It is the purpose and intent of this chapter to provide for the design and development of innovative housing forms which incorporate a higher density living situation and at the same time preserve the desirability of an individually owned housing unit. This is accompanied by efficiently utilizing buildable space within a given area by allowing reduced lot size as well as lot width and compensating for the reduction by incorporating open spaces, scenic and recreational areas and other amenities. The following standards have been developed for the city that will apply to a variety of such attached and semi-attached housing forms including but not limited to condominiums and townhouses.

Specifically, this chapter is formulated to allow the grouping of separately owned single-family dwelling units into a group of attached and semi-attached housing forms that will be both aesthetically pleasing and conscientiously designed as well as preserve the health, welfare, safety and convenience of the surrounding neighborhood.

(Ord. 321 (part), 2004: Ord. 298 § 1 (part) (11.02.261), 1997)

(Ord. No. 354, § 1(Exh. A), 10-15-2018)

A.

Density. Overall density in a particular condominium or townhouse project shall not exceed the maximum density allowed within the zoning district for which it is located, except when designed and developed as a planned unit development under provisions set forth in Section 11.02.250.

B.

Lot Area. No condominium lot or townhouse site shall contain an area of less than five thousand (5,000) square feet and a minimum lot or building width of twenty (20) feet. The remaining lot area that would normally be required in the zoning district, per dwelling unit, shall be incorporated into usable and accessible open space and or private or common vehicular access or parking area for the condominium or townhouse project site.

C.

Location. Condominium and townhouse developments are permitted in the HC and R-3 zoning districts and may be permitted as conditional uses in the R-2 zoning district.

D.

Unit Size. Every condominium and townhouse dwelling unit shall have a minimum gross floor area equal of five hundred (500) square feet.

E.

Height of Structure. Maximum height for any condominium or townhouse structure shall not exceed the building height limit specified for the zoning district.

F.

Building Coverage. In no event shall a condominium or townhouse, including any accessory buildings, cover more than forty-five (45) percent of the individual lot area.

G.

Street Frontage. Each condominium or townhouse project site shall border on a public street, except provided that they face private or common open areas as set forth in this chapter.

(Ord. 321 (part), 2004: Ord. 298 § 1 (part) (11.02.262), 1997)

A.

Right-of-way Setback. No condominium or townhouse unit shall be located closer than twenty-five (25) feet from any public right-of-way or within fifteen (15) feet of a private drive, access road, or common parking area, to the front or rear of such dwelling.

B.

Yard Requirements. Each individual condominium or townhouse lot shall have a minimum front yard of twenty-five (25) feet and a rear yard of twenty (20) feet. The minimum side yard requirements shall be eight feet from any adjoining property line of the townhouse project site. If, due to unique and innovative design techniques, condominium or townhouse units are arranged such that such setback requirements are not feasible, a variance may be requested at the time of project submittal.

C.

Setback Variation. No more than two abutting condominium or townhouses or groupings within the project site shall have a common front building setback. Variations in the setback of front building faces shall be at least two feet. Height variations shall also be incorporated, if feasible, in condominium or townhouse design.

D.

Distances Between Condominium or Townhouse Groups. Condominium or townhouse groups shall be separated by at least sixteen (16) feet.

(Ord. 321 (part), 2004: Ord. 298 § 1 (part) (11.02.263), 1997)

A.

Open Space Required. Open space is required for each proposed condominium or townhouse project. Such open space must be equal to a minimum of thirty (30) percent of the site to be developed.

B.

Maintenance of Common Areas. All common areas and facilities including, but not limited to, recreational facilities, off-street parking and common open space shall be maintained in a satisfactory manner without expense to the general taxpayers of the city.

(Ord. 321 (part), 2004: Ord. 298 § 1 (part) (11.02.264), 1997)

(Ord. No. 354, § 1(Exh. A), 10-15-2018)

A.

Conversion. Conversion of existing structures to a condominium or townhouse project is prohibited unless all condominium or townhouse development standards as outlined in this section can be satisfied.

B.

Subdivision Before Use Permit. A legal subdivision plat shall be placed on the public records of Stillwater County prior to the issuance of any zoning use permit within a townhouse development.

C.

Landscaping. Not less than seventy-five (75) percent of each yard shall be landscaped. Plans for such landscaping shall be submitted as a part of the application for zoning conditional use permit and installed in accordance with a time schedule established by the zoning officer.

D.

Building Standards. All townhouse developments shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the International Building Codes and any other federal or state laws or regulations that are applicable.

(Ord. 321 (part), 2004: Ord. 298 § 1 (part) (11.02.265), 1997)

Applications and submittal requirements shall be those set forth in the Stillwater County and city of Columbus subdivision regulations. Townhouse developments comprised of five or fewer lots can be submitted for minor subdivision review as set forth in the Stillwater County and city of Columbus subdivision regulations.

(Ord. 321 (part), 2004: Ord. 298 § 1 (part) (11.02.266), 1997)

Approval of a condominium or townhouse development shall be obtained through permit procedures as specified in this title and by the Stillwater County and city of Columbus subdivision regulations.

(Ord. 321 (part), 2004: Ord. 298 § 1 (part) (11.02.267), 1997)

(Ord. No. 354, § 1(Exh. A), 10-15-2018)