Crystal River City Zoning Code

This section will provide the allowable uses per Zone in the City of Crystal River. The intent of this section is to provide the largest variety of uses that in the highest intensity Zones while protecting the primarily residential uses that occur in the lowest density areas. Supplementary standards may be tied to specific uses in order to enhance the form-based standards of this Code. This section also provides parking requirements by use.

a.

General.

(1)

A lot may contain more than one use.

(2)

Each of the uses may function as either a principal use or accessory use on a lot, unless otherwise specified.

(3)

Uses are either permitted by-right in a zone, conditional or have applicable supplemental standards.

(4)

Each use may have both indoor and outdoor facilities, unless otherwise specified.

(5)

Any change in the use of a property shall require a "Change of Use/Occupancy" Permit. The City shall inspect the subject property and any structures to ensure applicable standards are met to support the use.

b.

Organization.

(1)

The uses are grouped into general categories, which may contain lists of additional uses or clusters of uses.

(2)

Unlisted Similar Use. If a use is not listed but is similar in nature and impact to a use permitted within a Zone, the Growth Management Director may interpret the use as permitted. The Growth Management Director may refer to the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) for use interpretation. The unlisted use will be subject to any supplemental standards applicable to the similar permitted use.

(3)

Unlisted Dissimilar Use. If a use is not listed and cannot be interpreted as similar in nature and impact to a permitted use, the use may only be permitted if submitted to the Planning Commission for recommendation and approved by the City Council.

c.

Use Table.

(1)

Each Zone includes its own use table. Each use table outlines the permitted uses in each Zoning District. Each use is given one of the following designations for each Zone in which that use is permitted.

(2)

Permitted ("P"). These uses are permitted by-right in the Zones in which they are listed.

(3)

Conditional Use ("C"). These uses require the development plan to meet additional criteria as specified by this section.

(4)

Listed uses that are prohibited in the zone are indicated by a blank space.

d.

Conditional Use Criteria. Conditional Uses are uses that may require additional design considerations to ensure compatibility with the surrounding properties. Additional information not referenced in this Code may be requested by staff regarding the application for a Conditional Use. A conditional use may be denied, approved or approved with conditions by the Planning Commission. Appropriate staff shall make a recommendation for conditions of approval. If approved, or approved with conditions, by the Planning Commission, the conditions of approval may modify code requirements on all, some or none of the following:

(1)

Building Height

(2)

Landscape Buffer Size or Composition

(3)

Building Setbacks

(4)

Door, Window or Opening Locations

(5)

Parking Requirements

(6)

Increased Protection of Natural Features & Waterbodies

(7)

Light or Sound Mitigation

Table 5.1 Uses by Zone The following table outlines permitted, conditional and prohibited uses per Zone. The use table below is generalized for ease of use and more specific uses may be further regulated subject to subsection (f).

Table 5.2 Uses Per Special District The following table outlines permitted, conditional and prohibited uses per Special Districts. The use table below is generalized for ease of use and more specific uses may be further regulated subject to subsection (f).

e.

Defined Uses.

(1)

Residential and Hospitality. A category of uses that include several residence and hospitality types.

(2)

Multifamily Residential. A use containing more than one dwelling unit on one lot.

(3)

Single Family Attached (Townhomes). A single family dwelling unit on a fee simple lot which is attached to one or more single family dwelling units by shared walls.

(4)

Single Family Detached. A single family dwelling unit on a lot and detached from any other dwelling units. This use includes group homes.

(5)

Live/Work Unit. A structure or portion of a structure combining a residential living space with an integrated workspace principally used by one of the residents. In a live/work unit, the use is required to meet the following standards.

(a)

Hours of Operation. Permitted hours of operation where customers and clients are received shall be limited to 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

(b)

Entrances. Separate entrances must be provided for the business and dwelling.

(c)

In no case shall the square footage of the non-residential use exceed 50% of any unit's net living area.

(6)

Accessory Dwelling Unit. A room or set of rooms in a single-family home, or as a standalone structure, that has been designed or configured to be used as a separate dwelling unit.

(7)

Short Term Rental/Resort Housing. Resort Housing is permitted exclusively on properties zoned 'CW' (Commercial Waterfront) prior to this Code's adoption. All Resort Housing must comply with current zoning requirements. Refer to Exhibit B.

(8)

Hotel, Resort & Inn. A facility offering temporary lodging to the general public consisting of sleeping rooms with or without in-room kitchen facilities and with on-site staff services provided continuously throughout the day and night, without interruption, whenever the business is actively offering its services. Secondary uses may also be provided, including but not limited to restaurants, conference space, amenities and entertainment venues.

(9)

Residential Care. A facility, other than a Congregate Care/Special Care Facility, offering temporary or permanent lodging to the general public consisting of an unlimited number of sleeping rooms with or without in-room kitchen facilities, often marketed to the elderly or disabled. Residential care includes such uses as independent living facilities allowing nursing or assisted care, as well as assisted living facilities, nursing homes, residential care homes, and transitional treatment facilities. Assistance with daily activities may be provided for residents. Secondary service uses may also be provided, such as restaurants and meeting rooms. Rooms shall be accessed from the interior of the building.

(9.5)

Congregate Care/Special Care Facilities. A building, single family, multifamily residence or other dwelling unit at least 10,000 square feet, licensed by the Agency for Health Care Administration, and designed to serve residents in a living environment for a minimum of 20 unrelated residents, including such supervision and care by supportive staff as may be necessary to meet the physical, emotional and social needs of the residents. Congregate care includes, but is not limited to, the provision of housing, food, personal services, behavior services, limited nursing or mental health services. The occupants of the congregate care/special care facility shall not be related to the owner or manager by blood or marriage and are ambulatory. Examples of a congregate care/special care facility include special care services, such as detoxification and mental health, and transitional living facilities, adult day care homes, nursing care homes, and assisted living facilities.

(10)

Civic. A category of uses related to fulfilling the needs of day-to-day community life including assembly, public services, educational facilities, and hospitals.

(11)

Assembly. A facility that has organized services, meetings, or programs to benefit, educate, entertain, or promote discourse amongst the residents of the community in a public or private setting. Assembly includes such uses as a churches, community centers, private clubs and lodges.

(12)

Hospital & Clinic. A licensed institution providing medical care and health services to the community. These services may be located in one building or clustered in several buildings and may include laboratories, in- and out-patient facilities, training facilities, medical offices, staff residences, food service, pharmacies, and a gift shop.

(13)

Library/Museum. A structure open to the general public housing educational, cultural, artistic, or historic information, resources, and exhibits. Food service and a gift shop may be permitted as accessory uses.

(14)

Law Enforcement and Fire. A facility providing public safety and emergency services; training facilities, locker rooms, and limited overnight accommodations may also be included. The facilities shall be housed in a permitted building, but shall have the following additional allowances:

(a)

Garage doors are permitted on the front facade.

(b)

Driveways are exempt from maximum driveway widths

(15)

Post Office. A publicly accessed facility for the selling of supplies and mail related products and the collection and distribution of mail and packages.

(16)

School. A public or private education facility with classrooms and offices, that may also include associated indoor and outdoor facilities such as student housing, ball courts, gymnasium, theater, and food service.

(17)

Retail and Service. A category of uses involving the sale of goods, merchandise, or services to the general public for personal or household consumption. Visibility and accessibility are important to these uses, as most patrons do not utilize scheduled appointments. Outdoor manufacturing activities and storage of goods are prohibited; however, outdoor display may be allowed during normal business hours provided they do not restrict ADA access or encroach rights-of-way.

(a)

Neighborhood Retail. A use in this category shall occupy a space of less than 10,000 square feet.

(b)

General Retail. A use in this category includes all Neighborhood Retail uses occupying a space of greater than 10,000 square feet.

(c)

Craftsman Retail. A use involving small scale manufacturing, production, assembly, and/or repair with no noxious by-products. Sales may take place in a showroom or small retail outlet. This use may also include associated facilities such as offices and small scale warehousing where distribution is limited. The maximum overall gross floor area is limited to 10,000 square feet. In the zoning districts where a craftsman retail use is permitted with additional standards, the following apply:

1.

A minimum 20% of gross floor area shall be dedicated to a showroom adjacent to a Primary Street and directly accessible through the principal entrance.

2.

Outdoor manufacturing activities and storage of goods are prohibited; however, outdoor display may be allowed during normal business hours.

(d)

Neighborhood Service. A use in this category occupies a space of less than 10,000 square feet.

(e)

General Service. A use in this category includes all Neighborhood Service uses occupying a space of greater than 10,000 square feet.

(18)

Office. A room, studio, suite or building in which a person transacts business or carries out a stated occupation. However, this term does not include any facility involving manufacturing, fabrication, production, processing, assembling, cleaning, testing, repair or storage of materials, goods and products; or the sale or delivery of any materials, goods or products which are physically located on the premises.

(19)

Home Occupation. An occupational use in a resident's permanent home that is clearly subordinate to the principal use as a residence and does not require any alteration to the exterior of a building.

(20)

Amusement. A category of uses providing recreational services indoor and outdoor.

(a)

Recreation Indoor. The use of a building for entertainment and experiential purposes such as an arcade, a bowling alley, a skating rink or other indoor sporting activities.

(b)

Recreation Outdoor. A use that is either fully or partially open air that provides entertainment or experiential services. Example uses include, but are not limited to, athletic facilities, skate parks, disc golf, kayak rentals, boat tours or other outdoor sporting activities. All recreation outdoor uses require a 15' buffer along the perimeter of the property. Recreation outdoor excludes recreational vehicle parks.

(21)

Industrial. A category of uses that are permitted for the purpose of manufacturing, processing, finishing and storing a variety of goods and equipment.

(a)

Light Industrial. The processing or manufacturing of finished products or parts from previously prepared materials including processing, fabrication, assembly, treatment, and packaging of such products, and incidental storage, sales, and distribution of such products, provided that all manufacturing processes are contained entirely within a fully enclosed building. Any heat, glare, dust, smoke, fumes, odors, or vibration are confined to the building interior. A light industrial use may include a showroom or ancillary sales of products related to the items manufactured on-site. In the zoning districts where Light Industrial is permitted, with additional standards, the following apply:

1.

Open storage of equipment, materials or commodities shall be limited to the rear of the lot and fully screened.

(22)

Heavy Industrial. The processing, manufacturing, or compounding of materials, products, or energy, or any industrial activities which because of their scale or method of operation regularly produce noise, heat, glare, dust, smoke, fumes, odors, vibration, or other external impacts detectable beyond the lot lines of the property. Heavy industrial uses may regularly employ hazardous material or procedures or produce hazardous by-products.

i.

Include outdoor storage areas, and may have activities that take place outside of structures.

(23)

Utilities. Utility operations that are required throughout the city to provide service to urban development.

f.

Supplemental standards for specific uses. General uses permissible in each zoning district are identified in Table 5.1 and Table 5.2. This section details specific uses that have additional standards or are restricted in the City of Crystal River.

(1)

Where there is a conflict between a standard applicable to the zoning district and the supplemental standards set forth below, the more restrictive standard shall apply.

(2)

Adult uses. Adult entertainment establishments are regulated in chapter 11, article II, of the City Code of Ordinances. The following uses are defined and subject to the standards and criteria set forth in chapter 11, article II, of the City Code of Ordinances: adult bookstore, adult theater, and adult dancing establishment. Such uses shall comply with the standards of the zoning district in which the use is permissible, and the design and location standards set forth in sections 11-71 through 11-73 of the City Code of Ordinances.

(3)

Alcoholic beverage sales. The sale of alcoholic beverages shall not be permitted on any parcel of land if any part of said parcel is situated within five hundred (500) feet from any point on a building or structure used as a school, hospital, religious facility, public library, or a park or playground open to the public.

(a)

Exemptions

(i)

Alcoholic beverage sales limited to malt beverages and wine.

(ii)

Alcoholic beverage sales within the city's designated "Downtown Crystal River Entertainment District."

(iii)

Businesses within the City of Crystal River holding a Special Food Service (SFS) liquor license as permitted by Florida Statutes.

(b)

Lapse of Licensure. The temporary suspension or lapse of a state license to sell alcoholic beverages as a result of a change of ownership or tenant shall not make a previously conforming use of any property for the sale of alcoholic beverages unlawful or nonconforming.

(4)

Bed and Breakfast Inns.

a.

Intensity. A property containing a bed and breakfast may house a maximum of ten (10) adult guests. The main house may utilize up to four (4) bedrooms for its guests. Each bedroom may contain a maximum of two (2) beds. If an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is located on the property, the ADU may be used as an additional guest room for rent. It may contain a maximum of two (2) beds.

b.

Buffer. No bed and breakfast shall be within 1,000 linear feet of any other existing bed and breakfast inn.

c.

Residence. An owner or property manager of the bed and breakfast shall reside daily at the inn and sleep overnight at the inn, ensuring that the inn functions as their primary place of residence whenever guests are on site. One (1) or more of the four (4) bedrooms, or any additional bedrooms located within the house may be occupied as the primary living quarters and overnight space for either the owner or the property manager (as well as any family). If an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is located on the property the ADU may also be used as the primary living and overnight space for either the owner or property manager (as well as any family).

d.

Business Tax Receipt. Bed and breakfast establishments must maintain an active business tax receipt with the City and renew it annually to remain in compliance.

e.

Building configuration. A newly constructed building in which the bed and breakfast inn is located shall be substantially similar in design, appearance, and character to residential dwellings located within a two hundred-foot radius. Distance shall be measured from all property lines of the lot on which the bed and breakfast inn is located.

f.

Breakfast and events. A "full" or "continental" breakfast shall be offered to all guests of the inn. Social events and activities shall be limited to guests of the inn, and shall not be solicited by the general public.

g.

Parking. A minimum of one (1) parking space shall be provided on site for the owner/manager of the inn, as well as one (1) parking space for each rentable room. To the maximum extent practicable, both temporary parking spaces and required parking spaces shall be located to the side or rear of the principal structure.

h.

Signage. Signage hall be limited to a Yard Sign as provided in section 11, Signage of this Code.

i.

Landscaping. At a minimum, all lots shall meet the landscaping requirements of Table 6.1 and provide an 8' perimeter buffer as detailed in Table 6.3.

(5)

Car wash establishments (freestanding). A car wash establishment is permissible in the UC-1 zoning district, subject to the district standards and the supplemental standards set forth below.

(a)

A car wash establishment shall be located a minimum of two hundred fifty (250) feet from any property zoned SN-1 or SN-2. Measurement of the distance shall be from the property line of the lot on which the car wash establishment is located to the property line of the nearest lot zoned for residential purposes.

(b)

An off-street stacking lane shall be provided for each stall where car washing occurs. Each stacking lane shall be a minimum of one hundred (100) feet in length.

(c)

The primary access to the car wash establishment shall be from a collector or arterial street.

(6)

Gasoline service stations. The term "gasoline service station" includes convenience stores with gas pumps, and establishments that provide the following accessory uses in addition to gas pumps: fast food restaurants, drive-through restaurants, groceries and sundries, supplies for the traveling public, food and beverages.

(a)

Gasoline service stations shall comply with the requirements of chapter 12, article II, of the City Code of Ordinances.

(b)

Gasoline pumps shall be set back a minimum of thirty (30) feet from any property line.

(c)

Underground storage tanks shall be designed, located, and monitored in full compliance with state requirements. Evidence of such compliance shall be provided to the city.

(d)

Oil drainage pits and hydraulic lifts shall be within an enclosed structure and set back a minimum of fifty (50) feet from any property line.

(e)

Gasoline service stations located within one hundred (100) feet of any property zoned SN-1 or SN-2 shall require a buffer two (2) times the buffer that is otherwise required by this Code. Within the required buffer a minimum six (6) foot tall masonry, wood, or solid fence is required. The decorative or finished side of the fence shall face outwards.

(f)

Dumpsters shall not be located within fifty (50) feet of property zoned for UN-1, UN-2, SN-1 or SN-2.

(g)

Any repair services shall be provided only within an enclosed building.

(h)

Vehicle parts, supplies, damaged parts, or other materials and supplies shall be stored within an enclosed building.

(i)

The sale of vehicles is prohibited on the gasoline service station site and any adjacent right-of-way.

(7)

Marinas. Expansion of an existing marina, or renovation of an existing marina shall adhere to the requirements of this section.

(a)

A marina shall provide parking for boat trailers or vehicle-trailer combinations. Fifty (50) percent of the required off-street parking vehicles may be replaced with parking for vehicle-trailer combinations. In addition to the required parking set forth in this Code. Parking may be provided for boat trailers.

(b)

A marina may provide wet or dry storage for boats; sale of fuel and oil for watercraft; sale of parts and supplies for watercraft; sale of prepared, packaged food and beverages for personal consumption; sale of personal safety equipment; sale of bait; and sale of fishing equipment.

(c)

All docks and structures erected over or in the water shall be confined to the area adjacent to the uplands forming a part of the marina.

(d)

Parking and dry-storage shall be placed on uplands.

(e)

Any permissible channels shall be of a minimum depth and width capable of providing access to the marina.

(f)

Design and construction of the marina, associated docks, piers, and/or boardwalks shall maintain natural water circulation and the free flow of water.

(g)

Any bulkhead shall not extend beyond the established mean high water line.

(h)

No piers, docks, or other facility shall be located so as to interfere with navigation.

(i)

Wetlands and grass beds shall be avoided.

(j)

Construction materials and processes shall minimize environmental impacts and shall be the best technology available.

(i)

Where fuel or other hazardous substances will be stored, handled, or sold, the marina shall provide facilities and procedures for the prevention, containment, recovery, and mitigation of spilled fuel or other hazardous substance. Facilities and procedures shall be designed to prevent substances from entering the water or soil, and shall include adequate means for prompt and effective cleanup of any spills that occur.

(ii)

Fueling facilities shall be located as far as possible from the shoreline. Permanent docking is prohibited along the portion of the pier containing fuel pumps and fueling equipment.

(iii)

Stacked dry storage shall only be permissible within an enclosed building.

(iv)

Facilities for engine repair shall be within an enclosed building.

(v)

Any marina which provides mooring for vessels for living-aboard purposes shall have sewage holding facilities and provide pump-out, holding, and treatment facilities. Further public restrooms with facilities for sewage disposal and bathing are also required.

(vi)

Proof of permits or exemptions from applicable state and federal regulatory agencies shall be provided to the city.

(vii)

All marina facilities shall be in conformance with Manatee Element of the Comprehensive Plan.

(8)

Telecommunications Towers.

(a)

All telecommunications towers shall be conditional uses in Industrial (IND) and Institutional/Utility (IU) Special Districts.

(9)

Prohibited Uses.

(a)

Prohibition on medical marijuana dispensing facilities.

(i)

Prohibition. Medical marijuana treatment center dispensing facilities are prohibited and shall not be located within the boundaries of the city. The city shall not accept, process or approve any request or application for a development order, building permit or other approval associated with a proposed medical marijuana treatment center dispensing facility.

(ii)

Definition. For the purposes of this section, the term "medical marijuana treatment center dispensing facility" means any facility where medical marijuana or any product derived therefrom is dispensed at retail.

(iii)

Interpretation/intent. This section and the terms used herein shall be interpreted in accordance with F.S. § 381.986 and F.A.C. ch. 64-4. The intent of this section is to ban medical marijuana treatment center dispensing facilities from being located within the boundaries of the city as authorized by F.S. § 381.986(11).

(b)

New or the expansion of mobile home parks are prohibited in the Coastal High Hazard Area (CHHA). No new mobile home shall be located in the CHHA, except within a lawfully existing mobile home park.

h.

Parking Requirements.

(1)

Parking shall be provided as required in Table 5.4.

(2)

Shared Parking. Where a development proposes more than one use and those uses share parking facilities, Table 5.3 shall be used to calculate the minimum required parking.

(3)

Parking Reductions. The Growth Management Director or his/her designee may administratively reduce the parking requirement for a development by up to 10% without the need for a public hearing.

(4)

Electric Vehicle Charging. The parking requirement may be further reduced by providing an electric charging station. Each station may reduce the parking requirement by 4 stalls for a maximum of a 10% reduction in parking.

(5)

All parking areas and all other paved areas, shall be landscaped to achieve a 70 percent tree canopy at maturity. Refer to Section 6 for landscaping.

(6)

Loading zones. A standard off-street loading space shall be a minimum of 10 feet in width by 26 feet in length and an oversized loading space shall be a minimum of 12 in width and 40 feet in length, exclusive of aisle and maneuvering space and shall have a minimum vertical clearance of 15 feet.

Table 5.3 Minimum Parking Dimensions

(7)

CRA Parking Fee in Lieu. Where a proposed development in the CRA boundary is constrained such that meeting the parking requirement causes a hardship, the Growth Management Director may approve a fee in lieu of providing parking payable to the City. The City shall publish this fee on the Fee Schedule which will be kept on record at the City.

Table 5.4 Minimum Parking Requirements & Reductions

(Ord. No. 25-O-05, § 3(Exh. A), 2-10-2025)