to the satisfaction of the City.
(3) 
Review. The application shall be reviewed by the director to determine compliance with the above standards, including specifically design, location, safety, and appearance requirements and transmit the application for review and comment by other departments and public agencies as may be affected by the proposed facility.
(4) 
Additional information may be required. In reviewing an application, the director may require the applicant to provide additional information, including technical studies, to the extent permitted by applicable law. An application shall not be deemed complete until satisfaction of all application requirements and submission of all requested information as provided herein.
(5) 
Decisions; denials required in writing. The director shall issue a decision on the permit within the time-frame permitted by applicable law. The director may deny the application or approve the application as submitted or with such modifications or conditions as are, in his/her judgment, reasonably necessary to protect the safety or general welfare of the citizens and property values consistent with and to affect the purposes of this division. The director may consider the purposes of this division and the factors established herein for granting a conditional use permit as well as any other considerations consistent with the division. A decision to deny an application shall be made in writing and state the specific reasons for the denial.

§ 26-288 Conditional use permit required.

[Ord. No. 1089, § 2 (Exh. A), 2-5-2019]
(a) 
Conditional use permit required. All proposals to construct or modify a wireless communications facilities not permitted by Section 26-286 or Section 27-287 or not fully complying with the general requirements of this division shall be permitted only upon the approval of a conditional use permit authorized consistent with Section 26-56 following a duly advertised public hearing by the planning and zoning commission and City Council, subject to the following additional requirements, procedures, and limitations:
(1) 
Applications. Applications for conditional use permits shall be filed on such forms required by the director and processed subject to the requirements of and in the manner established by applicable law, herein, and for conditional use permits in the zoning code and, in addition to such other requirements, shall be accompanied by a deposit of $1,500, to the extent permitted by applicable law to the specific wireless communications facility. Any amount not used by the City shall be refunded to the applicant upon written request after a final decision. Except as otherwise provided by law, no application for a conditional use permit under this section shall be deemed complete until the applicant has paid all fees and deposits required under this division, submitted certified engineering plans, and provided proof of owner consent as required by Section 26-284. Applications requesting any information that is prohibited by federal or state law under the applicable circumstance shall be deemed inapplicable to the subject application.
(2) 
Decision and findings required. A decision shall be contemporaneously accompanied by substantial evidence supporting the decision, which shall be made a part of the written record of the meeting at which a final decision on the application is rendered. Evidence shall be under oath and may be submitted with the application or thereafter or presented during the public hearing by the applicant or others.
(3) 
Additional minimum requirements. No conditional use permit shall be issued unless the applicant has clearly demonstrated by substantial evidence that placement of wireless communications facilities pursuant to Section 26-286 or Section 26-287 of this division is not technologically or economically feasible. The City may consider current or emerging industry standards and practices, among other information, in determining feasibility.
(4) 
Findings required. In addition to the determinations or limitations specified herein and by the applicable provisions of Section 26-56 of this zoning code for the consideration of conditional use permits, no conditional use permit shall be approved by the City Council unless findings in the affirmative are made that the following conditions exist:
a. 
That the design of the wireless communications facilities, including ground layout, maximally reduces visual degradation and otherwise complies with provisions and intent of this division;
b. 
That the design is visually compatible with the area, will not distract from the view of the surrounding area, is maximally concealed or blended in with the environment, and will not adversely affect property values;
c. 
That such conditional use shall not be inconsistent or adversely affect the regular permitted uses in the district in which the same is located; and
d. 
That the proposal fully complies with applicable law including the general requirements herein; provided that an exception to the general requirements, other than building or safety code compliance, may be approved upon evidence that compliance is not feasible or is shown to be unreasonable under the specific circumstances shown.

§ 26-289 Commercial operation of unlawful wireless communications facilities.

[Ord. No. 1089, § 2 (Exh. A), 2-5-2019]
Notwithstanding any right that may exist for a governmental entity to operate or construct wireless communications facilities, it shall be unlawful for any person to erect or operate for any private commercial purpose any wireless communications facilities in violation of any provision of this division, regardless of whether such wireless communications facilities are located on land owned by a governmental entity.

§ 26-290 Removal of support structure.

[Ord. No. 1089, § 2 (Exh. A), 2-5-2019; Ord. No. 1185, 4-15-2025]
Any wireless communications facility or portion thereof that has not been used for its original communications purpose for more than six (6) months shall be removed at the owner's expense. In the case of multiple operators sharing use of a single support structure, this provision shall not become effective until all users cease operations.

§ 26-291 Penalty.

[Ord. No. 1089, § 2 (Exh. A), 2-5-2019]
Except as may otherwise be provided by law, any person violating any provision in this division shall be subject to Section 1-7.

§ 26-292 Appeals.

[Ord. No. 1089, § 2 (Exh. A), 2-5-2019]
The procedures of Article II of Chapter 7, Board of Building Appeals, shall govern appeals by any aggrieved person of a final action of any City officer, employee, board, commission, or the City Council that are claimed by an aggrieved person to be unlawful or an unconstitutional taking of property without compensation. To the fullest extent permitted by law, the review procedures of Article II of Chapter 7 shall be exhausted before any action may be filed in any court against the City or its officers, employees, boards, officials or commissions. Nothing herein shall be deemed to unlawfully limit any remedy that is required to be available as a matter of law.